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Veteran galloper Private Eye reminded racing fans exactly why he remains one of Australia’s most popular and durable performers, producing a stunning victory in Saturday’s 2026 The Damien Oliver results at Flemington and launching himself back into Group 1 contention.

The nine-year-old warrior, trained by Joseph Pride and ridden by champion jockey James McDonald in this year’s Group 2 $500,000 The Damien Oliver (1400m), turned back the clock with a dominant display on Derby Day, defeating Cote Atlantique by 1½ lengths, with Zou Sensation a nose away in third.

Already a Group 1 winner and multiple-time elite-level performer, Private Eye’s latest success took his career earnings beyond $12.4 million and immediately sparked interest in a potential tilt at the upcoming Group 1 $1 million CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Sandown Hillside on November 19.

2026 The Damien Oliver Results

The Damien Oliver | Private Eye

It's a dominant win from Private Eye as @mcacajamez gets his first winner on Derby Day ? https://t.co/ao7DQQQ2H4

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 31, 2026

Private Eye Delivers Career Win Number 15

Starting at $9 in betting, the son of Al Maher was given every opportunity by McDonald and duly capitalised, travelling comfortably throughout before producing the trademark finishing burst that has made him a fan favourite throughout a lengthy and successful career.

The victory was his 15th career win and continued his remarkable longevity at the highest level of Australian racing.

Pride was delighted to see the popular gelding greeted warmly by the Flemington crowd.

“I bet he did, he’s one of those horses, he’s popular isn’t he, and for good reason, he’s been a fantastic horse for a long time,” he told Racing Victoria.

The Warwick Farm trainer felt the key to the performance was allowing Private Eye the room he craves during his races.

“He looked comfortable, I think for him it’s about not having horses on his outside, that seems to really bother him when he’s cluttered up, and that’s sort of what happened to him the other day at Caulfield,” Pride said.

“The instructions to James were to lead or sit outside lead, try to give him galloping room and when he gets that he seems confident.”

Pride Considering CF Orr Stakes Run

While Pride expected a strong showing, even he was surprised by the authority of the victory.

“It was a really even field, I knew he’d run well, you hope for a bit of luck and I didn’t expect him to win with such dominance, so it was good.”

The trainer indicated a trip back to Melbourne could now be on the agenda for the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes later this month.

“He might go down for the Orr Stakes in a couple weeks times; he’s already had three trips interstate this preparation but that doesn’t seem to bother him,” Pride confirmed.

“We’ll put him on another float, that’s about trip number seventeen in his life but it doesn’t worry him, he’s been to Melbourne as many times as I have!”

Bookmakers were quick to react, with Private Eye dramatically shortening from $51 into $8 in all-in CF Orr Stakes 2026 betting at Ladbrokes, elevating him among the leading contenders for the Sandown feature.

McDonald Full of Praise for Veteran Warrior

McDonald was equally impressed by the veteran’s performance and praised both the horse and trainer after the race.

“This was superb,” the master hoop said post-win.

“Joe was very happy with him and he’s such a good trainer with these horses, he just keeps them up and they keep saluting.

“It was an honour to ride this old boy. He’s been around the traps.”

The star jockey felt Private Eye always had the race under control despite not receiving a perfect run.

“He probably had a bit on them,” McDonald added.

“He kept in a nice rhythm, and he finished off well.”

McDonald, who has been on the receiving end of several defeats courtesy of Private Eye over the years, was thrilled to finally partner the gelding to another feature-race success.

“It was awesome, you know, he’s such an old boy, he’s a warrior,” he said.

“It was great for the connections and Joe Pride to put me on him and it’s an honour to ride these horses because they’re always there for you.

“He didn’t have the most perfect trip in transit, but he travelled well, he quickened beautifully and he felt like he had the race in control the whole way.

“So it was just an honour to ride him.”

Wide Lane Proves Advantage

McDonald also suggested Private Eye’s position away from the rail may have worked in his favour.

“I had a lot of faith in the horse to get the job done but I think how the wind’s going to play on these corner races around the bend you might see them not be as effective on the inside lanes,” he explained.

“So, I don’t know, it might be a good thing that he was out there.”

With the spring carnival continuing to deliver memorable performances, few were more popular than Private Eye’s latest victory. The evergreen nine-year-old has once again proven that age is no barrier to success, and if his Damien Oliver Stakes triumph is any guide, punters may not have seen the last of him at the elite level just yet as attention turns to the 2026 CF Orr Stakes.

The Damien Oliver 2026 Results & Finishing Order