Chris Waller‘s star mare Via Sistina continued her stunning spring campaign with a dominant victory in the 2024 VRC Champions Stakes at Flemington.
2024 Champions Stakes winner Via Sistina was too good for her rivals again. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Ridden by James McDonald, the seven-year-old mare settled towards the rear of the field before unleashing a powerful burst in the straight.
She quickly overhauled the leaders and extended her advantage to secure a comfortable 2.75 length win, her third on the trot this season and sixth overall at Group 1 level, as the $1.60 odds-on favourite on the back of her historic eight-length Cox Plate success.
“It was very special,” Waller said after the race. “Winning the Cox Plate the way she did, I think caught everyone by surprise. And then the pressure to back her up and go one more run.”
McDonald, celebrating his 10th Group 1 win this Melbourne Cup Carnival, praised the mare’s incredible ability and his perfect ride. “She’s a beauty,” he said. “Just kept improving this preparation.”
The victory solidified Via Sistina’s status as one of Australia’s greatest racehorses. Her ability to perform at the highest level, consistently delivering breathtaking performances, is a testament to her class and versatility.
Atishu, last year’s winner also prepared by Waller, finished second, while the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Without A Fight made a successful return to racing after his Melbourne Cup triumph last year.
2024 Champions Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 3 | 57kg | $1.60F | |||
| 2 | 11 | ATISHU (NZ) | Chris Waller | Jye McNeil | 2.75L | 1 | 57kg | $8 | ||
| 3 | 1 | WITHOUT A FIGHT (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Mark Zahra | 4.75L | 9 | 59kg | $13 | ||
| 4 | 5 | FUTURE HISTORY (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 5.21L | 5 | 59kg | $81 | ||
| 5 | 3 | ARAPAHO (FR) | Bjorn Baker | Ben Melham | 5.96L | 10 | 59kg | $71 | ||
| 6 | 7 | DOCKLANDS (GB) | Harry Eustace | Declan Bates | 6.06L | 6 | 59kg | $20 | ||
| 7 | 12 | DENY KNOWLEDGE (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Damian Lane | 6.26L | 11 | 57kg | $15 | ||
| 8 | 6 | ELIYASS (FR) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Nash Rawiller | 7.01L | 2 | 59kg | $11 | ||
| 9 | 2 | DUKE DE SESSA (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Harry Coffey | 8.76L | 4 | 59kg | $21 | ||
| 10 | 8 | ROYAL CHAMPION (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Craig Williams | 10.76L | 8 | 59kg | $26 | ||
| 11 | 4 | NUGGET (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Michael Dee | 10.82L | 7 | 59kg | $61 | ||
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.
CHANCES ARE YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
