15/04/2018  Shatin  Race 8

After entering the track, SAVVY SIX (A Sanna) was reluctant to proceed to the Start. The Stewards will monitor SAVVY SIX’s pre-race behaviour at its future starts before deciding whether any further action needs to be taken. A Sanna was reminded of his obligation in respect of the use of the whip on a horse prior to the race. CONSORT was crowded for room on jumping between GRAND CHANCELLOR and SAVVY SIX which shifted out. In this incident, GRAND CHANCELLOR became unbalanced when bumped by CONSORT. DOYENI began only fairly. From the outside barriers, EXULTANT and HAPPILABABY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GRAND CHANCELLOR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RUTHVEN. Approaching the 600 Metres, GRAND CHANCELLOR was shifted out in an endeavour to improve into tight running between RUTHVEN and CONSORT which was improving and racing tight to the outside of GRAND CHANCELLOR. In this incident, CONSORT became unbalanced after making contact with GRAND CHANCELLOR. Then passing the 600 Metres, GRAND CHANCELLOR, after being disappointed for running between RUTHVEN and CONSORT, raced close to the heels of RUTHVEN and was awkwardly placed behind that horse rounding the Home Turn. GRAND CHANCELLOR remained held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 250 Metres, EXULTANT was inconvenienced by CONSORT which shifted out under pressure. When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that he was asked to ride PACKING DRAGON positively in the lead. He said after riding his mount along out of the barriers, he was left racing in a three wide position outside RUTHVEN approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said he continued to allow PACKING DRAGON to improve its position and slapped the horse down the shoulder with the whip on a number of occasions. He said however that PACKING DRAGON took some time to improve its position forward of RUTHVEN and it was not until after the 1100 Metres that he was able to shift in to race in advance of RUTHVEN. Apprentice Wong was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have made a more positive attempt to ride to his instructions and have PACKING DRAGON race outside the leader SERGEANT TITANIUM at an earlier stage. He was further advised that by not riding PACKING DRAGON assertively enough after passing the winning post on the first occasion, this resulted in PACKING DRAGON racing unnecessarily wide and that he must, where circumstances permit, make all reasonable attempts to ride to his instructions. When questioned, T Berry stated that RUTHVEN would not relax in the early and middle stages with PACKING DRAGON racing to its outside. He said despite this, RUTHVEN was still disappointing given that the horse was under pressure a long way from the finish and then gave ground noticeably in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of RUTHVEN immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, RUTHVEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GRAND CHANCELLOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. PRAWN BABA and EXULTANT were sent for sampling. <16/4/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>RUTHVEN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in its trachea. RUTHVEN was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Moore this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg. As previously advised, RUTHVEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.