Lindsay Park gelding Global Harmony refuses to jump out of barriers in last race at Pakenham

Stewards will consider the racing future of Global Harmony after the former Hong Kong galloper refused to take part in the last race at Pakenham.

Global Harmony stays in the barriers after the field jumped for the last race at Pakenham. Picture: Racing.com

Racing Victoria stewards reserved a decision on Global Harmony after the Lindsay Park-trained former Hong Kong galloper stayed in the barriers on Saturday at Pakenham.

Global Harmony, a $5.50 second favourite with Ladbrokes, paraded and loaded perfectly for Benchmark 84 The David Bourke Memorial (1400m) but refused to move once the gates opened.

Global Harmony did the same earlier in the year in two attempted starts overseas, which led to the gelding being referred to as the “Chautauqua of Hong Kong”.

Champion sprinter Chautauqua was forced into retirement after refusing to jump in the twilight of his career.

Lindsay Park thought it was on top of the issue, as Global Harmony left the barriers cleanly in two jumpouts and an official trial recently, but the “smart animal” had other ideas on race day.

Co-trainers JD and Will Hayes asked stewards for one more chance before a determination on the gelding’s racing future.

“We’d love to go back to the trials and see and you can determine how many times,” JD Hayes said.

Will Hayes added: “He’s quite relaxed behind the barriers. He’s just a smart animal, has got a clock in his head and doesn’t jump past 12pm.”

Stewards reserved a decision to liaise with Hong Kong officials.

DEAKIN SEALS DOUBLE FOR STOKES

Deakin stamped future cup credentials with a dominant display at Pakenham second-up at 2000m.

The Irish import, trained by Phillip Stokes, settled off the speed and appreciated the genuine tempo.

Jockey Daniel Stackhouse put the race beyond doubt in a stride at the top of the straight as Deakin ran out a comprehensive winner from Vivideel and Saban.

Stokes has a long range Adelaide Cup plan for Deakin in early March before attention potentially turns to the Melbourne Cup next year.

“He’s a horse with plenty of talent and will definitely get further,” Stokes said.

“We’ve done it (Adelaide Cup prep) quite a few times now, so we’ve got a bit of a plan, so hopefully we can do that.”

Stokes saddled victorious Sweethearted earlier on the card at Pakenham.

Deakin dominates them! 😤@pstokesracing with an early double at his home track 👏@[e-mail]/F4JUt2eGn0

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) December 21, 2024

ELECTRIC ELPHINSTONE

Elphinstone made light work of opposition in the 1600m Benchmark 78 at Pakenham.

The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained mare rebounded from a disappointing run on an unsuitable heavy surface at Caulfield, to win by 1 1/4 lengths under a hold.

“She’s got terrific form lines for a Benchmark 78, this girl,“ McEvoy representative Rayan Moore said.

“I thought she was well and truly over the odds, if you took out her last run on a heavy track she should have been at probably a $5 chance here today.

“She’s a quality mare and a very dominant victory in the end.”

Moore said Elphinstone would return to stakes company in a bid to build on her profile.

“She’s got a good (pedigree) page, this girl. A well-bred mare,” Moore said.

“If we can get that valuable black type, I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Elphinstone clears away for a nice win!@mcevoymitchellpic.twitter.com/gaUZDRyhyq

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) December 21, 2024

SAMANGU BEAUTY

Samangu completed a hat-trick with an all-the-way win at Pakenham on Saturday.

The lightly-raced Grahame Begg-trained mare led the 1200m Benchmark 78 and could not be headed despite tiring a fraction late.

Cheval Chic and Kiko filled the minor places from Sisterhood.

“That was good. She sort of controlled the race, but there was a couple outside of her.” Begg said.

“It’s a bloody long straight here. She’s done a good job. I don’t know if you’ll see too many horses lead all the way here and win today.

“She’s still a work in progress and delighted the way she’s going and there’s a lot more in store.”

Samangu holds on! 👏@[e-mail]/jzbgMfQDmm

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) December 21, 2024

BAGOT OPTION

Divus Romulus could be aimed at the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) on New Year’s Day at Flemington.

Trainer Nick Ryan will monitor weather and track conditions over the next fortnight, reluctant to run Divus Romulus on firmer surfaces.

“I’d be concerned, (if) it’s hot. I’d certainly put the horse first,” Ryan said.

“We’ll see how he comes through today. He’ll be down the beach for probably the next few days. He’s very fit, he’s been three weeks between runs… I haven’t done much with him.

“I’ve just ticked him over on the treadmill, I don’t think he’s even had a grass gallop... the beauty about these imports, he’s so good in the wind. Once they’re fit, you just keep them happy and ticking over.”

Divus Romulus pulled up with lame in the right foreleg and must be cleared by a specialist vet prior to being nominated for a race.

Originally published as Lindsay Park gelding Global Harmony refuses to jump out of barriers in last race at Pakenham