27/10/2021  Shatin  Race 2

WISHFUL THINKER began only fairly. HELENE WISDOM STAR shifted out at the start, resulting in THE ROCK being crowded for room inside TELECOM FIGHTERS. Approaching the 1400 Metres, THE ROCK was awkwardly placed inside the heels of RED DESERT. Then near the 1100 Metres, THE ROCK raced close to the heels of RED DESERT. When questioned regarding the performance of HONGKONG GREAT, Z Purton stated that in the early stages HONGKONG GREAT did not show much early speed as it had when ridden by him in the past. He said HONGKONG GREAT normally travels very strongly in its races, however, the horse was not able to show sufficient speed to cross KINGS SHIELD to its inside and lead as had been anticipated. He said when HONGKONG GREAT was unable to cross KINGS SHIELD, he was left with no alternative but to steady to that horse’s outside and when he did this, HONGKONG GREAT did not travel as strongly as it normally does in its races. He added at the 1000 Metres HONGKONG GREAT was already travelling only fairly and he was required to place the horse under heavy pressure after the 700 Metres as it was losing ground on KINGS SHIELD, the leader of the race. He said despite being placed under pressure, HONGKONG GREAT immediately commenced to give ground and did not feel comfortable in its action. He said HONGKONG GREAT gave ground noticeably after the 500 Metres and as he was concerned with the horse’s welfare, he eased it down rounding the Home Turn at which stage the horse was already well beaten. He further stated that when easing the horse down in the Straight, he was not able to detect any reason for the manner in which it gave ground and therefore he was of the opinion that there may have been an internal issue which impacted upon the horse’s performance tonight. A veterinary inspection of HONGKONG GREAT immediately following the race found that horse to be displaying an epiglottic entrapment with associated ulceration which, in his opinion, has a potential to adversely affect the breathing and performance of HONGKONG GREAT. The Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, HONGKONG GREAT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Veterinary Officer reported that the matter involving the epiglottic entrapment would be discussed with Mr C S Shum, the trainer of HONG KONG GREAT. After the race, K Teetan stated that passing the 150 Metres HELENE WISDOM STAR got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly which resulted in him becoming badly unbalanced and almost being dislodged. He said, in his opinion, HELENE WISDOM STAR attempted to shy away from the staff and apparatus associated with the start of the race. A veterinary inspection of HELENE WISDOM STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, HELENE WISDOM STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HONGKONG GREAT, KINGS SHIELD and THE ROCK were sent for sampling.