It is one of the greatest races you’ll ever see.
In one of our oldest races, the Group 1 Australian Cup, the front running champion Pride of Jenni, who looked vulnerable at the 200m, fought like the warrior she is.
Chasing her was last year’s winner, Light Infantry Man.
They hit the line together, and the result wasn’t one for the romantics.
That is one of the great races you ever wish to see. #AusCup
— Tom Haylock (@thaylock) March 28, 2026
Despite looking like she may have hung on, Jenni lost by the narrowest of margins – or perhaps more accurately, Light Infantry Man won back-to-back Australian Cups. Harry Coffey picks up another Group 1 trophy.
Australian Cup | Light Infantry Man
Light Infantry Man becomes a dual Australian Cup winner in one of the all-time great races, beating Pride Of Jenni by a whisker ⭐️😱
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/0KM4Q7aTnh— Racing.com (@Racing) March 28, 2026
It is as good as racing gets.
It was a bitter sweet moment for trainer Ciaron Maher, who trains both Pride of Jenni and Light Infantry Man.
She really is a freak, Pride Of Jenni. Puts every other horse out of their comfort zone.
Light Infantry Man gets her on the line, going back to back in the Australian Cup, but she’s fought so hard.
How boring would Australian racing have been the last few years without her?
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) March 28, 2026
‘’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 still eludes her, but she’s racing in great heart and you never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal,’’ he said.
“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.”
Declan Bates, on-board Pride of Jenni was all praise for his ‘’warrior’’.
Gallant eyelash defeat to Light Infantry Man but Pride of Jenni is the most amazing horse I’ve ever seen. Not the best, possibly the toughest, but definitely the most amazing.
How does she do that at 8? We’ve never seen anything like her nor will again 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9jIeRZFljz
— ralph horowitz (@rtralphy) March 28, 2026
“She’s a warrior. I don’t think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today. I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly. Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry. I’m really happy with my horse,’’ he said.
Coffey said he thought he had the race won as he drew level with the champion mare.
‘’I’m just a bit shocked because Jenni, she’s amazing. I got on terms with her and I thought I was going to beat her easily,’’ Coffey said post race.
📸 EPIC! Light Infantry Man chases down mighty mare Pride Of Jenni to claim the final Group 1 of the Flemington autumn and go back-to-back in @tabcomau Australian Cup! @HTCoffey wins his first Flemington Group 1 aboard the @cmaherracing-trained gelding! #Flemington #AutumnRacing pic.twitter.com/kU7C2RfQuS
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) March 28, 2026
‘’What a racehorse, she fought hard. I actually thought that Dec may have beaten me so I went early with the knuckles to him.”
“He did say to me that if we happen to dead heat or you beat me, you’re not a bad mate to share it with.”
“Appreciate his kind words but what an incredible horse. Tough. It takes a bit to get past a mare when she’s like that and he did it.’’
A CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN CUP! 😍 🏆
PRIDE OF JENNI runs her heart out to get nailed on the post in a desperate photo finish 📸 with stable-mate LIGHT INFANTRY MAN.
She has to be the most popular horse in Australia…What a legend of the turf! 🇦🇺 ⭐️pic.twitter.com/nKpJWBFhiE
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) March 28, 2026
Almost lost in Pride of Jenni’s loss, was the brave win of Light Infantry Man.
‘’What an incredible horse. Tough. It takes a bit to get past a mare when she’s like that and he did it,’’ Coffey said.
“That is two years in a row where he’s come to this race under sort of extreme conditions and just rose to the occasion when you need him at his toughest.”
