MORGAN BACK ON “HARRY” FOR BRISBANE RETURN

THE “old firm” is back for Private Harry’s resumption at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.

Hunter-based Kurrinda Bloodstock boss Sean Driver this afternoon confirmed jockey Ash Morgan’s booking for the $300,000 Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m).

Morgan partnered the classy four-year-old in a solo exhibition gallop between races at Canterbury today, with Private Harry going 1000m in 66.53 seconds, and coming home his last 600m in 36.29s.

He was unbeaten on Private Harry at his first five starts, including the $3m Magic Millions Sunlight Plate (1100m) at the Sunshine Coast in January last year, and Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens two and a half months later.

Morgan also rode the horse at his first start as a three-year-old when fifth to Joliestar in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Royal Randwick on September 20, but was replaced by Tim Clark when he ran fifth to Briasa in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) there a fortnight later.

Private Harry pulled up lame in the near foreleg, and was ruled out for the remainder of the spring.

He was to have taken his place in the $20m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in October in part-owner Yulong’s slot.

Whilst Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle prepared Private Harry for his first seven starts, he has been transferred to champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller, who has been readying him for his return.

Driver said Private Harry wasn’t out to make time at Canterbury, but the way he lengthened stride was beautiful to see.

“I haven’t seen that since he was going so well 12 or so months ago,” he said.

“Private Harry’s action was terrific.

“It was a nice day out for him at Canterbury, and he’s ready to head north and begin a new campaign.

“Ash said Private Harry’s action was good, and gave him a feel similar to before he won the Sunlight last year and then The Galaxy.

“He is looking forward to renewing his association with him in the Victory Stakes.”

Two feature sprints – both at weight-for-age – are on Private Harry’s winter carnival agenda.

After the Victory Stakes, he will go to the $1.5m Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) a fortnight later across the road from Eagle Farm.

The lightly-raced four-year-old, who has won five of his seven starts, is on the third line of betting at $8 in TAB.com.au’s 10,000 market.

James McDonald has ridden Private Harry in his two lead-up trials – third at Warwick Farm on March 30 and a Canterbury win on April 10 – but won’t be riding at either Eagle Farm or Hawkesbury’s metropolitan stand-alone meeting the same day.

He was suspended at Canterbury today on an alleged careless riding charge. His term begins on Monday, and he can resume riding on Sunday week; the day after the Eagle Farm and Hawkesbury meetings.

. Newcastle apprentice Shannen Llewellyn is starting to make city racegoers take notice of her ability.

Llewellyn added another city success to her blossoming record when she won the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m) at Canterbury on well-supported The Face ($3.80) for Taree trainer Tony Ball.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, APRIL 22, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS