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