The Stewards have received a request from Mr A S Cruz, trainer of EXULTANT, to add a hood to the gear of the horse when it next competes in a race.

The Stewards have subsequently interviewed Mr Cruz and Jockey Z Purton who rode EXULTANT when it was successful at its most recent start at Sha Tin on 23 December 2017 regarding this matter.

Jockey Purton stated that EXULTANT travelled keenly in its most recent race and although it is intended for the horse’s next race start to be over a shorter distance of 1600 Metres, he feels that EXULTANT will benefit from being able to settle more in its races if a hood were to be applied to the horse.

Mr Cruz was advised that the Stewards would consider EXULTANT’s performance in a barrier trial to be conducted tomorrow in which the horse will carry a hood before deciding whether to approve the proposed gear change.

A further release will be issued at the appropriate time.