Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Champion mare Via Sistina has retired and trainer Chris Waller confirmed the decision in a statement on social media.
The 12-time Group 1 winner now begins her next chapter in breeding after concluding her racing career following a dominant spring that included a second successive win in the Cox Plate and a powerful victory in the Champions Stakes.
Waller and owners Yulong made the call after Via tried out Sistina at Randwick on Thursday, with the mare not showing her usual spark during this preparation.
“The decision has been made to retire Via Sistina,” the statement said.
“We believe that after her second Cox Plate victory and her impressive victory in the Champions Stakes, she has not returned to her normal, highly energetic self this preparation.
“I would like to thank Via Sistina for the journey she has taken us all on, from her first short-distance victories to her back-to-back Cox Plate victories, something we will always remember.
“She is tough, determined and a wonderful mare to work with.”
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