Trainer Chris Waller has set his sights on the 2025 Cox Plate for Via Sistina, the champion mare who is gearing up to defend her title in the upcoming Australian racing season. Waller confirmed that Via Sistina will kick off her campaign in the Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes at Royal Randwick on August 23.
Having triumphed in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year, Via Sistina is back in training and ready to follow the same successful path she blazed in the previous season. Waller revealed that the plan for Via Sistina mirrors her journey to the Cox Plate last year, emphasizing the mare’s preparedness and determination to excel once again on the racetrack.
Last season, Via Sistina showcased her prowess by clinching a series of Group 1 victories, including the Turnbull Stakes, Cox Plate, and Champions Stakes. Her stellar performances continued into the autumn where she added more major wins to her impressive resume, solidifying her status as a dominant force in Australian horse racing.
Despite her remarkable achievements, the final Group 1 race of the season, the Tatt’s Tiara, saw another mare, Tashi, emerge victorious, marking a significant milestone for jockey Tom Sherry and trainer Peter Snowden. However, it was Via Sistina who stole the spotlight throughout the season with her exceptional record of seven Group 1 wins, a feat matched only by the legendary Winx.
Notably, Via Sistina’s success contributed significantly to trainer Chris Waller’s record-breaking season, where he secured a national record of 19 Group 1 wins. This remarkable feat underscored Waller’s unparalleled expertise and established him as the leading Group 1 trainer for the 13th consecutive season, a testament to his enduring dominance in the racing industry.
Furthermore, jockey James McDonald, who partnered with Via Sistina, enjoyed a stellar season with a career-best 15 Group 1 victories, reaffirming his position as the nation’s top big-race jockey for the fifth consecutive year. Alongside McDonald, other notable jockeys like Damian Lane also excelled, with Lane securing eight Group 1 wins, including a memorable victory in the Golden Slipper.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming racing season, Via Sistina’s return to the track symbolizes a resurgence of excitement and competition in the horse racing world. With Waller’s expertise guiding her and McDonald’s skill in the saddle, Via Sistina is poised to continue her reign as a formidable contender, captivating audiences and enthusiasts alike with her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.
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