'She gave me a hell of a fright' - James McDonald relieved as Via Sistina made to work for tenth Group 1 by plucky stablemate

Via Sistina picked up where she left off with a tenth Group 1 victory on her return to action in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, though she was made to fight all the way for it on heavy ground.

Trained by Chris Waller, having previously been with Joe Tuite and then George Boughey for her career in Britain, the seven-year-old mare is being targeted towards another Cox Plate this spring.

She won a record-equalling seven Group 1s in the last Australian season and is on track for her spring campaign after overcoming the conditions and a spirited challenge from stablemate Aeliana.

Via Sistina: won the Winx Stakes under James McDonaldCredit: Jeremy Ng (Getty Images)

Regular partner James McDonald sent Via Sistina to the lead a furlong out in the Winx, a race she won by a nose last season, and she held off the pursuit of Aeliana up her inside to take it by a neck on this occasion.

• Watch: Via Sistina wins a tenth Group 1 in the Winx Stakes

McDonald said: "It's nice for her to come back as good as she left off last time. It worked out really well I think.

“The deeper in her prep she goes, the better she will be. It's good signs ahead that she has returned in good order with great enthusiasm.”

McDonald also paid tribute to the runner-up, ridden by Jason Collett, and added to racing.com: "Gee, the second horse was great. I could see the shadow and I couldn’t think what it would be. I was thinking I have quickened up beautifully and she gave me a hell of a fright.

Chris Waller and James McDonald after Via Sistina's Winx Stakes winCredit: Jeremy Ng (Getty Images)

“If I went another furlong I would win by a neck anyway. A great effort by a young mare like that. A pleasant race to ride.”

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