'She is amazing': Pride Of Jenni blows away the field in Empire Rose Stakes 12 months after retirement
Pride Of Jenni has won her second Empire Rose Stakes, flying out in front in a dominant display in the $2 million mile race at Flemington.
Declan Bates steered the eight-year-old to the front and flew away from the rest and the tough mare had enough in the tank late to hold on for the storied win.
The victory for Pride Of Jenni comes 12 months after she was retired, only to return to racing earlier this year in what many felt was a questionable decision from the owners.
READ MORE: 'Not sure what lies ahead': Papenhuzyen speaks out in emotional post
READ MORE: 'Was it real?': Iconic try that lifted Wallaby to superstardom
READ MORE: 'Not joking': ChatGPT search sparks remarkable turnaround
Pride Of Jenni breaks clear from the field in the Empire Rose Stakes Getty
But trainer Ciaron Maher knew the type of horse he had at his disposal and was over the moon after the fan-favourite took out the 1600m race.
"Ecstatic and appreciative - just an amazing horse," he told Nine.
"She never ceases to amaze me."
Watch the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Long-time rider Bates was giddy with Pride of Jenni's performance.
"She is amazing," he told Nine's Billy Slater.
"She came out of the gates so relaxed which is actually a bit unlike her, so I was a bit unsure. After the start of the race, I knew we were winning.
Declan Bates celebrates after riding Pride of Jenni to a group one win. Getty
"She just floated to the top nicely ... and yes she did get tired late but the job was done.
"She's just an absolute warrior. What a horse."
The result broke a run of four-straight wins from Mark Zahra, who ran second on Leica Lucy, while On Display ran third.