On Track - Spring 2019

11 Princess Jenni wins the Group 1 South Australian Oaks In 2011, Tony and Lynn were given earth shattering news that their 26-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and was given barely 12 months to live. But true to her fighting spirit, Jennifer fought a brave battle for nearly three years, before finally losing her fight in 2015. The couple’s love of horses provided some small relief. “Our horses have been a great distraction at times,” says Tony. The fairy-tale continued for the Ottobre’s after the emotional Alexandra Stakes win in March. At her next start, Princess Jenni won the Group 1 South Australian Oaks securing the family another emotional Group victory, this time at the pinnacle of our sport. This now tradition of naming their fillies after their courageous daughter has also certainly come with its fair share of on track success. Along with Princess Jenni’s achievements, there was also been a city class winner in Jennio and, also in recent times, Listed grade winner Jennifer Lynn. The ride with Princess Jenni seems to be only just beginning it seems, with a horse that is showing the desire and courage of her namesake looking to climb to even great heights. “We have her nominated for the 2019 Cox Plate. It may be ambitious, but if she is flying, she will go there. We only have a light Spring campaign planned for her and the Cox Plate may be a bit of a shot at the stumps. I tend to think she may be a much better horse in the Autumn,” says Tony. Flying she most certainly is, with Princess Jenni’s love affair with The Valley continuing at the season launch of Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights with a commanding win in the Group 2 Four ‘N’ Twenty Stocks Stakes. The name Jenni is certainly leaving a legacy for the Ottobre family on the track, but the story looks set to continue beyond the racetrack. “We will certainly breed with Princess Jenni post her career. She is extremely well bred, and now that she is a stakes winner, her bloodline could be quite strong. We also have a few good unraced horses coming through at the moment that will carry the name in some format also,” Tony says. Next time you make your way to The Valley and you spot a runner with the name Jenni or Jennifer in it, make sure you give the filly a little extra cheer as the Ottobre’s continue to honour their daughter’s name through their horses. You never know, it might just be on that last Saturday in October in ‘The Race Where Legends Are Made’. A fitting tribute for a family that deserves nothing less.