Pride of Jenni might be an eight-year-old mare nearing the twilight of her remarkable racing career, but she showed no signs of slowing down on Friday night at Moonee Valley. With a familiar sparkle in her eye and regular rider Declan Bates aboard, the daughter of Pride of Dubai produced a brilliant front-running performance to claim back-to-back victories in the Group II MVRC Feehan Stakes (1600m).
Looking magnificent in the mounting yard, she jumped fairly and worked her way to the lead, with race favourite Treasurethe Moment settling close behind. But when the pressure came on, Pride of Jenni showed her trademark fight—kicking strongly off the bend and holding off her rival with nearly two lengths to spare at the finish.
Trainer Ciaron Maher was emotional after the win, full of praise for the mare he’s guided to the top.
“She just amazes me to do what she can do,” Maher said. “Treasurethe Moment is such an elite horse, and she can test the best of them on her day—but Jenni just amazes me.”
Owner Tony Ottobre was equally thrilled, visibly proud to see his mare return to form in such dominant style.
“She’s just a champion,” Ottobre said. “We have great people around her to guide her to this. Ciaron is absolutely a superstar, and to do this with an eight-year-old mare is unbelievable. A lot of accolades must go to Ciaron for keeping her in the condition that she is.”
The result was especially rewarding for Trelawney Stud, who bred Pride of Jenni and have followed her career with pride.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see her back in action,” said Brent Taylor. “She’s a top-class mare, and it was absolutely breathtaking seeing her win so significantly again. A big congratulations to Tony and the team, to Ciaron, and of course to Declan Bates for another fantastic ride.”
This latest victory adds another impressive line to Pride of Jenni’s already outstanding record and reaffirms her place as one of Australasia’s toughest and most beloved race mares.
Parts of the article were first featured on breednet.com.au.