05/04/2020  Shatin  Race 3

FURORE began only fairly. From the outside barrier, FAT TURTLE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WAIKUKU, J Moreira stated that, from the inside barrier, he was able to obtain a good position behind the speed. He said WAIKUKU travelled well until near the 550 Metres at which stage the horse came under pressure. He said, despite being ridden along, WAIKUKU did not quicken and came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn. He said at no stage did WAIKUKU respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight as it had when ridden by him in the past. He said the most disappointing element of today’s race was the fact that WAIKUKU gave ground over the final 200 Metres. He said after the race he was not able to identify any reason for the horse’s performance. He added whilst the horse had not raced for some time, he had ridden it in two barrier trials in preparation for today’s race and WAIKUKU had performed satisfactorily in both of those trials. Mr J Size, the trainer of WAIKUKU, said that whilst the horse had done well in the stable since its last start success in January, today’s disappointing performance indicated that its two most recent wins may have taken more out of the horse than thought. He said the two barrier trials in which the horse had participated since its last start were both satisfactory and he believed that it would perform well today. He said he will monitor WAIKUKU in the coming days to see how it pulls up after the race. A veterinary inspection of WAIKUKU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WAIKUKU, a last start winner and favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WAIKUKU will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WAIKUKU, BEAUTY GENERATION and KA YING STAR were sent for sampling.