09/12/2018  Shatin  Race 9

After being loaded into the barriers, PRECIOUSSHIP became fractious, reared and got its left front leg over the stall partition. PRECIOUSSHIP was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Accordingly, PRECIOUSSHIP was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, PRECIOUSSHIP will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. VOLPINO was crowded for room on jumping between GOLD WIN which shifted in and LIMITLESS which shifted out abruptly. FORTUNE BOOTH began only fairly. BREEDERS’ STAR and KINGS SHIELD bumped at the start. JADE THEATRE lost its right front plate shortly after the start. From the outside barriers, KINGS SHIELD and BOLD STITCH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. NEW ASIA SUNRISE lost its left front plate at the 1050 Metres. After the 900 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was left racing wide and without cover. After the 800 Metres, LIMITLESS commenced to prove very difficult to settle and for a considerable distance was awkwardly placed between FAST MOST FURIOUS and BREEDERS’ STAR. Near the 750 Metres, FORTUNE BOOTH got its head up when awkwardly placed behind HINCHINLOVE. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, FAST MOST FURIOUS and FORTUNE BOOTH raced tight as FORTUNE BOOTH was taken out by HINCHINLOVE (A Badel) which shifted out under pressure. A Badel was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 200 Metres, A Badel dropped his whip. Passing the 100 Metres, WINSTON’S LAD was shifted in away from the heels of LIMITLESS which shifted in momentarily under pressure. Close to the finishing line, JADE THEATRE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FAST MOST FURIOUS and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, RAGING STORM travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE BOOTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LIMITLESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. RAGING STORM and HINCHINLOVE were sent for sampling. <10/12/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>LIMITLESS, which performed poorly, was examined by Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. LIMITLESS was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LIMITLESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. <12/12/2018 9 December 2018 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 9 (244)>After having reviewed the videos, the Stewards tonight questioned G van Niekerk regarding his riding of BREEDERS’ STAR, principally in the Home Straight. G van Niekerk stated that after having to race wide throughout the race, he placed BREEDERS’ STAR under pressure in the early part of the Straight. He said at this time LIMITLESS was able to improve its position from racing behind BREEDERS’ STAR to establish a margin on his mount. He said WINSTON’S LAD, which he had been racing outside of rounding the Home Turn, was also able to establish a margin on BREEDERS’ STAR despite him testing his mount. He said after riding BREEDERS’ STAR along in the early part of the Straight, the horse did not respond to his riding and shortened stride and he considered easing it down passing the 300 Metres. He added BREEDERS’ STAR then commenced to finish off the race better after the 200 Metres albeit that the horse was never in contention of running a placing. He said as BREEDERS’ STAR was not finishing off the race such that it could place in the race, he therefore did not ride it out vigorously over the concluding stages. G van Niekerk was told that his riding of BREEDERS’ STAR in the Home Straight had come under notice. He was placed on notice that he has a requirement, under the Rules of Racing, to properly test his mounts where circumstances permit. He was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out with sufficient vigour so as not to leave his riding open to query.