10/02/2019  Shatin  Race 3

On arrival at the barriers, Z Purton expressed concern regarding the action of TIGRE DU TERRE. Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, when trotting the horse down to the Start, TIGRE DU TERRE did not feel comfortable in its left front leg although when the horse was trotted up behind the barriers, there was not any noticeable lameness. He said he had previously ridden TIGRE DU TERRE in a barrier trial and the horse today did not feel comfortable in comparison to that occasion. The Veterinary Officer reported that he was not able to detect any significant abnormalities with TIGRE DU TERRE. As Z Purton was not comfortable to ride TIGRE DU TERRE, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, TIGRE DU TERRE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HEAVENLY THOUGHT stood flat-footed as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, HEAVENLY THOUGHT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. SAVVY SIX began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in PACKING WARRIOR being crowded for room. GRAND CHANCELLOR got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover. Passing the 500 Metres, GIANT TURTLE was taken out by SAVVY SIX which shifted out to improve. Close to the finishing line, ENRICHMENT shifted out abruptly. A Sanna (SAVVY SIX) was warned against the practice of repeatedly hitting his mounts down the shoulder with the whip. He was told that as the Stewards had previously spoken to him about this matter, it may be that further action would be taken if he offends again in the future. When questioned, S de Sousa (PACKING WARRIOR) stated that after obtaining a position outside the early leader CHARITY GO passing the winning post on the first occasion, he was comfortable for PACKING WARRIOR to race in this position. He said however that with the blinkers on for the first time, PACKING WARRIOR commenced to prove very difficult to settle passing the 1700 Metres and, despite his best efforts to steady the horse, it proved increasingly difficult to restrain. He said after the 1600 Metres he had no option but to allow PACKING WARRIOR to stride into the lead whilst shifting his mount out away from CHARITY GO in an attempt to have it settle better. He added once PACKING WARRIOR cleared CHARITY GO and was shifted in to race on the rail near the 1200 Metres, the horse then settled better. He said however that PACKING WARRIOR came under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight and then did not finish off the race due to the manner in which it over-raced in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of PACKING WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ENRICHMENT and SAVVY SIX were sent for sampling.