Aviatress eyes Proud Miss Stakes in 2026 swansong effort

As the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale looms at the Gold Coast, Aviatress’ owners had mapped out back-to-back Group 1 tests in Adelaide.

But a setback on the brink of her opening mission, the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 25, scuttled plans for The Goodwood (1200m) on Saturday.

Aviatress turns to the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) this Saturday for her parting run with trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly and owner David Price.

Barrier 17 was drawn for Aviatress in the Robert Sangster, not the best draw, but an abscess that developed forced her withdrawal.

“She pulled up sore in a foot after galloping on the Tuesday before the Sangster,” Richard Jolly said.

“She had a tiny little abscess rear its head but after three or four days she got over it.

“We galloped her on Saturday morning and we decided not to pursue The Goodwood and instead go to the softer option of the Proud Miss.

“After that she heads up to the Gold Coast to go through the mare’s sale.”

Over 22 outings, Aviatress has notched seven wins alongside six runner-up or third placings, banking almost $570,000.

Her top achievement as a repeated Stakes conqueror was the 2024 Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m) within the Caulfield Cup Carnival.

Jolly revealed the mare is homebred by Price, who holds a Rich Enuff colt by the dam Twin Star Rocket, currently in foal to Smart Missile again.

“There will be a full sister or brother to Aviatress coming up,” Jolly said.

Saturday signals the stable’s final race with her, though Jolly feels she could continue racing under new ownership if desired.

“Saturday will be her last run for us, and she will be sold,” Jolly said.

“It will be up to the new owners to decide what they want to do as she’s still got racing in her if they want to go that way.”

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