Global Harmony formerly known as Pagan in Australia, a six-year-old gelding with a tumultuous past, is set to make his Australian racing debut in the Benchmark 84 over 1400m at Pakenham on Saturday.
Now trained by Will Hayes in partnership with brothers Ben and JD Hayes, the former Hong Kong galloper has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Previously trained by David Hayes, Global Harmony was banned from racing in Hong Kong earlier this year after refusing to jump from the barriers twice and declining to trial at Happy Valley.
Dubbed the ‘Chautauqua of Hong Kong’ for his antics, he has since been retrained under a strict routine at Lindsay Park.
“We’ve kept him at a very strict routine at the farm…he thrives getting out in the day paddock and just being a horse,” Will Hayes told racing.com.
Key to his turnaround was barrier training with renowned horseman Shaun Nolen.
“We sent him to Shaun…he said he was good to go,” Hayes added.
Global Harmony has not raced since February but has had three trials and extensive preparation.
“We don’t think the 1400m first-up will be an issue,” Hayes said, cautiously optimistic about the gelding’s chances.
If he handles race day, Global Harmony could be a serious contender.
