Via Sistina Sensational Again at Flemington, Extends Her Haul to 12 Group 1 Victories

The Daughter of Fastnet Rock Captures the TAB Champion Stakes for the Second Straight Year, Following Up on Her Repeat Victory in the Iconic Cox Plate

James McDonald and Via Sistina Receive a Standing Ovation / VRC

MELBOURNE, Australia (Special to Turf Diario).— She’s done it again. At seven years old and nearing the end of a truly extraordinary career, Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) delivered yet another masterclass, capturing the TAB Champions Stakes (G1–2000m, turf) at Flemington for the second consecutive year. The victory marked her 12th Group 1 triumph, cementing her status among the greatest mares in modern Australian racing history.

With trademark composure from James McDonald, the Yu Long Investments champion cruised through the heavy going, tracking the pace in third before unleashing her customary, devastating run in the stretch. Sent off a short-priced favorite at $1.80, she justified every expectation, drawing clear by 2 ¾ lengths over Zambardo (Belardo), with Tom Kitten (Harry Angel) and Pier (Proisir) filling the placings.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock was coming off another historic repeat victory in the W. S. Cox Plate (G1–2040m), further solidifying her claim as Australia’s reigning Horse of the Year—a crown earned through brilliance, durability, and sheer consistency.

“It was another spectacular performance,” said trainer Chris Waller. “James never panicked; she was strong throughout and produced that same powerful turn of foot we all know. Yu Long are true sportsmen—they love the game—and bringing her back here today gave the public another reason to celebrate. With Ceolwulf, Giga Kick, and Via Sistina all winning, it’s been an incredible day for racing.”

The win also marked a milestone for Waller and McDonald, who together celebrated their 50th Group 1 victory as a team, a partnership now etched in the annals of Australian turf history.

“It’s a privilege to work with James,” Waller added. “He makes my job—and probably his—much easier. There’s no pressure before the race; I didn’t even give him any instructions,” he laughed. “He told me, ‘I’ll ride her like Hughie rode Winx—best in the race, clean air,’ and I said, ‘Perfect, sounds good to me.’”

For his part, McDonald was full of admiration for his long-time partner: “Via Sistina absolutely deserves her champion status. To win two Cox Plates and come back to do this again—it’s something truly special. She stands among the greats to have graced these tracks. She’s been a remarkable mare in every way.”

The champion jockey also credited Waller’s training brilliance: “Every time he says one of his horses is improving, he means it. He said it again about Via this morning, and as always, he was right.”

With yet another majestic performance, Via Sistina didn’t just extend her legend—she reaffirmed her vitality in what many thought would be her farewell season. A mare for the ages, still writing her story in bold print.