Gerald Ryan was thrilled to see Grand Eagle reward their faith after convincing connections to keep the talented colt in Australia rather than sending him to Hong Kong.
The two-year-old, a son of Farnan, is part-owned by legendary Hong Kong trainer John Moore, who had considered relocating the youngster after his maiden victory at Hawkesbury.
However, jockey Nash Rawiller strongly advised against it, believing Grand Eagle had the makings of a top-class performer in Sydney’s spring carnival.
“Nash rode him work before he went to Newcastle (at his second start) and put a huge wrap on him,” Ryan said.
“John was thinking about taking him to Hong Kong and Nash said, ‘don’t take him to Hong Kong, he will be winning good races in the spring’ so he goes out (for a spell) now.”
The Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) looms as a potential spring target when Grand Eagle returns for his next campaign.
Ryan explained that while the colt always showed ability, he had a lot to learn early on, including running off at Warwick Farm and reacting poorly to blinkers at Newcastle.
Without the headgear at Hawkesbury, he scored impressively and followed that up with a strong victory in Saturday’s ATC Bookmakers Recognition Day Handicap (1100m) at Randwick.
“He has always promised to be a lot and I always thought this horse wasn’t very far behind (Black Opal Stakes winner) King Of Pop,” Ryan said.
“But King Of Pop is so professional and this horse wanted to do a bit wrong.
“His main aim this time was going to be the Baillieu and he was doing things wrong so we said to John, ‘forget about that and just educate the horse first’. He was just thinking too much.”
Sent out a $7.50 chance, Grand Eagle settled last before Rawiller picked his way through traffic to chase down Akaysha ($4.20) and score by a half-length, with Hidden Motive ($3 fav) finishing third another 1-3/4 lengths away.
Rawiller believes adopting a patient riding style made all the difference.
“I think we have found the key to him,” Rawiller said.
“He is still very green but he was strong late and he’s a nice horse. He’s a beauty.”
