Light Infantry Man snatches Australian Cup from Pride Of Jenni

Ciaron Maher, the trainer, applauded both horses that contested an exhilarating end to the Australian Cup at Flemington.

In the Group 1 race over 2000m, Maher's runners occupied the top two positions with Light Infantry Man prevailing by a nose against fan favourite Pride Of Jenni on Saturday.

The mare Pride Of Jenni led as per her habit and faced danger as the $2.50 market elect cruised up beside her entering the final 400m.

Almost immediately proclaimed the winner, Pride Of Jenni countered to take charge again until Light Infantry Man surged forward.

A dramatic last 100m saw Light Infantry Man, at $21 under Harry Coffey, get his nose to the front for a nose success over Pride Of Jenni ($11), Apulia ($13) one length behind in third spot.

Birdman tired in the straight to place fifth, three lengths off the winner.

Ciaron Maher, trainer, explained that Light Infantry Man demands a particular approach from his jockeys.

Regular partner Ethan Brown, out due to a ban, gets the gelding's nuances and advised Coffey accordingly.

"This horse, he's a unique horse, in the way he has to be ridden," Maher said.

"Browny understands him well and I asked him to pass on some of that information last start and Harry didn't really get it until he had finished the race.

He rode him perfect today. The start is very important for him. He blasted him straight out of the gates.

I don't know who I'm more proud of, the winner or the second horse."

A potential journey to Sydney for the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Randwick that Saturday was weighed by Maher, opting out since Pride Of Jenni's presence promised a fair pace.

In the previous Australian Cup, Pride Of Jenni's brisk speed benefited Light Infantry Man, repeating the scenario on Saturday.

"Two of his best wins are when he's raced her," Maher said.

"It's such a shame for Jenni to run second again.

I know for (owner) Tony (Ottobre), it's a race he holds very dear to his heart. He strapped back in the day a horse for (Colin) Hayes.

It's still a race that's eluded her, but she's racing in great heart, and you never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal.

I thought it was going to be a spectacular race and to be fighting it out with two of your own, it's pretty cool."

Coffey, having steered Light Infantry Man when he was fourth in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield and picked up key tips, got an extra message from Brown Saturday morning.

"This is his horse and he's been so open and transparent in how to ride him," Coffey said.

"He sent me a text this morning saying 'I see it is going to be pretty wet, make sure you give him a nice warm up to the gates to let him know how open that track is. He's a smart horse, and he'll come to the conditions, but you have to let him know'.

"So, thank you Browny."

Jockey Declan Bates labelled Pride Of Jenni a battler aboard the mare.

"I don't think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today," Bates said.

"I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly.

"Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry, and I'm really happy with my horse."

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