Tony Ottobre has announced the retirement of his esteemed mare, Pride Of Jenni, after a career marked by multiple Group 1 victories and earnings exceeding $10 million. Pride Of Jenni’s retirement follows a recent bleed during the G1 Champions Mile at Flemington, where she was unable to finish competitively. Racing Victoria stewards later confirmed a three-month ban due to the bleeding incident.
Ottobre, reflecting on her stellar career, shared his plans for her future in breeding, revealing his interest in pairing Pride Of Jenni with the renowned stallion Equinox. “I love Equinox as a sire, and if we can, that’s where she will go,” he said. This new chapter will see the mare enjoying a well-earned rest in Ottobre’s paddock as she transitions from the racetrack to potential motherhood.
Trainer Ciaron Maher, however, was unaware of the retirement decision, which came soon after the race. Jockey Ben Melham took over from regular rider Declan Bates in the Champions Mile, guiding her to the lead early on, but she struggled to maintain her usual form and ultimately finished at the back. Over her career, the seven-year-old mare raced 35 times, building a legacy both for her resilience and her contributions to the track.