Stews Issue Report on Spalato

Hong Kong Jockey Club stewards have issued a status update on an inquiry involving the health of Singapore raider Spalato (NZ) (Elusive City) in the immediate aftermath of his 13th-place peformance in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint Nov. 23. 

Stewards interviewed trainer John O’Hara following the conclusion of live racing that day regarding a report made that Spalato had exhibited a ‘restricted action’ in his right hind leg in the stable area prior to the race. There were no significant findings upon initial examination, but the following morning, Nov. 24, Spalato was found to be lame in his right hind. 

When questioned on the day of the race, O’Hara told stewards that when the stable assistant attempted to clean Spalato’s right hind hoof prior to the race, and that the horse “walked a bit funny, but after massaging it, he walked out and trotted up good” and that “he sort of walked a bit funny and after walking him for a bit, you know, he sort of loosened up.” Stewards reported that, as with every horse, Spalato was observed by vets in the parade ring and prior to entering the starting stalls and that no adverse reports were made. 

Subsequent to this debriefing, HKJC stewards accessed the closed-circuit TV footage from the quarantine barn, which largely corroborated the account given by O’Hara. 

Spalato was subjected to another veterinary inspection Wednesday morning at the behest of Dr. Peter Curl, executive manager of veterinary regulation for the HKJC, to assess whether Spalato could be declared for Thursday’s draw. After examining the gelding, Dr. Curl reported Spalato to be ‘satisfactory in his action,’ was showing no signs of discomfort and will be allowed to be entered Thursday. 

As per its established practice, HKJC vets will examine Spalato for a routine pre-race examination this coming Saturday. 
The inquiry which was commenced Sun., Nov 23, will resume at the Happy Valley Inquiry Room Mon., Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.