Via Sistina retired, set for date with Dubawi

Dual Cox Plate winner Via Sistina has been retired by Yulong and will head to the breeding barn.

Chris Waller Racing confirmed the news on Sunday, bringing an end to a 29-start career which saw her bank $19.4 million including 12 Group 1 races. Yulong confirmed she will return to the UK in the coming weeks for a mating with Dubawi.

“The decision has been made to retire Via Sistina,” Waller said.

“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.”

“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.”

Waller extended his thanks and congratulations to the ownership.

“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.”