Pride Of Jenni wins Cranbourne jumpout as trainer Ciaron Maher considers Randwick Group 1 target in autumn

Group 1 star Pride Of Jenni pleased champion trainer Ciaron Maher with a comeback jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday, with a return to Sydney for a Group 1 target under consideration.

Group 1 star Pride Of Jenni pleased champion trainer Ciaron Maher with a comeback jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday.

Pride Of Jenni showed her trademark superior early speed to lead the five-horse field in the 1000m heat, including stablemate Holymanz, and careered away for an effortless five-length win under jockey Craig Newitt.

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“She’d been training up quite well and it’s always good to see them come back like that,” Maher said.

“It was no surprise she’d been pleasing us at home and she wears her heart on her sleeve, they’re (horses of her calibre) are always going to look impressive in a trial aren’t they.”

Pride Of Jenni, who owner Tony Ottobre retired on the spot at Flemington last year after a bleed in the Champions Mile, returned to Maher last month.

Three-time Group 1 and All-Star Mile-winner Pride Of Jenni has thrived in the stable environment.

She's back! 💙💜

Pride Of Jenni returns to the jumpouts with a strong hit-out at Cranbourne 👊🏻@cmaherracingpic.twitter.com/GIfIQcRtel

— Racing.com (@Racing) March 2, 2025

Maher said Pride Of Jenni would trial again before any further consideration is given to her comeback race and ultimate Sydney Autumn Carnival Group 1 target.

“I’ll see how she comes through, she had a nice healthy blow this morning,” Maher said.

“That was her strongest piece of work, and she’ll do another trial, I’ll have a chat to Tony, but certainly the mares’ race during the autumn carnival would be a likely target I’d say.

“I’ll have a chat to Tony and see how’s he’s feeling. There’s options she could kick off in beforehand but I’d say that’s most likely her target.”

“She’s alright alright!” - Froggy Newitt

Pride of Jenni is back and wins her jump out heat at @SthsideRacing Cranboune. pic.twitter.com/yuIGaEJjwc

— Alastair Dwyer (@adwyer7) March 2, 2025

The weight-for-age Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick is on April 12.

Meanwhile, Maher confirmed the resignation of chief executive Ben Sellenger.

Sellenger, who became Ciaron Maher Racing CEO in September 2022, finished up last Friday.

Sam Cavanough, CMR credit officer, has been appointed interim CEO.

Maher thanked Sellenger for his service.

“He was good for the stable and onto the next chapter,” Maher said.

Originally published as Pride Of Jenni wins Cranbourne jumpout as trainer Ciaron Maher considers Randwick Group 1 target in autumn