Pride Of Jenni reigns again in dominant Empire Rose victory
Ciaron Maher landed a Group 1 double at Flemington himself as Australia’s darling mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) added another extraordinary chapter to her rollercoaster of a career when she regained her Empire Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) crown later in the day.
Two years after her first triumph in the Group 1, the eight-year-old produced another breathtaking front-running masterclass under Declan Bates, cementing her place among Australia’s elite mares as she became the first horse to win the Empire Rose twice when demolishing her rivals by 4.5 lengths.
The $4.80 chance stretched the field from the outset, leading by nearly ten lengths mid-race before holding a commanding advantage over Leica Lucy (Derryn) ($4.20) and On Display (Fastnet Rock) ($26) at the finish.
It was the crowning moment of an extraordinary day for Maher after Group 1 victory with Observer in the Victoria Derby and a strong win in the the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Randwick with Jimmysstar (Per Incanto).
Bates, who famously lost the Pride Of Jenni ride after last year’s Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) only to be reinstated this spring, was overcome with emotion as he saluted aboard the mare for the seventh time.
“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.
After reuniting with her for a first-up win in the Feehan Stakes (Gr 2, 1600m) and a brave run when seventh beaten three lengths in the King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) in Sydney, Bates said he had confidence in the mare from the moment the gates opened.
“She didn’t fly the lids, but she quickly came up underneath me and she was wanting to cross the field and I took my time getting there and every time I grabbed the bit, she wanted to go and at the half-mile she extended beautifully,” he said.
“After 100 metres in the race I knew we were winning…she did get tired late but the job was done, she’s an absolute warrior of a horse.”
Bates described Pride Of Jenni’s ability to sustain her powerful gallop as “freakish.”
“You can do things on her that you just can’t do on other horses…for her to keep coming back and doing it year after year, it’s such a credit to everyone involved,” he said. “Ciaron’s done an amazing job to keep getting her back. Tony and Lynn [Ottobre] are wonderful owners who absolutely adore her. To be a part of this horse, it’s amazing.”
Maher added: “I’m ecstatic and just so appreciative and respectful. She’s an amazing horse. For her to continually do what she does never ceases to amaze me.
“I can’t thank the team enough, and Dec, who rides her fantastic.
“Fair play to Tony [Ottobre, owner]. I know he’s got some stick for not retiring her and racing on, but the mare’s happy and sound and she loves doing what she does. There’s nothing better than winning a Group 1. I just want to give the horse a pat and a hug, and slap Dec on the back.”
Bred by Trelawney Stud, Pride Of Jenni is the best winner out of four-time winner Sancerre (O’Reilly), herself a daughter of Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Vouvray (Zabeel).
The mare is one of five Group 1 winners and 23 stakes winners for Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry), who stands at Coolmore for a fee of $27,500 (inc GST).