Reigning Horse of the Year, Pride Of Jenni, made an impressive return to the track, claiming the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

This victory marked the mare’s first success in eight first-up attempts.

To celebrate, the Melbourne Racing Club offered all racegoers a drink on a hot Melbourne day.

Pride Of Jenni had been retired after a bleeding attack in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) last November. After recovering at owner Tony Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Stud, a decision was made to give the mare another chance.

Despite being eased in the market, Pride Of Jenni ($3.80) led the field under Craig Newitt and defeated the $2.10 betting apps favourite Zardozi by 2-¾ lengths, with Bois D’Argent ($16) taking third.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull praised the team’s efforts in bringing Pride Of Jenni back, noting her form was as strong as when she was racing at her peak.

Looking ahead, Turnbull confirmed that the next step would be the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 29, with potential Group 1 targets in Sydney to follow.