The worlds of racing and royalty are often linked, but not generally in such a cheeky way.
Enter Run Harry Run, the three-year-old gelding who has made his presence felt across Victoria this Spring with three convincing wins, including the Group 3 $500,000 Blue Sapphire (1400m) on Caulfield Thousand Day.
Trained by Michael Moroney, Run Harry Run is the product of sire Written Tycoon and dam Maybe Markle. The dam’s name proved too tempting for owner Carrie Hu who suggested the name Run Harry Run, with the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle documentary being released at the time the horse needed a name.
“Everyone had to put in their suggestions for a name and we always try and go for something that’s cheeky and fun and of course we also want him to run fast,” she said.
“I wasn’t sure the name would be approved when we submitted it, but it’s been very well received.”
Fellow owner Tim Eddy is also a fan of the name and is particularly pleased with the horse’s progression to date.
“We’ve even thought about taking him to Ascot as we thought the ‘poms’ would love and appreciate the name,” he said.
“When you get three wins in a row at Kilmore, Bendigo and Caulfield, it’s a very happy time.”
Trainer Michael Moroney shares in his owner’s pride of the horse.
“He’s going great, he’s a really lovely horse with a lovely temperament and is really laid back,” he said.
“He’s going to the paddock for a rest for now, he’s done more than enough this preparation and we’ll aim to bring him back for the Australian Guineas in March.”
In addition to being a success on the racecourse, Run Harry Run is also VOBIS (Victorian Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme) Platinum eligible, being nominated to VOBIS Silver and upgraded to VOBIS Gold and by a stallion nominated to the VOBIS Sires Program.
Robert Roulston, managing owner of Run Harry Run, who purchased the horse at the 2022 Magic Millions sale along with Mark Player, praised the VOBIS program.
“We’ve always kept an eye for VOBIS nominated horses at the sales as it’s just a great incentive program for the owners and breeders,” he said.
“Run Harry Run is a good example, he’s won the prizemoney, the $10,000 VOBIS Silver Bonus, the $20,000 VOBIS Gold Bonus, and the $30,000 VOBIS Platinum vouchers from just one race which is quite exciting. Mike (Moroney) was smart enough to place him in the race with the incentives.
“As a result of our VOBIS winnings, the group who are spread across Victoria, Hong Kong and Ireland may get back together again and reinvest the $60,000 Platinum vouchers in another VOBIS horse at the Melbourne Premier Sales next year.
“I’m sure everyone has had a bit of fun with the horse, back from the day when he was purchased and subsequently named, and we look forward to many more happy occasions to come. We are fortunate enough to have some of the most successful owners in Australia in this horse and they all get along so well, so it’s great.
“It’ll be a big step up for him in grade next preparation, but Mike is confident in his abilities and he’s shown to be a very promising horse and so we look forward to what’s ahead and hopefully he keeps on ‘running’.”