Via Sistina Honoured at NSW Horse of the Year

Media Release - Friday August 29

One of the greatest seasons of all time has secured Via Sistina the TAB NSW Champion Horse of the Year award. The Chris Waller-trained mare was recognised at Racing’s Night of Champions for her outstanding performance in 2024/2025 which included equalling Winx’s record of seven Group 1s in a single season.

Another accolade for Via Sistina - NSW Horse of the Year - image Bradley Photography

The evergreen eight-year-old was first announced as NSW Middle Distance Horse of the Year before taking out the night’s top honours.

A shortlist of 43 finalists was decided by a point score system, with horses earning points for top three finishes in Group and Listed races. The finalists were then judged by a panel of industry experts including representatives from Racing NSW, The Australian Turf Club, racing media, and the NSWROA board.

The eight award winners claimed a total of 16 Group 1s between them throughout 2024/2025. Lady Shenandoah picked up two of the famous golden horse head trophies, first as the NSW 3-Year-Old of the Year, then the NSW Queen of the Autumn.

More than 300 guests filled the Ballroom at Royal Randwick for the annual event, which celebrates the NSW thoroughbred horse racing industry’s best. SKY

Thoroughbred Central’s Chantelle Buckley and Ben Way interviewed key players on the red carpet, as owners, trainers, jockeys, and breeders mingled during pre-dinner drinks

Racing’s Night of Champions is hosted by the NSW Racehorse Owners Association, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.

Advertisement

To mark the milestone a new award has been introduced to celebrate and thank an owner who has made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the sport.

NSWRO Association President Tony Mitevski and Debbie Kepitis - image FOS  Media

Industry stalwart Debbie Kepitis was announced as the inaugural recipient of the NSWROA Industry Recognition Award.

“Debbie is one of the most recognisable faces in Australian racing and her passion for the industry is evident to anyone who has the pleasure of meeting her,” NSWROA President Tony Mitevski said.

“She is best known as a part-owner of the legendary Winx who generously shared her journey from Warwick Farm Maiden to a 25-time Group 1 winner with the public, but Debbie’s contribution goes far beyond that.”

Racing NSW’s annual awards were also presented on the night. Chris Waller picked up his 14th successive T J Smith Award for Leading Sydney Trainer with 184 wins. He also took home the prestigious Bart Cummings Medal.

The first replay of Racing’s Night of Champions will be shown on SKY Thoroughbred Central at 8.30pm Friday, 29th August, with re-runs scheduled for the following days.

Advertisment
More Reading...
First Magic 2YO Winner for Te Akau
David Ellis and Te Akau Racing spent over $5million on 17 yearlings at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale earlier this year and they unleashed their first winner from the group at Avondale on Wednesday. 
Three 2.2million Guineas Colts Top Second Day of Tattersalls Book 1 - Two by Wootton Bassett
The second day of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale saw a further six lots realise seven-figure prices headed by a trio of colts, two by the late WOOTTON BASSETT, both bought by Amo Racing, and one by FRANKEL, at 2,200,000 guineas. The average was an impressive 352,672 guineas.
Sejardan Fits 2YO Speed Profile
There were three feature juvenile contests held at Flemington and Randwick last weekend and as usually is the case with such races, they were won by horses whose pedigrees suggested that good early form was on the cards.
RAM Racing Join Forces with Newgate and GPI Racing for Everest
Western Australia’s RAM Racing have joined forces with Newgate and GPI Racing in their 2025 TAB Everest slot, reuniting with Group 1-winning sprinter Overpass and are set to bring a wave of loyal supporters from the west.
Cambridge Stud Mare Primed for Return
Patience has been a key factor in the rise of Jaarffi to the elite level and she’s in good order to open her six-year-old campaign at Rotorua.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 7
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G1 King Charles Next for Pier
Kiwi Group One winner Pier will not feature in this year’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), but he will still have the opportunity to run for a A$5 million stake back in Sydney.
Andy Caps positive week for Alwyn Park
Alwyn Park Stud owner John Andrew has received a positive post-script to Magnificent Andy’s victory in the inaugural $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) at Kalgoorlie on Saturday.
Metro Winner Adds to Yes Yes Yes Spring Surge
October is shaping as a great month for Gooree Stud’s new addition Yes Yes Yes with the 2019 Everest hero reeling off four winners in the past week including Maybe Moet, who saluted at Randwick on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 8
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.