Pride Of Jenni claims historic third Feehan Stakes

The setting and timing may have shifted, but Pride Of Jenni's affinity for the Feehan Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday remained unchanged.

In a display of her trademark front-running style, the popular mare achieved a remarkable feat, joining Shorengro (1968-70) as the only horse to win the prestigious Moonee Valley Racing Club feature three times.

This year's Feehan Stakes was held at Caulfield, marking a departure from its traditional home at Moonee Valley's Grand Final Eve meeting. The race's relocation was necessitated by ongoing reconstruction at The Valley.

Pride Of Jenni contested this year's renewal first-up since her second-place finish in the Group 1 Doomben Cup in May. Trainer Ciaron Maher expressed his amazement at the mare's enduring form at nine years of age, a testament to the care provided by owner Tony Ottobre and his team.

"We were very rapt with her since the winter, Tony and his team manage her well and our team certainly know her very, very well," Maher revealed. "I can't thank the whole team at Cranbourne (enough). That's where she spends most of her time, but she went to Ballarat for a gallop this prep which all the staff were happy about. She's just phenomenal. She's such a great mare. To have her back at this age and arguably in as good a form as ever, it is quite remarkable."

This third consecutive Feehan Stakes victory brought Pride Of Jenni's career win tally to 14 from 49 starts, with the $300,000 winner's cheque boosting her total earnings to just over $12.8 million.

The race was not without its challenges early on, as long-time rival Mr Brightside was ridden with intent from his wide draw. However, Pride Of Jenni established a clear advantage by the 200-metre mark, with Declan Bates skillfully controlling her pace.

Despite the $1.85 favourite's lead shrinking to around two lengths as they rounded the home turn, she responded strongly in the straight to win by 1-1/2 lengths from Treasurethe Moment ($8), who bounced back from a poor showing in the Makybe Diva Stakes. Pounding ($71), the rank outsider, secured third place.

The performance of star miler Mr Brightside, who dropped out significantly in the latter stages and finished without a rival ahead of him, was a significant talking point post-race.

Jockey Declan Bates, who has partnered Pride Of Jenni for eight wins, expressed his admiration for the mare.

"She's just made of different stuff," Bates conveyed. "We know it now. All the signs at home were that she's as good as ever and I really came here full of confidence at how well she was going. Once again, Ciaron Maher producing her on the day. It was for me just sit and steer and enjoy the ride."

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