07/02/2019  Shatin  Race 7

MIGHTY POWER was withdrawn on 6.2.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (wounds to right fore fetlock) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter E-SUPER (M F Poon). Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. REEL BIZZY and HONEST WAY bumped on jumping. Shortly after the start, FIRST RESPONDER was steadied to obtain cover, however, commenced to travel keenly and took some time to obtain cover behind FANTASTIC EIGHT after the 1000 Metres. From the outside barrier, MISTER MONTE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, FANTASTIC EIGHT failed to muster speed. Near the 650 Metres, FANTASTIC EIGHT was very awkwardly placed behind HONEST WAY and FULL OF BEAUTY. Approaching the 200 Metres, FIRST RESPONDER was eased and shifted to the outside of E-SUPER which was taken in by SPARKLING DRAGON. Throughout the race, FULL OF BEAUTY travelled very wide and without cover. Throughout the race, BLITZING also travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he was asked to have TOP SCORE racing where it was comfortable and these instructions were similar to those he was given when he rode the horse at its most recent start. He said after being bumped by FANTASTIC EIGHT on jumping, TOP SCORE immediately caused him concern as the horse was not stretching out as it did last start. He said he had a number of looks down at the horse approaching and passing the 1000 Metres as TOP SCORE did not want to race tractably and commenced to lay in badly. He said then making the turn near the 900 Metres TOP SCORE became unbalanced after shifting in towards the running rail. He said after this TOP SCORE, when racing around the bend, continued to lay in badly and raced tight against the running rail. He said as he was asked to shift TOP SCORE to the outside of runners in the Straight, he immediately commenced to shift his mount to the outside of runners and it was his intention to attempt to come to the outside of FANTASTIC EIGHT. He said however that TOP SCORE was racing inside the heels of FANTASTIC EIGHT approaching the 400 Metres, so he was unable to shift the horse out further. He said TOP SCORE continued to lay in and when HONEST WAY shifted out passing the 400 Metres, this resulted in TOP SCORE being disappointed for the run between HONEST WAY and FANTASTIC EIGHT. He said he placed TOP SCORE under pressure, however, the horse still did not feel comfortable in its action. He said he had concerns regarding the manner in which the horse raced today and registered these concerns with connections and the Stewards immediately after the race. He added that since he rode the horse at its most recent start, he had partnered TOP SCORE on a number of occasions in track work in the lead up to today’s race and the horse’s action had been normal which was in contrast to its action in this race. A veterinary inspection of TOP SCORE immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained wounds to the inside of its right hock and also to be intermittently mildly lame in its right front leg. A further veterinary inspection of TOP SCORE later in the day did not reveal any significant findings. Having regard to the circumstances of this matter, the horse’s previous veterinary record of right front lameness and, in particular, the evidence of Jockey Teetan, the Stewards ruled that TOP SCORE must undergo a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination prior to being permitted to race again. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that REEL BIZZY had bled from both nostrils. FULL OF BEAUTY and HONEST WAY were sent for sampling. <8/2/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>TOP SCORE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse had sustained wounds to the inside of its right hock and was also intermittently mildly lame its right front leg. A further veterinary inspection of TOP SCORE later in the day did not reveal any significant findings. TOP SCORE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, TOP SCORE will be required to undergo a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination prior to being permitted to race again.