Star mare Via Sistina has been crowned the Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year after a spectacular 2024-25 season that firmly established her as one of the greats.
The Chris Waller-trained galloper was honoured at a function at ‘The Star’ in Brisbane on Sunday, recognised for her extraordinary campaign which featured seven Group 1 victories. Highlights included her breathtaking eight-length demolition in record time in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last spring and her dominant triumph in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in the autumn.
Owned by Yulong, Via Sistina received 202 votes from a possible 204 to claim the top honour, finishing well clear of Bella Nipotina (75) and dual Oaks heroine Treasurethe Moment (43).
In addition to the top accolade, Via Sistina was also named Champion Middle Distance performer, polling 203 votes ahead of Mr Brightside (79) and Antino (58).
The awards night celebrated a host of stars across categories. Golden Slipper winner Marhoona secured Champion 2-Year-Old honours with 148 votes, while Treasurethe Moment, winner of both the VRC Oaks and ATC Australian Oaks, edged out Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana to claim Champion 3-Year-Old Filly. Broadsiding, who was last season’s Champion 2-Year-Old, was named Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding.
The Everest winner Bella Nipotina was crowned Champion Sprinter with 200 votes, while Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice beat Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa and Dubai Honour to take Champion Stayer honours.
Over the jumps, Duke Of Bedford was named Champion Jumper after dual Warrnambool Carnival victories, narrowly defeating Stern Idol and The Cunning Fox.
It was also another dominant year for Chris Waller, who with 19 Group 1 victories secured his 13th consecutive Bart Cummings Award as champion Group 1 trainer. James McDonald continued his dominance in the saddle, collecting the Champion Group 1 Jockey award for the fifth year running. Zoustar rounded out the major awards as Champion Sire.
The evening also saw the elevation of Black Caviar and Winx to Legend status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, while Peter Moody, Zac Purton, John Tapp, Mahogany and Hydrogen were inducted.
The Racehorse of the Year Awards cover performances on Australian tracks, as well as international achievements by Australian-trained horses, from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025, with voting undertaken by media, handicappers and analysts nationwide.
Punters can follow Via Sistina’s legacy and other stars of the spring through futures markets available at Australia’s leading betting sites.