Australian Racehorse of the Year Pride Of Jenni has been retired from racing after bleeding from both nostrils during the $3 million Champions Mile at Flemington on Saturday.
Owner Tony Ottobre said his $10 million-winning mare, who shocked rivals with her front-running victory in this year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick, would be sent to the breeding paddock.
“I love Equinox as a sire and if we can, that’s where she will go,” Ottobre said.
Tony Ottobre and Pride of Jenni at Cranbourne Training Centre recently.Credit: Wayne Taylor
Pride Of Jenni, under new jockey Ben Melham, led the field into the Flemington straight in the group 1 event but then tired badly as her arch rival Mr Brightside burst to the front and notched up his eighth group 1 victory.
Pride Of Jenni finished seven-lengths last, following her disappointing 16th length eighth in the Cox Plate.
While Mr Brightside continues to win admirers for his ability to keep winning at the highest level, the prize for the win of the day at Flemington went to Chris Waller’s all-conquering Cox Plate champion Via Sistina.
The mare won the $3 million group 1 Champions Stakes in a canter.
The victory was super hoop James McDonald’s 10th win of the Flemington carnival – equalling his own record, which he then broke in the final race of the day.
