Champion horse retired after post-race dramas revealed

Posted by author November 9, 2024 Horse Racing

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Tony Ottobre has confirmed that superstar mare Pride of Jenni has been retired.

The horse finished last in the VRC Champions Mile before it was reported that vets discovered the horse had suffered bleeding from both nostrils.

Stewards had banned the seven-year-old from racing for three months, but Ottobre revealed the decision had been made immediately to end her racing tenure.

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“Yes she is retired,” Ottobre told Racing.com after the race.

Pride Of Jenni’s racing career has come to an end. Getty

“We could come back in the autumn, but she’s won $10 million. Now she can enjoy her time in my house paddock.”

The three-time Group 1 winner finishes her career with over $10 million in prize money, including an incredible triumph in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes earlier this year.

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There had been plenty of drama leading into the race on Saturday afternoon for the Ciaron Maher-trained runner, with the owner making the call to dump regular jockey Declan Bates in favour of Ben Melham.

The decision didn’t pay off and after a strenuous spring preparation, Pride Of Jenni was unable to compete with the eventual winner Mr Brightside.

Pride Of Jenni will now likely head to breeding and Ottobre has a stallion in mind.

“I love Equinox as a sire and if we can, that’s where she will go,” he said.