Via Sistina has been crowned the 2024/25 Australian Racehorse of the Year at the Sportsbet Racing Hall of Fame ceremony.
The Chris Waller-trained mare dominated the season, claiming seven Group 1 victories and producing a record-breaking, eight-length win in the Cox Plate. Her autumn campaign, which included the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, reinforced her claim as the standout middle-distance performer of the year — earning her both Racehorse of the Year and Champion Middle Distance Horse honours.
Racing Queensland's Executive General Manager Richard Goodbody praised the quality of the class on show and highlighted Via Sistina’s exceptional season, noting the fitting recognition alongside legends of the turf.
The ceremony also celebrated the season’s top performers across age groups and divisions. Golden Slipper winner Marhoona was named Champion 2YO, while Broadsiding and Treasurethe Moment were honoured as Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding and Filly respectively. Sprint honours went to iron mare Bella Nipotina, former Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice secured Champion Stayer, and Grand Annual winner Duke of Bedford claimed Champion Jumper.
Human awards reflected established dominance in the industry: Chris Waller collected his 13th successive Bart Cummings Award as Group 1 Trainer of the Year, and James McDonald was recognised as Group 1 Jockey of the Year. In the breeding ranks, Zoustar dethroned three-time winner I Am Invincible to take Champion Sire.
The Australian Spirit of Racing Award went to former jockey Keith Ballard, who retired from riding last year at the age of 71.
Major Award Winners
- 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
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