Gerald Ryan was thrilled to see Grand Eagle, the two-year-old he advised against sending overseas, deliver with a stunning win in the opening race at Randwick.

The Farnan colt, part-owned by legendary retired Hong Kong trainer John Moore, had been considered for a Hong Kong campaign after his maiden victory at Hawkesbury. However, jockey Nash Rawiller helped convince Moore to keep the horse in Sydney for the spring.

“Nash rode him work before he went to Newcastle and put a huge wrap on him,” said co-trainer Ryan. “John was thinking about taking him to Hong Kong and Nash said, ‘don’t take him to Hong Kong, he will be winning good races in the spring.’”

The Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) is one of the options for Grand Eagle’s return next season.

Ryan noted the colt had shown promise from the start but was initially slow to adapt, struggling with equipment and race tactics. His win at Hawkesbury, followed by a standout performance at Randwick, proved he was on the right track.

“He has always promised to be a lot,” Ryan said. “But King Of Pop is so professional and this horse wanted to do a bit wrong.”

On Saturday, Grand Eagle settled last before Rawiller navigated him through the field to win, edging Akaysha ($4.20) by a half-length. Rawiller was confident that a more conservative ride made all the difference.

“I think we have found the key to him,” Rawiller said. “He is still very green but he was strong late and he’s a nice horse. He’s a beauty.”