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Son of Pierro to join former trainer Newnham after stint in Hong Kong.

Dual Group 1 winner Shadow Hero (Pierro) is set to return to his original trainer Mark Newnham after an unlucrative campaign in Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong-based owner Edmond Lee confirmed to Racing.com on Thursday of his intention to return Shadow Hero to Newnham.

The son of Pierro (Lonhro) has failed to salute the judge in five starts for David Hayes in Hong Kong, with his best efforts a third place finish in the Maurice Handicap (1600m) on his second start in the region, while he occupied that same placing in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (Listed, 1800m) on February 21. 

Shadow Hero was most recently seen finishing 12th of 14 runners in the Hong Kong Derby (Listed, 2000m), with Zac Purton unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance and a veterinary inspection of Shadow Hero by Hong Kong Jockey Club officials displayed no significant findings.

Newnham prepared Shadow Hero to four wins and two minor placings from 11 Australian starts, each of his victories achieved in stakes company.

He kicked off his four wins with a victory in the The Phoenix Stakes (Listed, 1630m) as a juvenile. As a three-year-old he landed the Gloaming Stakes (Gr 3, 1800m) and Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) in the spring of 2019, which he duly followed up with a victory in the Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) the following autumn.