CHRIS WALLER TO TRAIN PRIVATE HARRY

NEWCASTLE’S gun sprinter Private Harry is at the centre of a major stable switch.

The Group 1 winning four-year-old will in future be prepared by Sydney’s all-conquering trainer Chris Waller.

The announcement was made this evening by Yulong Investments, which bought into the horse earlier this year with a view to standing him at stud when he retires from the racetrack.

“Private Harry will transfer into Chris Waller’s care for the remainder of his racing career,” Yulong’s chief operating officer Sam Fairgray said.

“Private Harry has already cemented his future on Yulong’s growing roster, and it is hoped a return next year will only strengthen his appeal.”

Newcastle’s Nathan Doyle has prepared the son of Harry Angel for his first seven starts, which produced five wins – including the $3m Sunlight Plate at the Magic Millions meeting held at the Sunshine Coast in January, and Group 1 The Galaxy at Rosehill Gardens in March.

Private Harry, courtesy of Yulong’s slot, was the first horse secured for last month’s $20m The Everest at Royal Randwick, but did not contest the world’s richest race on turf.

Unbeaten at his first five starts, he finished fifth in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 20 on his return as a four-year-old, and filled the same position in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) there on October 4.

Private Harry pulled up sore after the Premiere, and subsequently was found to have bone bruising in his left forelimb.

He is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Speculation of an impending switch of trainers has been rife in the past week.

“We will look at a possible autumn campaign with Private Harry,” Fairgray said.

“Whilst it is disappointing not to see him on a racetrack again this spring, we’re thankful that the team at Randwick Equine Centre was able to identify the root problem.

“Private Harry has obviously been uncomfortable and not performing like the horse we know he is, but it goes to show how important it is to listen to them.

“We’ll put a line through those past two runs, give him some time out and focus on next year.”

Story John Curtis, November 4, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos