G1 winner Private Eye suffers Autumn set-back

Star gelding Private Eye is undergoing treatment for an eye infection at the Randwick Equine Centre, effectively ruling him out of Sydney’s autumn carnival.

A consistent performer in major Sydney races over recent years, Private Eye’s trainer, Joe Pride, is now shifting focus to a potential Brisbane winter campaign following the unexpected setback.

Pride revealed that the infection occurred while the horse was spelling, and although surgery isn’t necessary, recovery will require time and care.

“He is yet to get out of REC (Randwick Equine Centre), but when he does he’s going to have to have at least a couple of weeks off,” Pride said.

“My plan to bring him back and run him first-up in the T J (Smith Stakes) is probably gone. I’m more looking at a couple of runs in Brisbane for him now, and a spring campaign.

“In the grand scheme of things, he has hardly missed a carnival in the last couple of years so it’s alright. He will come out the other side, it’s not a serious injury.”

The Randwick Equine Centre team is providing round-the-clock care, with Pride emphasizing the importance of swift treatment for eye conditions, which can deteriorate rapidly if neglected.

Private Eye, the 2021 Epsom Handicap winner and 2022 Everest runner-up, last raced on December 14. Despite carrying a hefty 61kg, he finished a commendable fourth in The Ingham, just weeks after securing an impressive victory in the Festival Stakes.

While the eye issue derails his immediate plans, Pride is optimistic about Private Eye’s recovery and return to top form for future campaigns.