Pride Of Jenni has been granted a wildcard entry for the 2024 All-Star Mile, adding another remarkable chapter to one of Australian racing’s most heartwarming tales.
Racing Victoria (RV) and the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) announced the mare’s inclusion in the prestigious event, scheduled to take place at Caulfield on Saturday, March 16.
The talented front-runner earned her spot in the $4 million feature after delivering impressive performances during the 2023 Spring Racing Carnival, securing consecutive Group 1 victories over the mile distance.
Trained by Ciaron Maher Racing and ridden by Irish-born jockey Declan Bates, Pride Of Jenni showcased her daring ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ tactics, claiming victories in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and the Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
Following her outstanding performances, both Pride Of Jenni and the 2023 All-Star Mile winner, Mr Brightside, have received wildcards for the 2024 edition of the race, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Trainer Ciaron Maher expressed his enthusiasm for Pride Of Jenni’s prospects, stating, “Pride Of Jenni showed in the spring that she’s a high-class miler so we’re rapt that she’s secured her spot in this year’s All-Star Mile.
“We’ve only had a handful of runners in the All-Star Mile and haven’t had much luck so we’re hoping she can prove hard to catch at Caulfield.”
Owned by former apprentice jockey Tony Ottobre and his wife Lynn, Pride Of Jenni carries a special significance as all their horses are named in memory of their late daughter, Jennifer, who tragically lost her battle with brain cancer in 2015.