Champion jockey Shane Dye: Best horse won but everyone at fault’ for Queen Elizabeth Stakes procession

Legendary jockey Shane Dye has weighed in on Pride Of Jenni’s awesome Queen Elizabeth Stakes blitz, questioning the tactics of the other runners.

Pride of Jenni wins the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Champion jockey Shane Dye says “everyone is at fault” for allowing Pride Of Jenni to get so far in front in Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Dye told Racenet that Pride Of Jenni’s win was “spectacular” and she was clearly the best horse, but the way the race unfolded it was a “no win situation for everyone”.

“There clearly wasn’t enough homework put in pre-race by jockeys and connections,” he said.

“The other jockeys knew Pride Of Jenni was going to get going and skip away at some stage so you’ve got to ensure she doesn’t get too far ahead.

“They’re all pointing the finger at each other, but everyone is at fault.”

Dye, who rode more than 100 Group 1 winners around the world, said the tactics adopted on the hot favourite Via Sistina were clearly wrong.

“You’re on an odds-on favourite and you go back knowing your main danger will be leading?” Dye said.

How far behind PRIDE OF JENNI would WINX have been at different stages throughout her final start in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes? 💨

Have a look below 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/M0sfjxvd8B

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) April 14, 2024

“Whoever gave those instructions to ride Via Sistina back, whether it’s James McDonald, Chris Waller or the connections ... they are the ones to blame.

“On my podcast I keep saying that in my era when it was a two or three-horse race, you go out there not to win the race, but to beat the other one or two main dangers.

“He should have pushed forward on Via Sistina, and he would have ensured Pride Of Jenni wouldn’t have got so far ahead.”

READ | Can we stop the blame game. The best horse won – simple!

Declan Bates after the race.

Dye added that J-Mac’s cards were dealt because of the tactics employed.

“Once he was back he couldn’t pull out and chase at the mile or the 1000m, he just had to wait ... the race was all over at the 1000m mark,” he said.

Pride Of Jenni’s win is even better from above! What an absolute star ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/utncCWMqUS

— TAB (@tabcomau) April 14, 2024

Dye said Craig Williams on Mr Brightside “had an obligation” to bring the field up to Pride Of Jenni when he settled second.

READ | Pride Of Jenni’s win something we will never forget

“He shouldn’t have let the leader get so far ahead even if his horse can’t run a strong 2000m — there are a lot of people to blame for allowing her to lead by so far,” he said.

“Gee, it was a fantastic race though, I absolutely loved it, it was spectacular and it’s what racing needs.

“It was a great ride by Declan Bates, I love seeing jockeys using initiative”.