26/10/2022  Shatin  Race 1

The Stewards tonight inquired into the circumstances surrounding DASHING GENIUS being withdrawn from this race on 25 October 2022 as a result of being inadvertently treated. Evidence was taken from Mr A S Cruz, trainer of DASHING GENIUS, Mr W K Mo, assistant trainer allocated to Mr Cruz’s stable, Mr C H Chan, head lad, Mr C M Tsoi, mafoo, Mr S K Leung, work rider, as well as Dr S G P O’Connor. Dr O’Connor was standing in yesterday for Mr Cruz’s allocated Clinical Veterinary Surgeon who was not available. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the CCTV footage from Mr Cruz’s stable in respect of the stall occupied by DASHING GENIUS at the relevant time, the Stewards ascertained that DASHING GENIUS was administered the incorrect treatment by Dr O’Connor who, by his own admission, treated the incorrect horse despite it being known that DASHING GENIUS held an entry for tonight’s race. Dr O’Connor was advised that a transcript of tonight’s inquiry would be forwarded to Dr B D Stewart, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services, for his consideration and necessary action. Mr Cruz was advised that whilst the Stewards formed the view that his stable practices and the work of the stable staff allocated to him were not deficient to the point where a charge should be issued in respect of his stable administration, nonetheless he was told to ensure that, irrespective of which members of stable and veterinary staff are tasked to perform any duties on any given day, the necessary procedures must be in place so that the Club’s Rules of Racing are complied with. WINS ALL began only fairly. HAPPY MATADOR began very awkwardly, shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of G ONE EXCELLENT. NOBODY KNOWS also began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped DIAMOND SOARS which resulted in NOBODY KNOWS stumbling and then being bumped by G ONE EXCELLENT which shifted out. THE MULTIPLIER was slow to begin and after the 800 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the turn near the 700 Metres, TSUEN WAN GLORY commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind WINS ALL and SMART FOLKS. Then making the turn after the 600 Metres, TSUEN WAN GLORY hung out across the heels of SMART FOLKS and then THE MULTIPLIER and lost ground. HAPPY MATADOR, which was following TSUEN WAN GLORY, was badly hampered and taken wider by that horse. The racing manners of TSUEN WAN GLORY were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TSUEN WAN GLORY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Near the 500 Metres, HAPPY MATADOR was shifted out away from the heels of TSUEN WAN GLORY which at this time was bumped by BUDDY SPIRIT which shifted out. Approaching the 300 Metres, JAZZ STEED was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SURE WINNER when being directed to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running. WINS ALL was shifted in passing the 300 Metres away from the heels of CALL ME LU to obtain clear running as that horse commenced to give ground. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for CALL ME LU’s failure to finish the race off after being ridden in a positive manner in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of CALL ME LU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, A Hamelin stated that SMART FOLKS raced disappointingly tonight. He said based on the horse’s track work in the lead up to the race, it was anticipated that SMART FOLKS would perform well tonight. He said SMART FOLKS did not travel comfortably throughout and he had to continually ride his mount along in an endeavour to have it maintain its position. He said SMART FOLKS came under heavy pressure after the 500 Metres and then did not finish the race off over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of SMART FOLKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMART FOLKS, DIAMOND SOARS and G ONE EXCELLENT were sent for sampling.