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Speed queen Pride Of Jenni delivered a bold front-running performance to win the 2025 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day claiming her second victory in the prestigious Group 1 mile for mares.

The Ciaron Maher-trained eight-year-old daughter of Pride Of Dubai returned to her trademark “catch-me-if-you-can” tactics, setting a strong tempo from the jump and daring her rivals to chase.

With long-time rider Declan Bates aboard, she controlled the race from barrier seven and never looked back, holding off late challenges to secure the $1 million feature and final Group 1 race on Derby Day.

“Ectastic, and appreciative and respectful. Just an amazing horse. To continually do what she does, she never ceases to amaze me,” Maher told Racing.com after the win.

“Can’t thank the team, Dec (Bates), he’s a beautiful guy, rides her fantastic, Tony, fair play to him, I know he gets a lot of stick for not retiring and racing on, the mare’s happy, she’s sound and doing what she loves, there’s nothing better, winning a Group One.

“I just want to give her a pat and a hug and slap Dec on the back.”

This win marked a triumphant return to Flemington for Pride Of Jenni, who first captured national attention with her breakout win in the 2023 edition of the same event.

After a mixed spring campaign that included a sizzling Feehan Stakes win and a flat run in the King Charles III Stakes in Sydney, she bounced back in style, reaffirming her elite status among Australia’s top mares.

“She is amazing,” Bates said of the one-time retired mare.

“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.

“She did get tired late, but the job was done, she’s an absolute warrior of a horse.

“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 and Lynn, wonderful owners who absolutely adore her.

“To be a part of this horse, it’s amazing.”

The Chris Waller trained NZ Oaks winner Leica Lucy chased hard behind Pride Of Jenni eventually running a distant second 4.5 lengths beaten in a run full of merit, while On Display finished third.

“You forget what it feels like to lose,” Leica Lucy’s jockey Mark Zahra, who rode four straight Derby Day winners including back-to-back Group 1 champions in the Coolmore and Derby, said.

“What a great effort. I just needed something to cart me into the race. Never did. Good effort to run second.”

The victory adds a fourth Group 1 title to her resume and sets up a potential tilt at the Group 1 $3 million Champions Mile (1600m) next week on Stakes Day, depending on how she pulls up.

With her fearless racing style and proven ability to peak on big days, Pride Of Jenni continues to be one of the most exciting mares in the country.

She has firmed notably in from $11 to $6 in all-in 2025 Champions Mile betting at Ladbrokes.com.au with markets led by Mr Brightside.

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