Reigning Cox Plate champion Via Sistina will not compete in this year’s Melbourne Cup, as confirmed by her owners, Yulong, on Wednesday morning.
Instead, the mare will focus on the Group 1 Champions’ Stakes, a decision influenced by her peak performance in the Cox Plate.
Betting market indicators on Tuesday showed Via Sistina drifting in Melbourne Cup odds while firming for the Champions’ Stakes, suggesting her withdrawal was likely.
Following the announcement, she is now listed as the $1.70 favourite for the Champions’ Stakes.
James McDonald had been booked to ride Via Sistina in the Melbourne Cup, but the Yulong team shared in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that their decision was guided by her Cox Plate success.
“The Cox Plate has always been her main target… Following this peak performance… she will not contest the 2024 Melbourne Cup,” Yulong stated, expressing pride in her achievements.
⚜️Via Sistina officially ranked the world’s number 1️⃣ racehorse!
The Cox Plate has always been her main target, to win it is nothing short of a dream.
Following this peak performance and after much consideration, it has been decided she will not contest the 2024 Melbourne Cup. pic.twitter.com/Ni9uSjvsdy
— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvest) October 29, 2024
