On Saturday, Via Sistina provided an equally encouraging sign, taking out the Champions Stakes at Flemington. This runaway Group 1 triumph became a stunning 12th victory at the highest level of competition. The three-time Group 1 winner has enchanted racing fans with its breathtaking displays of athleticism. Most remarkably of all, it won The Everest – Australia’s richest race – in 2022 as a three-year-old.
Jockey Clayton Douglas had plenty of love for Via Sistina once the race was over. He underscored the horse’s incredible talent and the indispensable part it has all along played in his profession.
“Happy days. He’s a champ this horse and I love him,” – Clayton Douglas
Douglas posed a big thank you that his horse played a role in his success. He wanted to show how this special horse has taken him to success around Australia many times.
“He’s done so much for my career and he’s taken me everywhere with Group 1 wins in Sydney and Queensland,” – Clayton Douglas
From start to finish in the race, Via Sistina lived up to its class. Stefi Magnetica third, Zambardo and Tom Kitten after Giga Kick, at the Group 1 Champions Sprint, Stefi Magnetica a super 3rd. The sprint ended with Giga Kick defeating Magic Time in a dramatic outcome. Winning jockey Mark Zahra mentioned that it was probably the most exciting race of the day.
“It’s so good to see him back,” – Mark Zahra
Zahra now has eight winners to his name over Melbourne Cup week. This victory was his third success at the Group 1 level, exemplifying the amazing competition of the event.
In further capstone to the day, Ceolwulf won the Group 1 Champions Mile. He managed to win by a nose over Pericles in an amazing photo finish! All eyes were on the race as a clash of Pride Of Jenni versus Mr Brightside. Pride Of Jenni shot to the front early before basically just not firing and rounding out the field in last.
Tentyris was scratched from the race due to a barrier malfunction. His disqualification flipped the entire state of the race on its head. Although this loss tempered the day, each event brought air-piercing performances and unforgettable excitement, marking it as a pivotal day in horse racing.
