29/03/2020  Shatin  Race 6

CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped THE RUNNER. From wide barriers, GENERAL CASTLEDALE and EVER STRONG were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. MISTER MONTE was also steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. After the 1300 Metres, GREEN ENVY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DESTIN which was inclined to lay out. THE RUNNER travelled wide and without cover until the 700 Metres at which stage TELECOM ROCKET was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 150 Metres, WINWIN THIRTYTHREE shifted in and bumped TELECOM ROCKET, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. After the 100 Metres, TELECOM ROCKET (G van Niekerk) and WINWIN THIRTYTHREE again made contact due to both runners shifting slight ground. As a result of this contact, TELECOM ROCKET became unbalanced and lay out under pressure, causing WINWIN THIRTYTHREE to be inconvenienced. G van Niekerk was told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount rather than persist in using the whip. K Teetan was questioned regarding his use of the whip on WINWIN THIRTYTHREE over the final 200 Metres. He stated that when WINWIN THIRTYTHREE shifted in and made contact with TELECOM ROCKET approaching the 150 Metres, his whip made contact with the head of TELECOM ROCKET which prompted him to use his whip forward of the saddle for several strides so as to avoid making further contact with TELECOM ROCKET. He said although he made further use of the whip down the horse’s right shoulder over the concluding stages, this was caused by his mount and TELECOM ROCKET racing very tight due to TELECOM ROCKET drifting out under pressure. K Teetan was advised that the Stewards accepted his reasons for initially using his whip forward of the saddle so as to avoid making any further contact with TELECOM ROCKET and that having regard to the fact that both horses raced tight over the concluding stages, in these circumstances no action would be taken against him. He was however strongly reminded of the need to refrain from using his whip forward of the saddle so as to comply with the Rules. Following the race, Z Purton reported that after settling near midfield, he shifted SAM’S LOVE out in the early part of the Straight in order to obtain clear running. He said after improving into tight running between CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE and DESTIN approaching the 300 Metres, SAM’S LOVE appeared to falter and then became very unbalanced in its action. He said for this reason he eased the horse down over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of SAM’S LOVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SAM’S LOVE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SAM’S LOVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, K C Leung stated that DESTIN did not close off the race today as it normally does and was disappointing. He said the horse had had a hard run at its last start and this may have contributed to today’s performance. A veterinary inspection of DESTIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GENERAL CASTLEDALE 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, GENERAL CASTLEDALE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JUNEAU PARK and TELECOM ROCKET were sent for sampling. <30/3/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>GENERAL CASTLEDALE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. GENERAL CASTLEDALE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in left front leg. As previously advised, GENERAL CASTLEDALE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.