KURRINDA SYNDICATE READY FOR MORE “FUN”

PRIVATE Harry might have been retired to stud, but a Kurrinda Bloodstock syndicate is ready to have some “fun” with another lightly-raced young horse.

The Nathan Doyle-trained Funshow (Jean Van Overmeire) broke through in the best style at home yesterday as a $2.15 favorite, thrashing his three rivals in the Super Maiden Plate (1300m).

A three-year-old son of Cosmic Force, the gelding was having only his fifth start – and second this preparation – and romped home by nearly five lengths.

After placings at his first four starts, Kurrinda principal Sean Driver said it was pleasing to see Funshow shed his maiden status in the manner he did.

“We have always liked him, but he’s been a slow maturer,” Driver said today.

“Not unlike Private Harry, as neither horse raced as a two-year-old.

“Funshow didn’t have his first start until Boxing Day at Newcastle late last year when a close second in a Provincial 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m).

“He was then also runner-up at both Gosford and Newcastle again before a break, and returned with a third at Wyong in late April.

“Nathan gave him a tick-over trial at the Beaumont track (which he won) on June 3, and he was ready to go yesterday.

“That win is sure to give him confidence to go on with the job.”

Funshow was a $150,000 purchase at the 2024 Inglis Classic yearling sale in Sydney.

Whilst Private Harry has run his last race and will begin a new career as a stallion at Yulong’s former Segenhoe Stud in the Hunter Valley in the new season, his younger half-sister Lady Lieutenant is at Doyle’s Newcastle stable.

The two-year-old filly (by Captivant) is yet to race, and is being taken along steadily.

“Lady Lieutenant is likely to have a jumpout as part of her early education, but will then go out again,” Driver said.

Meanwhile, Lance Corporal, the three-year-old half-brother (by Anders) to both Private Harry and Lady Lieutenant, has been sent to Melbourne – but not to belatedly begin his racing career.

“We transferred him last week to renowned injury rehab specialist Lee Everson,” Driver said.

Lance Corporal has had a number of issues which unfortunately have kept him away from making his debut, but is regarded as a “miracle survivor” after kicking out on the walker at the stables at Broadmeadow racecourse, and severed an artery in his near hind leg.

He underwent surgery but picked up a staph infection, and subsequently had to be taken to Scone Equine Centre, where a culture was grown to successfully treat the infection.

After being put back into work with Doyle this year, the gelding was trending in the right direction and won a Beaumont trial on March 17, but pulled up lame after his next gallop.

It was then discovered he had injured a tendon, ironically on the same leg which caused so much drama when he kicked out at the walker.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JUNE 14, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS