Moonee Valley erupted on Friday night as crowd favourite Pride Of Jenni made a triumphant return to racing with a bold front-running win.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of her memorable effort in last year’s Group 2 Feehan Stakes, with the Valley faithful roaring as the mare stretched her lead in the 1600m contest. Treasurethe Moment loomed ominously on the turn, but the noise lifted Pride Of Jenni to a commanding 1-¾ length victory under jockey Declan Bates.

Sent out at $3.60, she proved too strong for the $1.50 favourite Treasurethe Moment, with Attrition ($21) another 3-¾ lengths away in third place.

Trainer Ciaron Maher admitted he felt some nerves given her last run in the Group 1 Doomben Cup in May when she faded late. But after two jump-outs and strong work at home, she was fit and ready. “I was a little bit reserved, but she’s just an amazing horse,” Maher said. “Dec knows her so well and it’s great to have him back on. Full credit to Tony Ottobre for keeping her in work, she’s sound and enjoying her racing.”

Bates, who has a long history with Pride Of Jenni, savoured the occasion. “Usually it’s just me and her, but tonight I actually heard the crowd from the 600m — they were unbelievable,” he said. “She grabbed the bit from the 1000m and was never for catching.”