01/07/2019  Shatin  Race 4

PACKING ROCKSTAR was withdrawn on 27.6.19 by order of the Stewards (retirement) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter VOYAGE KING. On arrival at the Start, C Schofield expressed concern regarding the action of HOME RUN. HOME RUN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said that in his opinion the horse was suitable to race. After the race, C Schofield reported that HOME RUN did not feel comfortable in its action during the race and for this reason he eased it down over the concluding stages. Mr K H Ting, the trainer of HOME RUN, reported that it is now the intention of the owners to retire the horse. A veterinary inspection of HOME RUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MY POWER and HOME RUN bumped at the start. HOME RUN was then crowded for room between MY POWER and GRACIOUS RYDER which shifted in. In this incident, GRACIOUS RYDER and HOME RUN became unbalanced. A short distance after the start, GRACIOUS RYDER was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of VOYAGE KING which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. This resulted in GRACIOUS RYDER again becoming unbalanced. After this, GRACIOUS RYDER was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. V CHEVALIERS was crowded for room at the start between VITAL SPRING and MEDIC DRAGON which shifted out. GENERAL TRUMP shifted in at the start and inconvenienced SHAMPORT. From wide barriers, HURRICANE HUNTER and THE CREATETH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1100 Metres, GENERAL TRUMP travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed behind BLAZING PARTNERS. Approaching the 700 Metres, THE CREATETH raced tight outside HOME RUN which improved to be racing outside the heels of LEADING FORTUNE. Then near the 650 Metres, THE CREATETH was checked away from the heels of HOME RUN as that horse was taken out by LEADING FORTUNE which improved to the outside of VOYAGE KING. Passing the 500 Metres, LEADING FORTUNE was eased when disappointed for running outside V CHEVALIERS. THE CREATETH, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of LEADING FORTUNE in consequence. BLAZING PARTNERS lay out making the Home Turn. In the Straight, HURRICANE HUNTER lay out under pressure and passing the winning post shifted out, resulting in GENERAL TRUMP being hampered. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SHAMPORT, Z Purton stated that he was able to take up a forward position outside the eventual winner BEAUTY LOYAL in the early stages without having to make any use of SHAMPORT. He said SHAMPORT travelled well until near the 600 Metres at which time the horse commenced to lay out. He said SHAMPORT then got its head on the side and hung out making the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight at which time the horse’s action deteriorated. He said he continued to ride SHAMPORT along in the early part of the Straight, however, SHAMPORT gave ground noticeably and as he was concerned there may be something amiss with the horse, he eased it down over the latter stages of the race. The performance of SHAMPORT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SHAMPORT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SHAMPORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY LOYAL and VITAL SPRING were sent for sampling. <2/7/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, Jockey C Schofield reported that HOME RUN did not feel comfortable in its action during the race and for this reason he eased it down over the concluding stages. HOME RUN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. HOME RUN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K H Ting this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg with swollen both front fetlocks.