Pride Of Jenni turned back the clock with a commanding front-running display to win the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare, crowned Australia’s Champion Racehorse of 2023-24, produced a performance reminiscent of her dominant 2023 victory in the same race.

Under Declan Bates, Pride Of Jenni ($4.80) led by a wide margin mid-race before scoring by 4½ lengths over Leica Lucy, with On Display third.

Bates, who was replaced last spring before regaining the ride this campaign, was emotional post-race.
“She was retired, I was sacked… but to be standing here winning another Group 1 is making me emotional,” he said.

He knew early that the mare was back to her best.
“After 100 metres I knew we were winning. Her ability to sustain a gallop is freakish,” Bates said.

Maher praised the mare’s longevity, saying her comeback was a testament to her toughness and her owners’ faith.