Private Harry will do his future racing for champion trainer Chris Waller, although it won’t be until at least next autumn.
The four-year-old has been sidelined since a brace of disappointing performances in the The Shorts (1100m) and Premiere Stakes (1200m), which ruled him out of taking his place in The Everest (1200m).
Extensive veterinary testing has since revealed Private Harry to be suffering bone bruising in his left forelimb with owners Yulong confirming he won’t race again this year.
“Whilst it’s disappointing not to see him on a racecourse again this spring, we’re thankful that the team at Randwick Equine were able to identify the root issue,” Yulong’s chief operating officer, Sam Fairgray, said.
“He’s obviously been uncomfortable and not performing like the horse we know he is, but it goes to show how important it is to listen to them.
“We’ll put a line through those past two runs, give him some time out and focus on next year.”
Private Harry has been meticulously managed by Newcastle horseman Nathan Doyle, who guided him to a Group 1 win in The Galaxy (1100m) in March before Yulong purchased a 50 per cent stake in the stallion prospect.
His regular jockey Ash Morgan, who was aboard for his first five starts, was replaced following the entire’s first-up defeat, and Yulong founder Mr Yuesheng Zhang recently came to an arrangement with the sprinter’s remaining owners, which include Kurrinda Bloodstock, to move him to the Waller stable.
“After discussions between Mr Zhang and Kurrinda Bloodstock, the now four-year-old will also transfer into the care of Chris Waller for the remainder of his racing career,” Yulong said in a statement.
Yulong races horses with a cross-section of trainers but has enjoyed wide-ranging success with Waller, particularly through the deeds of dual Cox Plate winner Via Sistina.
