12-time Gr.1 winner and Australian Horse of the Year Via Sistina has been retired following discussions with Chris Waller and his team.
To say she has been a horse of a lifetime for Mr Zhang, his family and the entire Yulong team would sell the daughter of Fastnet Rock short. From the moment she stepped onto Australian turf for the first time in the 2024 Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill, Via Sistina has been nothing but phenomenal, carrying the green and white silks to 11 standout Group 1 victories.
She epitomises the dream for many in the sport of kings; a true underdog sold for a mere 5,000gns as a yearling, who ultimately transcended the sport, accumulating just shy of $19.5 million in 29 starts, capturing the hearts and minds of all who witnessed her in full flight.
From winning the Winx Stakes over a mere 1400m on seasonal debut, to bouncing back from the brink of disaster to notch that record-breaking win in the first of two Cox Plates, Via Sistina’s versatility, toughness and immense heart has set her apart from many.
Our thanks go to Chris Waller and his exceptional team who have cared and nurtured this great mare since her arrival to Australian shores, regular jockey James McDonald who partnered her to nine of her top-level wins, and to all who have contributed to her success across the past two seasons.
The closing of one chapter leads to the opening of another, and while there is a tinge of sadness that we will not see her on the racetrack again, we are excited to follow Via Sistina’s journey as she embarks into motherhood. In the coming weeks, she will return to the UK and will be prepared for a date with Darley’s preeminent global sire sensation, Dubawi.
The last two years have brought everyone at Yulong excitement, joy and incredible pride.
From the bottom of our hearts Via, thank you.
