Jockey Ash Morgan’s fairytale association with Private Harry has come to a close.
Part-owners Kurrinda Bloodstock announced late Monday that Tim Clark has been booked to ride the four-year-old in both the Group 2 Premiere Stakes and The Everest.
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The decision to dump Morgan in favour of Clark follows Private Harry’s fifth placed finish in the Group 2 The Shorts at Randwick on Saturday, with trainer Nathan Doyle revealing that new owners Yulong had made the “tough decision” to switch riders.
“It’s a Yulong decision to get a second opinion for the Premiere Stakes to see how the horse is progressing,” Doyle said.
“With so much money at stake these are the tough decisions that sometimes need to be made.
Tim Clark has been booked to ride Private Harry in the Premiere Stakes and The Everest
“It’s disappointing for Ash but he is still very much a part of our stable.”
Before Saturday’s blemish in The Shorts, Morgan had guided Private Harry to five wins from as many appearances, winning a Newcastle maiden last November before annexing the Group 1 Galaxy at Rosehill Gardens in March.
The move means Clark will be aboard for Private Harry’s make or break assignment in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 4.
Private Harry was the first horse locked in for this year’s The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 18 after breeding powerhouse Yulong purchased a half-share in the stallion prospect earlier this year.
Nathan Doyle and Ash Morgan celebrate after Private Harry’s win in the Group 1 Galaxy Picture: Getty Images
Before Saturday’s The Shorts showing, Private Harry was as tight as $6 in The Everest betting but drifted out to $14 following the effort.
Doyle remains confident the sprint star can bounce back in the Premiere and get his The Everest push back on track.
“He seems to have pulled up OK,” Doyle said.
“I am sure he will bounce back. We will go to the Premiere for sure.”