Via Sistina crowned 2024/25 Australian Racehorse of the Year
Via Sistina has been crowned Australia’s Racehorse of the Year for 2024-25 after a brilliant season that delivered seven Group 1 triumphs and cemented her place among the modern greats.
The Chris Waller-trained mare was honoured in Brisbane on Sunday night, winning the award with 202 of 204 votes following standout performances that included a record-breaking victory in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley and her autumn success in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
Runner-up Bella Nipotina received 75 votes, while Oaks star Treasurethe Moment was third with 43.
Via Sistina also added the Champion Middle Distance title, with 203 votes compared to Mr Brightside (79) and Antino (58).
The awards highlighted the season’s other standouts: Golden Slipper winner Marhoona was named Champion 2-Year-Old, Treasurethe Moment took out Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, and Broadsiding earned Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding honours.
The Everest winner Bella Nipotina claimed the Champion Sprinter award, while Melbourne Cup victor Knight’s Choice was named Champion Stayer, edging Caulfield Cup hero Duke De Sessa and Dubai Honour.
Duke Of Bedford earned Champion Jumper recognition, while Chris Waller’s record-breaking year of 19 Group 1 wins secured him a 13th straight Bart Cummings Award. James McDonald was awarded Champion Group 1 Jockey for the fifth year running, and Zoustar was named Champion Sire.
In the Hall of Fame, legends Black Caviar and Winx were elevated to the highest status, with new inductees Peter Moody, Zac Purton, John Tapp, Mahogany and Hydrogen also honoured.
The awards acknowledge achievements from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025, considering both domestic and international performances of Australian-trained horses.
Punters wanting to back champions like Via Sistina in upcoming features can find odds through Australia’s premier betting sites.
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