Legendary mare Via Sistina retired by trainer

Via Sistina's trainer Chris Waller confirms that he has made the decision to retire the legendary mare.

This decision came after the eight-year-old did not come back “as her normal highly energetic self” following her 2025 Spring Carnival, where she won three Group 1s, including the Winx Stakes, and her back-to-back Champions Stakes and Cox Plate victories.

Via Sistina retires as a legend with 12 Group 1 wins.

See Chris Waller's full statement below:

"The decision has been made to retire Via Sistina."

"Via Sistina has performed consistently well across many seasons and has become a talking point around the world. Not only within racing, but sport in general.

"We feel that following her second Cox Plate win and her impressive victory in the Champion Stakes, she hasn't come back this preparation as her normal highly energetic self.

"Via Sistina was cleverly purchased from the UK by Mr Zhang and his team, having already been a Group 1 winner and performing at the highest of levels in England, France and Ireland.She won the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at her first Australian start which was something special and I think we shook our heads that day at the tremendous way she won and little did we know, it was just the start of multiple Group 1 race wins and her becoming the current Australian Horse Of The Year.

"I would like to thank Via Sistina for the journey she has taken us all on from her first-up wins over short distances, to her back-to-back Cox Plate victories which is something we will always remember. She is tough, determined and a beautiful mare to work with.

"The entire Chris Waller Racing team need to be congratulated for the time and effort they have put into Via Sistina, as do the spelling and pre-training farms, the farriers, vets and physios - I want to applaud you all on her amazing career.

"I would like to congratulate Mr Zhang, Jun and April Zhang, Sam Fairgray and the team at Yulong for their support and congratulate them on the success of Via Sistina's racing career as well as her management. We look forward to hearing what the future holds for Via Sistina in the breeding barn and beyond.

"Thank you Via Sistina."