The Stewards have been informed by the Department of Veterinary Regulation and Biosecurity Policy that KISEKI, trained by Katsuhiko Sumii, was found on arrival in Hong Kong to have a fungal skin infection on his left front leg and rump.  This skin condition is suspected to be what is commonly referred to as “ringworm”.

The Club was not informed of the horse’s skin condition prior to departure from Japan and therefore was unaware of the matter until KISEKI arrived in Hong Kong, when an examination of the horse by the Club’s veterinarian established the presence of the skin condition.

This issue should have been reported at the time of the routine pre-travel veterinary inspection before approval for departure from Japan.  This issue will be raised with the relevant Racing Authority.

KISEKI was immediately segregated from all other horses in the Club’s quarantine facility and all available measures have been instigated to prevent any transmission of the infection.
Biological samples taken from the affected areas have been submitted for laboratory analysis, and the horse is currently under treatment with routine antifungal medications as a precaution.

KISEKI’s condition and response to treatment will be closely monitored by the Club’s veterinary departments.  Further, additional samples will be taken for analysis to confirm the horse’s suitability to be declared for the aforementioned race.

A further release will be issued at the appropriate time.