Pride of Jenni showed she was back on track over the weekend in the 2024 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, fighting out the finish for second place behind the winner and arch enemy, Mr Brightside.

From the start, Pride of Jenni demonstrated her trademark speed and agility, quickly establishing herself among the frontrunners. 

Jockey Declan Bates guided her throughout the race, maintaining a strong position. “She felt herself, she put in a massive effort,” Bates said. “She gets through the conditions but her wheels were spinning a bit, as in she didn’t love it. It was her toughness that almost held her out.”

Bates, while "a bit flat" about the narrow result, was pleased with how Pride of Jenni bounced back from a disappointing first-up performance in the Memsie Stakes. “Good on Mr Brightside, we were beaten by a very good horse, but the main thing is, she’s come back in really good order,” he added.

JD Hayes, representing the connections, was thrilled with the race. “That was thrilling. What a spectacle,” Hayes said. “Pride of Jenni was so brave out in front as she is, and our bloke had to knuckle down to the task.”

Brent Taylor of Trelawney Stud expressed his satisfaction with the result, stating, “Pride of Jenni showed her quality once again today. Finishing second in a prestigious race like the Makybe Diva Stakes is a testament to her talent and potential. The best part is that she is back and ready to fight for big results this spring.”