Via Sistina extraordinary 2024/25 season has seen her crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year, the first Northern hemisphere-foaled winner since Makybe Diva.
With seven Group 1 victories, equalling Winx’s seasonal record, including an eight-length win in the Cox Plate, the Chris Waller-trained daughter of Fastnet Rock was a clear pick.
She was also named the Australian Middle Distance Horse of the Year in a ceremony in Brisbane on Sunday.
Waller clinched a 13th successive Champion Group 1 Trainer title, while James McDonald – who rode Via Sistina in five of her feature wins – was crowned Group 1 Jockey of the Year with 15 Group 1s – only one shy of Malcolm Johnston’s all-time record.
“The Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the stars of the turf, and it was another remarkable class in 2025/26,” Racing Queensland Executive General Manager Richard Goodbody said.
“Having captured seven Group 1s including her victories in the Cox Plate and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Via Sistina was a deserving winner of Racehorse of the Year and is the latest incredible mare we’ve been able to witness since the turn of the century.
“It was almost fitting that Black Caviar and Winx were elevated to legend status on the same occasion.”
⚜️ Wow! Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock x Nigh) smashes the track record with a stunning 8l victory in the G1 Cox Plate under @mcacajamez for @cwallerracing at @TheValley 🏆
— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvest) October 26, 2024
That’s FIVE G1s for the Yulong-owned mare! #aworldofopportunity pic.twitter.com/Iir4o2guqH
Hydrogen (Horse), Mahogany (Horse), Peter Moody (Trainer), Zac Purton (Jockey), and John Tapp (Associate) were also acknowledged as this year’s Hall of Fame inductees.
“From a Queensland perspective, it was wonderful to see two of our greatest exports – Peter Moody and Zac Purton – inducted into the Hall of Fame and for our first Melbourne Cup winner, Knight’s Choice, to be crowned the Stayer of the Year,” Goodbody said.
Marhoona was awarded Champion 2YO of the Year courtesy of her Golden Slipper winner, while Treasurethe Moment won Champion 3YO Filly of the Year.
Golden Rose and Rosehill Guineas champion Broadsiding took out Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding of the Year and Champion Sprinter of the Year went to Bella Nipotina.
Duke Of Bedford named Champion Jumper of the Year, after becoming the first horse in eight years to complete the famous Brierly-Grand Annual Steeplechase double at Warrnambool earlier this year.
Finally, Zoustar’s win in the Australian sires title was also acknowledged.
2024/2025 Australian Racehorse of the Year winners
Major Awards
- Champion Racehorse of the Year – Via Sistina
- Champion 2YO of the Year – Marhoona
- Champion 3YO Filly of the Year – Treasurethe Moment
- Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding of the Year – Broadsiding
- Champion Sprinter of the Year – Bella Nipotina
- Champion Middle Distance Horse of the Year – Via Sistina
- Champion Stayer of the Year – Knight’s Choice
- Champion Jumper of the Year – Duke Of Bedford
Other Awards
- Bart Cummings Award (Group 1 Trainer of the Year) – Chris Waller
- Group 1 Jockey of the Year – James McDonald
- Champion Sire of the Year – Zoustar
- Australian Spirit of Racing Award – Keith Ballard
2025 Australian Racing Hall of Fame
New inductees
- Horse – Hydrogen
- Horse – Mahogany
- Trainer – Peter Moody
- Jockey – Zac Purton
- Associate – John Tapp
Elevated to Legend status
- Black Caviar
- Winx
