08/01/2023  Shatin  Race 3

THE ROCK was withdrawn on 5.1.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (colic). Before being allowed to race again, THE ROCK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, CALIFORNIA TEN was noted to have blood in its mouth. CALIFORNIA TEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. CALIFORNIA TEN was crowded for room on jumping between EVERYONE’S DELIGHT and TELECOM FIGHTERS, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, CALIFORNIA TEN stumbled. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of KINGS SHIELD. Then approaching the 1100 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE shifted out away from the heels of KINGS SHIELD and after this travelled wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, CALIFORNIA TEN raced tight outside HANDSOME TWELVE. After the race, Z Purton stated that after being unable to lead the race, KINGS SHIELD came under heavy pressure after the 700 Metres and then gave ground abruptly in the Home Straight which it had previously done in similar circumstances. A veterinary inspection of KINGS SHIELD immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. The performance of KINGS SHIELD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KINGS SHIELD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HANDSOME TWELVE, A Badel stated that he had hoped to obtain a midfield position, however, after beginning awkwardly and losing ground, HANDSOME TWELVE was required to race at the rear of the field. He said HANDSOME TWELVE did not travel strongly in the middle stage and after the 800 Metres raced tight inside CALIFORNIA TEN when improving into running between that horse and SAVAQUIN. He said he attempted to follow APACHE PASS rounding the Home Turn, however, came under heavy pressure prior to the 600 Metres and then lay in rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. He added because of the manner in which HANDSOME TWELVE was laying in, he was unable to improve into running which was available between CALIFORNIA TEN and SAVAQUIN rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. He said after this HANDSOME TWELVE continued to lay in and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to travel and finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME TWELVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HANDSOME TWELVE, CHANCHENG PRINCE and APACHE PASS were sent for sampling.