17/11/2019  Shatin  Race 8

The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of PINGWU SPARK when it refused to load into the barriers. Mr T P Yung, trainer of PINGWU SPARK, was advised that having regard to PINGWU SPARK’s previous barrier issues, the horse will be required to barrier trial satisfactorily on three consecutive occasions before being permitted to race again. He was further told that should PINGWU SPARK fail in any of those barrier trials or again refuse to load at any time in the future should it pass those barrier trials satisfactorily, the Stewards will consider recommending to the Club’s Board of Stewards for the horse to be compulsorily retired. From wide barriers, LITTLE GIANT, MR STUNNING and FULL OF BEAUTY were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Approaching the 900 Metres, MR STUNNING was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, IVICTORY shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of REGENCY LEGEND which also lay in marginally. After the 600 Metres, WISHFUL THINKER became unbalanced when awkwardly placed inside D B PIN which raced close to the heels of REGENCY LEGEND. Near the 150 Metres, REGENCY LEGEND and MR STUNNING raced tight between D B PIN which shifted out marginally and BEAT THE CLOCK (J Moreira) which shifted in. J Moreira was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. B Shinn reported that after travelling a short distance PAKISTAN STAR pulled up and despite him riding the horse along PAKISTAN STAR refused to gallop and consequently took no part in the race. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of PAKISTAN STAR, was advised that given the horse’s previous record of having not completed the course or being reluctant to hold its position, the Stewards would have to give consideration whether a recommendation should be made to the Club’s Board of Stewards regarding PAKISTAN STAR’s racing future. Mr O’Sullivan undertook to speak to the owner of PAKISTAN STAR to establish whether the owner wishes to make a submission before the Racing Stewards on the matter. A further release will be issued at the appropriate time. The Stewards will question Jockeys Z Purton (REGENCY LEGEND) and N Callan (THANKS FOREVER) regarding the disappointing performances of those horses at the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted on Wednesday, 20 November 2019. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE GIANT, REGENCY LEGEND, PREMIERE and THANKS FOREVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AETHERO and HOT KING PRAWN were sent for sampling. <20/11/2019 17 November 2019 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 8 (177)>a. The Stewards tonight interviewed Z Purton regarding the disappointing performance of REGENCY LEGEND. Z Purton stated that after obtaining a good position near the 1000 Metres, REGENCY LEGEND travelled satisfactorily. He said however that when the field quickened rounding the Home Turn REGENCY LEGEND immediately came under pressure and did not show the same turn of foot that it had in lesser class races previously. He added although REGENCY LEGEND was momentarily tightened for room near the 150 Metres, the horse was already well beaten at this time and had no impact on its finishing position. b. N Callan stated that he was able to obtain a forward position on THANKS FOREVER in the early stages and the horse travelled well. He said THANKS FOREVER initially quickened well rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, near the 250 Metres came under pressure and then gave ground thereafter.