The atmosphere at a packed Flemington was electric for Derby Day, never more was that felt than when Pride Of Jenni and Declan Bates came into the famous home straight in splendid isolation.
In many respects Pride Of Jenni put Bates on the map, although the same could be argued the other way, with the Irish jockey implementing the daring tactics that saw her capture worldwide acclaim.
Jenni’s last year has been inconsistent. At many stages media and pundits alike have questioned whether she should be in the breeding barn. But just when it looks like she might have come to the end of a great career, she writes another spectacular chapter in this amazing tale.
So, to the race. As is often the case, Pride Of Jenni wasn’t the best to begin, but Bates quickly roused her forward. By the time they reached the 800m mark she was about eight lengths in front and from there Bates continued to inflict the hurt on rivals, extending her lead as they came around the home bend. Her rivals chased in vain, the race was well and truly over by the time they entered the home straight, Jenni and Bates’ Derby Day demolition complete.
The 86,211 strong crowd roared as Pride Of Jenni steamed to victory in the Empire Rose, much like they had the well backed Tentyris and Observer who claimed the earlier Group 1 features.
Pride Of Jenni, you are INCREDIBLE! ⭐️
🖥️ #MelbCupCarnival | Live and Free on Channel 9 and 9Now.#9WWOS #DerbyDay #Racing pic.twitter.com/DCyLeFONYk
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) November 1, 2025
Speaking post-race, Bates heaped praise on his wonder mare.
“She is amazing.”
“She cantered around to the gates so relaxed which is actually a bit unlike her so I was a bit unsure coming around but after a hundred metres in the race I knew we were winning, she got to her top nicely and kept extending every time I asked, I just knew there was nothing that could run us down.”
Bates said Pride Of Jenni is one of a kind. “You can do things on her that you just can’t do on other horses, her ability to sustain a gallop is freakish, for her to keep coming back and doing it year after year, it’s such a credit to everyone involved, Ciaron’s done an amazing job to keep getting her back.”
“Tony (Ottobre) and Lynn, wonderful owners who absolutely adore her. To be a part of this horse, it’s amazing.”
