Private Harry marches to Group 1 glory in The Galaxy at Rosehill to stake his claims as an Everest contender
Exciting colt Private Harry gave trainer Nathan Doyle his maiden Group 1 with a performance in The Galaxy that will attract interest from Everest slot-holders.
“Ka Ying who?”
That was the quip of trainer Nathan Doyle after his unbeaten colt Private Harry stamped himself as a genuine $20m The Everest contender at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Doyle had just claimed his first Group 1 in partnership with jockey Ashley Morgan as his emerging star delivered on his untapped potential to prevail in the Group 1 $1m The Galaxy (1100m).
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It was a performance that undoubtedly puts The Everest slot-holders on notice with Private Harry now a clear $6 second elect for the richest race on turf behind Hong Kong’s superstar Ka Ying Rising ($2.50 favourite).
“This is where you want to be, to take on the big boys, and I think he deserves his opportunity,” Doyle said.
“He showed that, so he’ll go to a TJ Stakes in a couple of weeks, and I’d say he’ll be back in the paddock and hopefully go to an Everest.”
Private Harry has gone from winning a 900m maiden at Newcastle last November to Group 1 glory in March, winning the $3m Magic Millions Sunlight along the way.
The son of Harry Angel showed a sustained display of speed to overpower bold frontrunner Front Page ($12) to score by three quarters of a length with Uncommon James ($41) in third.
Morgan didn’t put a foot wrong in the biggest race of his career.
The Welsh-born hoop, who moved to Australia in 2018 after a three-year riding sabbatical to restart his career in the saddle, completed his rise from bush rider to bona fide Group 1 jockey.
We're just wild about Harry!!! ð
â SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 22, 2025
Private Harry gives @ndoyleracing and @AshMorgan6 their first G1 success in The Galaxy, and remains unbeaten! ðª@KBloodstockNSW | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/rZj42n26u0
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Morgan landed in the perfect spot, one out and one back and bided his time to unleash Private Harry.
The emerging three-year-old didn’t disappoint when he asked him to go, racing away for a comfortable win.
“It’s amazing,” Morgan said.
“I really like to appreciate everyone for supporting me and wishing me well.
“I was a bit cautious out the gates, I thought you’d pull the shoes, I’d let us check if I don’t want anything to go wrong.
“When the gates open, he’s so good, he’s such a free rolling and a quick horse, and when Eagle Nest crossed and I said come back, he was finally relaxed and good.
“When I straightened up, he sees that straight and he just grabs and goes, you know, and the scary thing is he will improve for it.”
It was a moment Doyle, one of Australia’s most exciting young trainers, has been dreaming about his whole life.
“I dreamt of this as a kid, all I wanted to do was train horses,“ he said.
“The Group 1, Ash, the staff, Kurrinda, thanks so much. I can’t stop shaking.”
Originally published as Private Harry marches to Group 1 glory in The Galaxy at Rosehill to stake his claims as an Everest contender