Pride Of Jenni’s spring campaign has been thrown into further doubt, with owner Tony Ottobre admitting the star mare faces a race against time to be fit for the Champions Mile on Stakes Day.

The reigning Empire Rose Stakes winner was scratched from Saturday’s defence of her crown after developing cellulitis, a minor leg infection rather than a structural or musculoskeletal injury.

Speaking on SEN Track and RSN’s Giddy Up with Gareth Hall, Ottobre said the immediate priority was reducing the swelling and ensuring the mare’s leg returned to full health.

“We have got a hell of a job to get the swelling down, if we can’t get it down, we won’t race,” Ottobre said.

“We are taking her down to the beach, she walks up and down and loves going into the water.

“We still have to keep her walking, you have to keep that area active but not overexert her too much.”

Ottobre explained that Pride Of Jenni’s competitive nature could make managing the issue more difficult, with the mare renowned for pushing through discomfort.

“She’s her own worst enemy with this, she has no fear and even if she feels pain she’ll just battle on through it,” he said.

While the Champions Mile remains a possible target, Ottobre conceded the race could come too soon for the multiple Group 1 winner, with her connections unwilling to compromise her condition in pursuit of a return.

“We are unsure if the Champions Mile will come around too soon, all we are focused on now is keeping her leg healthy,” he said.

“You have the best horses in the world over a mile in that race and we don’t want to put her in it underdone, she needs to be 100%.

“It’s a day-by-day proposition at the moment.”

For now, the focus remains firmly on getting the mare healthy, with her participation in the Champions Mile dependent on how quickly the swelling subsides and whether she can return to full fitness.