Pride Of Jenni recaptured her trademark brilliance at Flemington, dominating the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes in a performance reminiscent of her peak spring campaign last year.
The mare’s front-running explosion in the 2023 edition set the foundation for multiple Group 1 triumphs and an All-Star Mile victory, ultimately earning her the title of Australia’s Champion Racehorse for 2023-24.
However, her form leading into this year’s race sparked questions about whether her best days were behind her. Those doubts were put to rest on Saturday.
Under Declan Bates, Pride Of Jenni ($4.80) was allowed to roll freely in her trademark style, stretching the field by a wide margin and never being threatened, scoring by 4-½ lengths over Leica Lucy ($4.20), with On Display ($26) finishing third.
Bates was the rider during her meteoric rise but lost the mount following the Cox Plate last year. After a period involving other jockeys, connections returned to Bates this spring.
Her campaign began with a strong win in the Feeham Stakes before a brave effort in the King Charles III Stakes.
Bates admitted the win meant more than most.
“She was retired, I was sacked, and that was all good, everyone was OK, but to be standing here, winning another Group 1 is making me emotional,” Bates said.
He explained the moment he knew the mare had returned to her peak.
“After 100 metres in the race I knew we were winning,” Bates said.
“She got to her top nicely and kept extending every time I asked, I just knew there was nothing that could run us down.”
“She did get tired late but the job was done, she’s an absolute warrior of a horse.”
Bates praised her rare stamina and determination.
“You can do things on her that you just can’t do on other horses.
“Her ability to sustain a gallop is freakish, for her to keep coming back and doing it year after year, it’s such a credit to everyone involved.
“Ciaron’s done an amazing job to keep getting her back.
Tony (Ottobre) and Lynn, wonderful owners who absolutely adore her and to be a part of this horse, it’s amazing.”
