08/03/2020  Shatin  Race 2

The Stewards today inquired into the reason for SHIMMER AND SHINE being withdrawn from the entries for this race prior to declarations. Evidence was taken from Mr C Fownes, the trainer of SHIMMER AND SHINE, Dr S G P O’Connor, Veterinary Surgeon, and Dr P Robinson, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services. It was established that Mr Fownes had sought to obtain information regarding whether SHIMMER AND SHINE would be able to be entered for this race prior to the horse being treated and that the information provided to him was not in accordance with the prescribed withdrawal period as stipulated by the Department of Veterinary Clinical Services. As the Stewards considered that Mr Fownes had taken all reasonable measures to establish whether SHIMMER AND SHINE was able to be entered for this race, no further action was taken other than to remind him of the importance to ensure that, wherever possible, entered horses are able to take their place in the field other than for veterinary or other suitable reasons. Dr O’Connor was reminded of the importance to properly establish departmental guidelines so that accurate information can be provided to trainers. On arrival at the barriers, it was reported that EXCEL DELIGHT may have been kicked by a lead pony whilst proceeding to the Start. The Veterinary Officer reported that after examining EXCEL DELIGHT and after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. STRATHCLYDE began only fairly. SUPREME PATROL shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of MEGA RED which became badly unbalanced. Despite being hard ridden in the early stages, SKY TREASURE was slow to muster speed and subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Passing the 800 Metres, SUPREME PATROL momentarily raced tight inside EXCEL DELIGHT. Passing the 500 Metres, SUPREME PATROL and TOUCH OF LUCK raced tight. Approaching the 400 Metres, FLYING NOBLE was steadied away from the heels of SPACE when unable to improve between that horse and SUPREME PATROL. Passing the 400 Metres, TOUCH OF LUCK was shifted out away from the heels of EXCEL DELIGHT after being momentarily awkwardly placed behind that horse. Passing the 200 Metres, GOLDIE FLANKER became badly unbalanced in its action. A veterinary inspection of GOLDIE FLANKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. Having regard to the fact that GOLDIE FLANKER was found to be lame in its left hind leg following its most recent start and that following its previous start to that, the jockey expressed concern regarding the horse’s action, the Stewards referred the matter to the Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy for review. For the majority of the race, EXCEL DELIGHT travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FLYING NOBLE at the request of Trainer T P Yung. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING NOBLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SPACE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SPACE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TOUCH OF LUCK and EXCEL DELIGHT were sent for sampling.