06/03/2022  Shatin  Race 1

CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT began only fairly and then was bumped by RED DESERT which became unbalanced and shifted out after being bumped by TELECOM FIGHTERS. WILL POWER was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1400 Metres, TELECOM FIGHTERS and HONGKONG GREAT brushed. Passing the 800 Metres, TELECOM FIGHTERS was awkwardly placed behind HONGKONG GREAT. After the 700 Metres, HONGKONG GREAT (Z Purton) commenced to give ground and was eased out of the race near the 600 Metres. Z Purton stated that HONGKONG GREAT, which had undergone throat surgery since its last start, did not make an abnormal breathing noise throughout the race, however, the manner in which it commenced to give ground was of considerable concern to him. Mr C S Shum, trainer of HONGKONG GREAT, stated that at this stage no decision had been made on the horse’s immediate racing future and that he would observe the horse in the days subsequent to the race before deciding on the appropriate action. A veterinary inspection of HONGKONG GREAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. As this was the second consecutive occasion that HONGKONG GREAT had finished tailed out in its races and having regard to the manner in which the horse gave ground today, the Stewards referred this matter to the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy for further assessment. Further, the Stewards ruled that HONGKONG GREAT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. At the entrance to the Straight, RED DESERT lay out towards the heels of TELECOM FIGHTERS. A veterinary inspection of KINGS SHIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WILL POWER and RED DESERT were sent for sampling.