Pride Of Jenni has been scratched from Saturday’s $5 million Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Randwick after developing a slight infection in her leg. The withdrawal ends the much-anticipated clash between the Ciaron Maher-trained mare and Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow.
Racing NSW confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the nine-year-old mare, who was No. 6 in Race 9, had been withdrawn from the 1609m weight-for-age feature with a slight infection in her leg.
Owner Tony Ottobre said the mare’s welfare came first.
“Her temperature and blood results are both good but we won’t be taking any risks with her,” Ottobre told The Daily Telegraph. “The health and wellbeing of the mare will always come first.”
Infection found before the trip to Sydney
Ottobre said the problem was picked up before Pride Of Jenni was due to travel north from Victoria.
“It is a slight leg infection, but I’m so glad we found it before she left for Sydney,” he told Betsy. “It would have been bad to travel her and have her stand favouring a leg and find out when she got there.
“She is getting treated with antibiotics and topical cream, and the stable is confident she will get over it quickly.”
Empire Rose defence still the goal
Ottobre has consistently named the Empire Rose Stakes as the mare’s main spring target, and the King Charles III was planned as a lead-up to that race. Pride Of Jenni stays in Victoria and could work early next week as she prepares to defend her Empire Rose crown on the first day of the Flemington carnival, Betsy reported.
Read more: Racing: Pride Of Jenni Set for King Charles III Clash With Autumn Glow
“It is just so disappointing for us not to have the chance to challenge a great horse in Autumn Glow,” Ottobre said. “But we make every decision what is best for Jenni, and that made it an easy decision for all of us.
“She should be back on track for the Empire Rose next week, but we will keep everyone updated with how Jenni is.”
What it means for the King Charles III
The scratching leaves just five runners in Saturday’s race, Just Horse Racing reported, with Autumn Glow, Ceolwulf, Just Folk, Militarise and Epsom Handicap winner God’s Window remaining.
Pride Of Jenni was expected to lead and set a strong tempo, and her absence is likely to make the race a more tactical affair. Reigning Australian Horse of the Year Autumn Glow and Joe Pride’s Ceolwulf, who is chasing a third straight win in the race, now loom as the two to beat.
Pride told Racing NSW before the scratching that he wanted a high-pressure race to test Autumn Glow. “Under the scenario where it’s a bit of a sit and sprint home, I’m stating the obvious she’s better than us at that so I want to take her to a place she hasn’t been (this prep),” he said.
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