Via Sistina Joins Two Group One Legends

Breednet - Sunday Aug 24

Via Sistina is certainly in rare air and if you want another stat to put her in perspective – yesterday’s Winx Stakes win saw her become one of only three horses in the last 40 years to win eight Group One races in a 12-month period.

Via Sistina. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au

The other two, also mares were Winx herself and Black Caviar.

Advertisement

Since winning last year’s Group I Winx Stakes (August 23, 2024), Via Sistina has taken the Turnbull Stakes, Cox Plate, Champions Stakes, Very Elleegant Stakes, Ranvet Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes

8 – Black Caviar
8 – Via Sistina
8 – Winx
7 – Anamoe
7 – Bonecrusher
7 – Lohnro
7 – Melody Belle
7 – Octagonal
7 – Weekend Hussler

Of course stats are stats so it might be worth pointing out, given the tally is based on a rolling 12-month period prior to each Group I win, Winx actually won eight Group One’s in a 12-month period seven times.

She also won her own race, the Group I Winx Stakes after it was upgraded to Group One but also won it twice when it was the Group II Warwick Stakes.

Nevertheless, Via Sistina has the stats and she won’t find better company. Take it as you choose. What she’s achieved takes some doing!

Advertisment
More Reading...
Racing Industry Mourns Much Loved Izzy Neale
The thoroughbred racing industry is devastated tonight following news that apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, aged 22, has tragically died as the result of a race fall at Warren on Sunday.
Frankel Heads Juddmonte Euro Roster at £350,000
Fresh from siring outstanding young stayer Point of Law (GB) to win the $10m Group I VRC Melbourne Cup, champion sire Frankel will again top the roster at Banstead Manor Stud for Juddmonte.
One to Watch – Mornington
A homebred for Seymour Bloodstock with an intriguing pedigree opened her account with a stylish win at Mornington on Tuesday.
Via Sistina is the Ultimate Champion
Fastnet Rock’s champion daughter Via Sistina (IRE) is the best racehorse in the country and she showed us exactly why at Flemington Saturday when overcoming a heavy track and testing conditions to win the $3million Group I VRC Champions Stakes (200m) for the second year in a row.
Inglis Digital Purchase Iron Hawk to Tackle G3 TAB Mile
Harness racing trainer Barry Purdon bought Iron Hawk last year with New Zealand Cup Week in mind, and now the moment has arrived, with the stakes performer set to tackle the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on Wednesday.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).
Remembering Northerly – The Greatest Caulfield Cup Winner This Century
It's Caulfield Cup week, and what better moment to revisit the life and times of one of the greatest - if not the greatest - Caulfield Cup winner of the modern era.
Via Sistina Wins Her Second G1 Ranvet Stakes
Australian racing fans got their first look at Via Sistina (IRE) when she won the $1million Group I ATC Ranvet Stakes (2000m) last year  and the champion daughter of Fastnet Rock has taken all before her ever since.
Darley Announce 2027 European Fees -Night of Thunder Soars to €450,000
It will be Dubawi central at Darley in 2027 with the legendary 24YO sire priced at £350,000, but the roster is topped by his champion son Night of Thunder at €450,000 and there are three more G1 winning sons or grand-sons of Dubawi also added to a power packed roster.
Haras d'Etreham Set Fee for Hotazhell
Triple Group I winner Hotazhell will begin his stallion career at Haras d'Etreham in France at a fee of €15,000 next year before then shuttling to Widden Stud in Australia.