Ben Melham will take the reins on Pride Of Jenni in Saturday’s Group 1 Champions’ Mile at Flemington, replacing longtime jockey Declan Bates.
Bates has ridden Pride Of Jenni in 15 starts, achieving three Group 1 victories with her, including the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and All-Star Mile.
Owner Tony Ottobre made the decision to switch jockeys, believing a fresh approach could benefit the mare in her final race of the season.
Pride Of Jenni has had a challenging spring, including a near-miss in the King Charles III Stakes and a taxing Cox Plate run where she led the pace over the first 1600m.
Ottobre highlighted her stamina, remarking, “She probably broke the course record set by Amelia’s Jewel” before fatigue set in.
Initially, Ottobre and trainer Ciaron Maher considered spelling her after the Cox Plate. However, “clearer heads” led them to proceed with the Champions’ Mile as her final run this season.
“The Champions Stakes was always part of her race program, and it will be her last of the prep,” Ottobre confirmed.
Declan Bates has been replaced by Ben Melham on Pride Of Jenni on Saturday at owner Tony Ottobre’s request, no other reasoning. @TheRacingShow
— Trav Noonan (@TravTurf) November 5, 2024
