Racing Confidential: Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Wayne Harris recovers from spinal surgery

Wayne Harris, the former champion jockey and popular Sky Thoroughbred Central form expert, is recovering slowly after another major spinal surgery.

Wayne Harris, the former champion jockey and popular Sky Thoroughbred Central form expert, is recovering slowly after another major spinal surgery.

Harris has had ongoing health issues for some years and been forced to undergo many operations.

But he has repeatedly shown remarkable courage to continually overcome his health setbacks. His many friends in the racing industry are hoping he returns to the racetrack very soon.

A naturally gifted jockey, Harris won the 1979 Golden Slipper while still an apprentice on Century Miss and later in his career rode Jeune to win the 1994 Melbourne Cup before increasing weight and health problems forced him into retirement.

My thoughts to former Jockey Wayne Harris - notably missing from last few weeks covering @kemblaraces - @SkyRacingAU - hopefully he shows improvement soon and we see him back being involved with the Racing he knows and loves.@skyjasonwitham

— Anne Munsie (@munsieanne) June 3, 2025

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MICHAEL Wood, Royal Randwick’s respected track manager, is now in charge of Sydney’s four racetracks, effectively immediately.

Wood, who has held senior roles at Canterbury and Royal Randwick before taking on the track manager role at headquarters in 2019, said he is “excited to join with the teams” at ATC’s four racetracks – Randwick, Rosehill Warwick Farm and Canterbury.

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The latest at Royal Randwick ahead of Bob Charley AO Stakes Day.@racing_nsw | @tabcomau | @SkyRacingAU | @7horseracing

🎟️Tickets: https://t.co/CYlB4sPMcQ
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“The four tracks all have their points of difference and their own challenges,’’ Wood said.

“For example, Warwick Farm has 800-odd horses in training so there’s a massive focus on the training tracks there.

“I’m looking forward to the role and getting out to the other tracks more regularly. I think it also shows the ATC’s commitment to providing quality racetracks and training surfaces.’’

ATC’s Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani confirmed Wood’s appointment on Thursday.

“Michael has a wealth of experience and knowledge around racing and track management, and we are delighted to extend his role,’’ Ramdhani said.

“Michael is well respected by his colleagues and the industry, and he will work closely with all of the teams at ATC’s four racecourses and five tracks to continue to deliver Sydney’s world class racing.’’

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PRIVATE Eye, racing’s $11.9 million earner, will be the star attraction at the Rosehill barrier trials session on Friday.

Trainer Joe Pride elected to trial Private Eye rather than start him in the Group 1 $1 million Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

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Trainer Joe Pride @PrideRacing has ruled Stradbroke-bound Private Eye out of the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup, questioning why officials didn’t reschedule the washed out race to Wednesday this week. 👇https://t.co/rOGyTeyLwC

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) June 2, 2025

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Pride believes the barrier trial will better prepare the outstanding sprinter for the Group 1 $3 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 14.

Private Eye is in a 900m heat that also includes stablemate City Of Lights, a stakes-winning half-sister to the mighty Winx, and Chris Waller’s classy mares Olentia and Firestorm.

Originally published as Racing Confidential: Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Wayne Harris recovers from spinal surgery