The Master's Touch: What It Takes To Win The Gr.1 Everest
One Extraordinary Journey From Unknown To Unbeaten.
Five wins. Five starts.
Private Harry arrived at the 2023 Inglis Classic Sale as just another yearling by Harry Angel, purchased for a modest A$115,000 by Kurrinda Bloodstock and trainer Nathan Doyle. Eighteen months later, that same colt commands a valuation exceeding A$16 million, the price Yulong Investment's Chairman, Y.S Zhang, willingly paid for a 50% stake in racing's newest sensation.
The numbers tell part of the story. A three and a half length debut victory at Newcastle. Seven lengths at Hawkesbury. A two-and-a-half-length triumph in the inaugural A$3 million Queensland Sunlight 3YO Plate, defeating Gr.1 Golden Slipper winner Lady of Camelot. Then came the Gr.1 Galaxy at Rosehill three-quarters of a length clear, confirming his Timeform rating of 119.
But statistics alone don't explain why the accomplished owner, already an Everest winner with Redzel in 2018, staked his reputation on an unproven 3YO when few other established studs hesitated.
The bloodline appeal runs deeper than Harry Angel's sprinting prowess. Dam Happy Pilgrim, though only a three-time winner herself at provincial Australian tracks, carries the Congrats influence through her American sire, a son of champion racehorse A.P. Indy. What sealed Zhang's conviction was Private Harry's race-riding intelligence, displaying tactical awareness rare in a 3YO by positioning himself perfectly in each victory. The deal's unique structure reflects Zhang's collaborative approach, allowing the original ownership group to retain significant involvement while securing Yulong's Everest slot. This partnership model, unusual in high stakes acquisitions, demonstrates Zhang's respect for the connections who developed the colt from maiden to Group One winner.
"What struck me about Private Harry is that same rare combination Redzel had, raw speed matched with mental toughness, "Zhang explains. "He's the type of horse who can absorb pressure in a race and still produce that decisive burst when it matters most. That's what wins you The TAB Everest."
Zhang's Proven Formula For Everest Success
Zhang's path mirrors the champions he seeks, with unlikely origins leading to extraordinary achievements. More crucially, Zhang has been a consistent participant in The Everest since winning with Redzel in 2018, competing across multiple campaigns and learning from each experience. This sustained involvement has given him an instinctive understanding of the specific qualities that translate to A$20 million spectacle's success, allowing him to identify winners where others see only potential. His early exposure to horses in Quannao village, where they remained agricultural necessities, provided foundational knowledge. Still, it's his proven track record in the race itself that shapes his selection criteria. His business success created the foundation for Yulong's racing empire, now spanning six Victorian properties and rivalling traditional powerhouses like Coolmore. The 2018 Everest victory with Redzel established his credentials.
"Every Everest campaign has taught me that there is no single blueprint for success, “Zhang acknowledges. "You can come in with proven champions or with untapped talent, but you must understand each horse's unique strengths and prepare them accordingly. It's about timing, placement, and making sure the horse peaks on the day."
That accumulated wisdom shaped his assessment of Private Harry, whose rapid rise from maiden winner to Group One champion reflects the trajectory Zhang seeks for the 1200m sprint summit of Australian racing success.
The Psychology That Separates The Tab Everest Winners
Where other investors focus purely on pedigree or performance figures, Zhang's evaluation process examines racing's most crucial, yet unmeasurable, element: the mental fortitude that transforms good horses into champions.
"It's a blend of all those elements, but the intangible is the most important—that will win," he reveals. "You can't train it, you can't buy it; the horse either has it or it doesn't. Breeding and preparation get you to the race, but that inner drive is what gets you past the post first."
This philosophy guides his analysis of Private Harry's readiness for elite competition. While critics question whether an unbeaten horse can handle pressure against seasoned Group One winners, Zhang's assessment extends beyond statistical records.
"Private Harry will face seasoned Group One winners in Gr.1 The Everest. How do you assess whether an unbeaten horse can handle that step up in class?" Zhang's response reflects his more profound understanding of equine psychology.
"You look at how he wins, not just that he wins," he states. "Private Harry has shown the ability to control a race at different tempos and still finish strongly. That adaptability, combined with his unbeaten confidence, tells me he's ready for the challenge, and the bigger the stage, the better he'll perform."
The colt's maintaining his perfect record across varying distances and conditions, from 900 meters at Newcastle to 1400 meters in the Sunlight Plate, demonstrating the versatility Zhang values in Sydney's Group One spectacle race contenders.
Stallion Prospects Beyond The Racetrack
Private Harry's acquisition reflects strategic thinking that extends far beyond October's Great.1 The TAB Everest. Zhang's investment secures not just a potential champion but a cornerstone for Yulong's expanding stallion roster.
"The decision to invest has never been about short-term returns, "Zhang explains. "It's about recognising a horse that truly possesses world-class acceleration and sprinting ability. Even if he doesn't win the Everest this year, the speed he has in his blood gives him every chance to claim other Group One races on the world stage. Of course, I have great confidence he can win this one as well."
The commercial implications are substantial. A victory in the crown jewel sprint of Randwick would transform Private Harry's stallion prospects exponentially.
"A win in The TAB Everest would elevate Private Harry's profile significantly, "Zhang notes. "His victory would confirm his elite racing ability and combined with his exceptional bloodlines, make him extremely attractive to breeders internationally. He would be sought after not just for his speed but for the proven genetics he can pass on to the next generation of champions."
Zhang's stallion selection criteria require candidates to combine elite physical ability with outstanding pedigrees, which are standards Private Harry comfortably meets.
"To earn a place at Yulong Stud, a horse must combine elite physical ability with an outstanding pedigree," he explains. "Private Harry excels on both fronts with his speed, adaptability, and mental toughness, which are matched by a bloodline that has produced multiple Group One winners. That rare combination of proven genetics and performance makes him an ideal candidate to become a cornerstone stallion for our program."
Building An International Racing Dynasty
Zhang's vision encompasses sustainable growth across multiple markets while maintaining the family legacy that drives Yulong's long-term planning.
"A victory like that would be a confirmation of our long-term vision, "Zhang explains of Private Harry's potential triumph in the A$20 million marquee sprint of the Spring Carnival.
"It shows that Yulong can compete at the very highest level internationally, not just in Australia. More importantly, it reflects the strength of our breeding program and the quality of the horses we are producing. It's proof that Yulong is part of the international racing conversation."
"Building a family legacy is as important as racing success," he emphasises. "We want Yulong to be more than just a stable of champions. It's about creating a long-lasting culture, values, and expertise that can be passed down through generations. Racing success is exciting, but the family legacy ensures sustainability and a lasting contribution to the sport."
"Private Harry is a perfect example of the kind of horse we want to develop in our breeding program," Zhang notes. "Beyond his athleticism and speed, his pedigree carries proven sprinting and Group One-winning genes that we can pass on to future generations. He fits seamlessly into our long-term strategy of producing horses that combine natural talent with elite bloodlines, ensuring both racing success and strong breeding potential."
The approach strikes a balance between importing talent and fostering domestic development, creating a model that other international operations are increasingly adopting.
"It's about combining the best of both worlds, “Zhang explains. "Imported champions bring proven elite genetics and international appeal, while local talent like Private Harry allows us to develop homegrown stars with unique traits suited to our program. The key is careful selection, patience, and integrating them in a way that strengthens the overall breeding operation long-term."
Zhang's goal extends beyond immediate success. "Our goal is to continue building a sustainable and respected international operation," he outlines. "We want Yulong to be recognised for producing world-class horses consistently. Over the next decade, we aim to combine high-quality bloodstock, cutting-edge technology, and a strong international network to remain competitive with the traditional powerhouses while also carving out our unique identity."
Private Harry: The Strategy In Motion
Private Harry's next test is scheduled for September 20 at The Shorts in Randwick. The 1100-metre Group Two provides the perfect rehearsal for the TAB Everest. It offers the same surface and distance conditions. Horses that compete in The Shorts traditionally use it as preparation for The TAB Everest and other feature Spring Carnival races.
Come October, when twelve of the world's fastest horses contest the elite headline attraction of Everest Carnival's A$20 million prize, Zhang's blueprint faces its ultimate test. His proven ability to identify champions suggests Private Harry represents a calculated strategy rather than expensive speculation.
The unbeaten colt's journey from unknown to untouchable continues, carrying and the ambitions of international racing's newest powerhouse toward sport's richest prize.