Global Harmony is set to make his Australian racing return in the Benchmark 84 over 1400m at Pakenham on Saturday as the $3.70 bookmaker favourite at Picklebet.
Trained by Will Hayes in partnership with brothers Ben and JD Hayes, the ex-Hong Kong galloper has undergone a notable transformation since his tumultuous time overseas.
Under David Hayes’ training in Hong Kong, Global Harmony earned a ban from racing earlier this year after refusing to jump from the barriers twice and skipping a trial at Happy Valley.
Dubbed the ‘Chautauqua of Hong Kong’ due to his antics, the gelding has since been retrained under a disciplined program 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.
A crucial part of his rehabilitation involved 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 undergone three trials and extensive preparation leading up to his Australian debut.
“We don’t think the 1400m first-up will be an issue,” Hayes said, expressing cautious optimism about the gelding’s chances.
If he manages the race day conditions well, Global Harmony could prove to be a strong contender.
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