05/04/2021  Shatin  Race 3

KA YING STAR was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, KA YING STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MIGHTY GIANT began only fairly. MORE THAN THIS was steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WAIKUKU, J Moreira stated that after travelling well in the early stages WAIKUKU came under pressure after the 600 Metres when the tempo of the race increased. He said WAIKUKU did not respond to his riding approaching and passing the 500 Metres and got its head on the side and lay out away from CHAMPION’S WAY. He said he placed WAIKUKU under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight but rather than respond to that pressure the horse commenced to give ground and was not able to sprint with CHAMPION’S WAY. He added he continued to ride WAIKUKU along, however, the horse was giving ground noticeably and MORE THAN THIS was able to quicken and pass WAIKUKU easily passing the 300 Metres. He said he continued to ride WAIKUKU out until near the 200 Metres but as the horse was continuing to give ground, he had concerns that all might not be well with the horse and therefore he eased it down over the concluding stages when WAIKUKU was already well beaten. He said whilst WAIKUKU did not feel completely uncomfortable in its action during the race, he was unable to identify any reason for this as the horse returned to the unplaced saddling area free in its action. Mr J Size, the trainer of WAIKUKU, was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse. He said WAIKUKU had pleased him in all its work since its last start success and he anticipated another forward showing today. A veterinary inspection of WAIKUKU immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of WAIKUKU, favourite for today’s race and a last start winner which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WAIKUKU will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WAIKUKU, MIGHTY GIANT and SOUTHERN LEGEND were sent for sampling.