Ageing mares add to G1 Australian Cup sparkle

Since the early 2000s, racing enthusiasts have been fortunate to witness an increasing number of elite mares extending their careers on the track rather than retiring early.

Historically, mares with solid racing credentials were often retired to breeding programs by the age of five or, at most, six.

Let’s Elope continued racing until the age of seven before being retired in the United States. Sunline also competed as a seven-year-old, making her fourth attempt in the Cox Plate, where she had previously claimed two victories, a runner-up finish, and a fourth-place effort in her final try.

Makybe Diva was retired at seven after securing her third Melbourne Cup win, while Winx bowed out at the same age following her triumph in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, capping off a career that included four Cox Plate victories.

Bella Nipotina recently retired at seven, having amassed over $22.5 million in prize money, while Via Sistina, also seven, has claimed seven Group 1 wins in Australia within just a year, including last week’s Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill.

Today, mares appear to be leading the charge as many promising colts and geldings are either sold to Hong Kong for substantial sums or retired early to begin their stud careers.

Three experienced mares—Atishu, Deny Knowledge, and Pride Of Jenni—are set to compete in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington this Saturday.

All three are proven Group 1 winners. However, Pride Of Jenni is still seeking her first top-level victory as a seven-year-old, having secured two runner-up finishes this season.

Deny Knowledge, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, earned her Group 1 title in last year’s Caulfield Stakes (2000m), where she triumphed over Mr Brightside and Atishu.

Trainer Sam Freedman is eager to test Deny Knowledge in another Group 1 event this weekend.

“It looks like it will be a truly run race,” Freedman told RSN.

“We’ll be ridden in the same manner that we’ve been successful doing so in the past. We know we’ve got an honest mare that runs out a really strong, fast run 2000 metres.

“I think where she has a bit of versatility is that she will be able to chase that speed and sit close to it, whereas I think a lot of Pride Of Jenni’s competitors haven’t been able to absorb that sort of pace and kick off it.”

Freedman anticipates an intriguing battle, as the tempo is expected to quicken from the 800m mark, potentially favoring a horse positioned just behind the frontrunners.

“There’s a chance that we bust each other up from a fair way out, but I wouldn’t swap our mare with anything there,” Freedman said.

“She’s her own worst nightmare. She’s so hard on herself, but she is so genuine. She’s like a freight train, she doesn’t know how to stop.

“It feels like it’s one of the best Australian Cups for some time. It will be a fascinating contest.

“It will be on a nice track, on a big day, so hopefully it’s a good contest.”

Freedman also noted that Deny Knowledge’s schedule had been centered around this race, with any potential plans for Sydney to be determined following the Australian Cup.