Unfinished business: How data helped Jenni’s return

Cover image courtesy of Trelawney Stud

The Thoroughbred Report caught up with co-owner Tony Ottobre and co-breeder Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud to get their reflections on the wonderful resuming win of Pride Of Jenni after her temporary retirement and three month lay-off from an EIPH episode.

Maher’s meticulous training approach and use of advanced data analysis played a pivotal role in her return. By closely tracking her fitness and race metrics, the team knew she was physically and mentally ready to compete again at the highest level. As Ottobre recalled, “During the week, Jack Turnbull stated on radio that she was as good as she has ever been and her data had backed that up.”

Ottobre and Taylor’s reflections

When reflecting on his wonder mare, now a nine-time winner with over $10 million in earnings, and the challenging decision to return her to work after a short retirement, Ottobre shared, “It was fantastic day for the whole team, the horse, the Ciaron Maher team, and our family.

“She was never going to the races if she wasn’t 100 per cent. She’s worth more than money, so she had to be right, and we were confident that she was right.

The decision proved justified when she delivered a breathtaking performance, covering the 1800 metres just 0.8 seconds off a long-standing track record.

“She loves racing. On Saturday, she was only 0.8 seconds off the record from 1999, I think, and it was the fastest run since 2005. I did tell Froggy not to hit her, and he came back jokingly apologising. I had to hit her once, and she took off.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of her. She was only back because she wanted to be back and it was an outstanding day for us and all racing fans.”

For co-breeder Cherry Taylor, the emotions were just as strong. Seeing the daughter of Pride Of Dubai return to her brilliant best was a thrilling moment, “It was incredibly exciting. We are very proud, and we were thrilled to see her back. Tony had actually been in touch during the week and let us know that she was in great form, doing so well physically and mentally, so that was great to hear, and we are so lucky to be kept in touch like that.

“It gave us a lot of confidence, as that’s exactly what you want to hear.”

The role of data in Jenni’s return

A key factor in her comeback was the strategic use of performance data to assess her condition and identify the best approach to her return race. Maher and his team opted for a first-up run over 1800 metres—an unconventional move but one based on clear analysis.

Ottobre explained, “It’s great to compare her data from year to year so we know exactly how she’s progressing - it helps a lot. Just in the last couple of weeks, there’s been a sudden shift. She’s the queen.”

Maher’s approach paid off. Instead of a taxing 1400-metre sprint, the longer race allowed her to build momentum in her signature front-running style.

“He came up with a great plan to run 1800 metres first-up. He got it right, saying it would be less taxing than a 1400-metre sprint, and it was. She’s not a sharp sprint horse; she builds from a sustained run.”

Ottobre had no doubts about Maher’s ability to bring out the best in her.

“Ciaron Maher usually gets it right. He’s the best trainer in Australia, at least as far as I’m concerned, and the way he’s planned this has been outstanding. He knows the horse so well and will always do the right thing by her.”

With her bold front-running style, there was nowhere to hide once the race was underway.

Taylor exclaimed, “When Craig gave her a little breather, it was hard to tell for a moment whether she was going to be caught, but she definitely wasn’t.”

“Over 1800 metres first-up, you had to have some question marks, but what an amazing job Ciaron and the team, and Tony and Lynn, have done.”

A proper Group 1 family

When asked about Pride Of Jenni’s close-up and extended family, Cherry Taylor spoke with pride about the depth of talent in her pedigree.

“It is an amazing family. Pride Of Jenni’s mother (Sancerre) has a half-sister, Loire, who was a Group 1 winner. We have her Frankel colt heading to Easter, so that is very exciting.”

Tracing the lineage further, Taylor highlighted some exceptional names.

“This part of the family goes back to Vouvray, who won the Queensland Oaks. She was a very good mare but could be classed as a touch unlucky, every time she ran in a Group 1, she was up against horses like Grand Armee and Makybe Diva—champions!”

“A Touch of Ruby is another Group 1 winner in the family, and Aquaoir has been stakes-placed.”

Amidst all the excitement of Pride Of Jenni’s success on the track, Taylor also reflected on the challenges that come with breeding racehorses.

Last spring, Sancerre delivered a Hello Youmzain (Fr) filly, a foal that initially appeared healthy. However, heartbreak soon followed.

“She was born with a slightly high temperature, so we treated her with some antibiotics, and she seemed to be doing great. Three days later, she looked fantastic—our staff checked on the mare and foal at 3 am, and all was well. But by the 6 am check, she was, unfortunately, gone.”

The loss was devastating, but Taylor and her team have bounced back and stuck to the same formula.

“It was pretty hard to take, but she was such a nice filly that we decided to send Sancerre back to Hello Youmzain. Thankfully, she’s in foal, fingers crossed for a filly. It’s a hard family to get into.”

Looking to the future, Taylor remains optimistic.

“We currently have a Per Incanto filly out of Sancerre named Pouilly Fume, a three-quarter-sister to Pride Of Jenni. She’s in the mould of Pride Of Jenni and will take some time to mature. Stephen Marsh is training her for us.”

When asked about his relationship with Brent and Cherry Taylor and the Trelawney team, Ottobre said “We get on very well and I enjoy keeping them up to date, I’m on a similar page to Cherry, its always horse first and she knows what myself and my family are like.”

“100 per cent we will never risk this mare. They are great breeders, they are not a big stud and are a boutique one. I bought another one off them at Karaka; in my mind they are number one.”

What comes next for Jenni?

With her resounding first-up victory behind her, the focus now turns to what’s next. While no firm decisions have been made, the Australian Cup appears to be the logical target - provided she continues to thrive.

“I’m very proud of her. At this stage, she’s bright and chirpy, and her coat has actually improved. In fact, the run has brought her on a bit.

“We aren’t locking anything in just yet, but the Australian Cup is likely. We’ll only keep going if she’s perfect, but she seems to be in a great headspace. She’ll do the talking.”

Ottobre also pointed out that he had just seen the latest ratings from her performance. Daniel O’Sullivan, whom Ottobre described as “a great judge,” mentioned that a rating of 104 places her fourth-best ever performanc, and by far her best first-up effort.

Ottobre proudly added, “What a great mare. I’m very proud of her, and there still looks to be more to come.”

Taylor summarised “It’s great that Tony keeps us updated on her progress, it’s been an exciting journey. They’re not committing to anything just yet, but she’ll let them know when the time is right.

“Tony doesn’t want to take any risks with her, and she has the potential to become a very valuable broodmare. It’s comforting to know that the entire team is doing what’s best for the horse.”