Race:1 (83) BEGONIA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

PLAY IT began only fairly and then was steadied when crowded for room between GENERAL DINO and KING OF MONGOLIA, both of which shifted ground.
From a wide barrier, SAVANNAH WIND was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, when travelling keenly, GENERAL DINO was steadied away from the heels of KING OF MONGOLIA (N Callan) which shifted in when not quite clear. N Callan was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. TEN FLAMES and PLAY IT, which were following, were hampered in consequence.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY SEBRING got its head up when awkwardly placed behind PO CHING TREASURE.
In the early part of the Straight, SAVANNAH WIND got its head on the side and lay in and passing the 200 Metres was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of TEN FLAMES to obtain clear running.
Over the concluding stages, GENERAL DINO was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ISHVARA.
Throughout the race, ISHVARA travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of PLAY IT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HAPPY SEBRING, PO CHING TREASURE and SAVANNAH WIND were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (84) CASSIA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

COUR VALANT was withdrawn on 9.10.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter REGENCY HONEY (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, COUR VALANT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
ROOKIE STAR began awkwardly.
IDYLLIC WIND lost its left front plate shortly after the start.
When being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier, HAPPY HAPPY became unbalanced shortly after the start when bumped by FIRST BEAUT which shifted in marginally.
Also from a wide barrier, CORRE RAPIDO was steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover.
NOBLE DE BOY and SHOWING CHARACTER were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, OTOUTO failed to muster speed.
Near the 650 Metres, NOBLE DE BOY momentarily raced tight between THE HAPPY BUNCH and OTOUTO which shifted out away from the heels of PADDINGTON.
When commencing to improve between THE HAPPY BUNCH and THE SHOW rounding the Home Turn, ROOKIE STAR momentarily raced tight between those horses as a result of THE SHOW (W M Lai) shifting out before being directed back in to relieve the tightening to ROOKIE STAR. W M Lai was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ROOKIE STAR, N Callan stated that at its most recent start the horse had travelled keenly in the middle stages and therefore tonight he attempted to have the horse relax better. He said in the early stages ROOKIE STAR initially travelled comfortably, however, when the pace eased in the middle stages, ROOKIE STAR commenced to prove very difficult to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of THE HAPPY BUNCH for a considerable distance. He said that due to ROOKIE STAR refusing to relax in the middle stages, the horse was then not able to finish off the race. He added that he did recommend to connections that they consider experimenting with the gear carried by ROOKIE STAR in an endeavour to have it relax more in its races. A veterinary inspection of ROOKIE STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that THE HAPPY BUNCH had sustained a cut to the right hind tendon. Before being allowed to race again, THE HAPPY BUNCH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of OTOUTO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
It was reported that after arriving back at Sha Tin, NOBLE DE BOY was found to be bleeding from the right nostril. An endoscopic examination of NOBLE DE BOY confirmed that horse to have bled.
ROOKIE STAR, THE SHOW and REGENCY HONEY were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (85) DIANTHUS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

MAGIC POWER began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of POSITIVELY HIGH, resulting in MAGIC POWER losing ground.
ULTIMATE DREAM shifted out at the start and bumped SPEEDY WALLY.
DISTRICT EXPRESS became unbalanced on jumping after bumping STARLIT KNIGHT.
Shortly after the start, CHARITY WINGS and LETSGOFREE bumped. After this, despite being vigorously ridden along, CHARITY WINGS failed to muster speed.
From the outside barrier, PEARL FURU was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPEEDY WALLY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ALL YOU KNOW (D Whyte) which shifted in. D Whyte was reprimanded.
Both U Rispoli (SPEEDY WALLY) and Apprentice M F Poon (PEARL FURU) were warned against the practice of using the whip on a horse out of contention.
When questioned, Z Purton stated that it was intended for STARLIT KNIGHT to be ridden in a midfield position if possible. He said after riding his mount positively in the early stages, STARLIT KNIGHT became unbalanced after bumping DISTRICT EXPRESS and then did not display as much early speed as he anticipated. He said when a number of horses were being vigorously ridden to the inside of STARLIT KNIGHT, he did not believe that the horse would have sufficient speed to be able to take up a more forward position and therefore he steadied his mount approaching the winning post on the first occasion to obtain cover. He said when racing in a three wide position outside SPEEDY WALLY after passing the winning post on the first occasion, STARLIT KNIGHT travelled keenly and it was not until after the 1300 Metres that he was able to shift in to obtain cover behind SPEEDY WALLY. He added after the tempo of the race slackened in the middle stages, STARLIT KNIGHT initially quickened nicely in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse’s run ended at the 200 Metres with it then finishing off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of STARLIT KNIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of CHARITY WINGS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ULTIMATE DREAM and ALL YOU KNOW were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (86) MAGNOLIA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

When parading, LUNAR ZEPHYR became fractious, resulting in D Whyte dismounting without incident.
On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern over the action of ROMAN ODYSSEY. ROMAN ODYSSEY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
HAPPY COOPERATION began awkwardly and lost ground and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
MULTIMAX got its head up shortly after the start and bumped NICE FANDANGO.
From wide barriers, ROMAN ODYSSEY and RAICHU were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Passing the 800 Metres, HAPPY COOPERATION was steadied when crowded for room between OSCAR MAGIC and ROMAN ODYSSEY (C Y Ho) which, after shifting in when not properly clear of HAPPY COOPERATION, was then directed out to relieve the tightening to that horse. C Y Ho was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear of other runners when shifting ground.
Passing the 700 Metres, DASHING GAINER commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of LUNAR ZEPHYR.
Passing the 400 Metres, RAICHU got its head up when awkwardly placed behind MULTIMAX as RAICHU was being directed to the inside of that horse to continue improving.
When questioned, N Callan stated that when proceeding to the barriers MR RIGHT did not feel as comfortable in its action as it had when he had ridden the horse on previous occasions. He said after giving the horse a good warm up behind the barriers, MR RIGHT’s action improved and he was comfortable that the horse was suitable to race. He said MR RIGHT normally needs only to be ridden along for a short distance in the early part of the race to gain momentum, however, tonight he had to ride the horse for considerably further than would normally be the case in order to hold his position. He said after the 800 Metres MR RIGHT commenced to lay away from the rail which is also unusual for the horse. He added in the early part of the Straight whilst MR RIGHT normally produces a good turn of foot, the horse did not quicken as it usually does and after the 200 Metres commenced to shorten stride. He said when MR RIGHT commenced to give ground noticeably over the concluding stages, he was concerned with the horse’s action and therefore he stopped riding over the final stages. He said on returning to the Parade Ring MR RIGHT did not feel noticeably lame, however, at no stage of the race did the horse travel as it usually does. A veterinary inspection of MR RIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MR RIGHT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LUNAR ZEPHYR and VICTORY POWER were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (87) OSMANTHUS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

SUNNY DRAGON began awkwardly.
NAMJONG INVINCIBLE began very awkwardly and lost ground.
On jumping, FORMULA GALORE was bumped by LONDON CITY which was taken out by OPEN HOUSE which in turn was taken out by BINGO. After this, FORMULA GALORE was steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier.
Throughout the race, FLYING MONKEY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
When questioned, D Whyte stated that following its first up run when the horse was able to be ridden in a forward position over the course and distance, it was intended for LOTUS BREEZE to be ridden behind the speed tonight if possible. He said, despite being ridden along in the early stages, LOTUS BREEZE did not show the same early speed and making the turn near the 1000 Metres raced tight between LONDON CITY and SUNNY DRAGON which made the turn awkwardly and shifted out. He said this resulted in him having to steady LOTUS BREEZE to obtain a trailing position behind LONDON CITY. He said although this resulted in LOTUS BREEZE having to race one position further back at best, he believed the horse would only have been able to obtain a position just in front of midfield had it not been for this incident. He said therefore after the race he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance if the programme suits to allow LOTUS BREEZE to be able to take up a more forward position.
A veterinary inspection of SUNNY DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BLITZING and APPLAUSE were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (88) THE CITI SPRINT CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

LOCKHEED was withdrawn on 9.10.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SIR REDALOT (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, LOCKHEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
ATTENTION, which was fractious in the barriers, began very awkwardly and lost ground.
GOOD OMEN began awkwardly and stumbled, resulting in the horse losing ground.
GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR shifted out at the start and bumped FAIRY TWINS.
From wide barriers, KEEP WINNING, TENNESSEE BOSS and SIR REDALOT were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After travelling a short distance, GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR and FAIRY TWINS bumped on two occasions, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.
Approaching the 700 Metres, GOOD OMEN raced tight inside ATTENTION (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. Apprentice Wong will be advised to exercise more care.
Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, JADE THEATRE raced in restricted room when taken a tight run between VICTORY MACHINE and DOUBLE VALENTINE. When improving between VICTORY MACHINE and DOUBLE VALENTINE, JADE THEATRE bumped DOUBLE VALENTINE on the hindquarters. JADE THEATRE then continued to race tight between DOUBLE VALENTINE and VICTORY MACHINE until passing the 150 Metres.
For the majority of the race, ATTENTION travelled wide and without cover.
The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst the considered an incident which occurred passing the 100 Metres. Z Purton, the rider of second placed, JADE THEATRE, and M Chadwick, the rider of fourth placed, VICTORY MACHINE, viewed the videos of this section of the race. Neither Jockeys Purton nor Chadwick elected to lodge a formal protest/objection. The Stewards then considered whether there were grounds for a protest/objection on behalf of VICTORY MACHINE against FAIRY TWINS which finished third. After viewing all the videos, the Stewards were satisfied that FAIRY TWINS had come from some distance behind VICTORY MACHINE in the early part of the Straight to improve past VICTORY MACHINE and despite VICTORY MACHINE sustaining interference near the 75 Metres, the Stewards were not satisfied that VICTORY MACHINE would have finished in front of FAIRY TWINS. Therefore, the Stewards elected not to proceed to a formal protest/objection hearing. At a subsequent inquiry, Apprentice M F Poon (FAIRY TWINS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of VICTORY MACHINE, causing that horse to be badly hampered and in turn taken in onto JADE THEATRE which was also badly hampered and taken in across the rightful running of DOUBLE VALENTINE which was severely checked and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of PERFECT GLORY, resulting in that horse becoming badly unbalanced when racing tight outside MY CHANCE. GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR, which was initially following VICTORY MACHINE after the 100 Metres, was steadied and shifted out from behind VICTORY MACHINE and FAIRY TWINS as the incident was occurring. Apprentice Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 October 2018 and to expire on Monday, 5 November 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards had regard to the high degree of carelessness exhibited by Apprentice Poon as well as the significant nature of the interference sustained by a number of runners, in particular DOUBLE VALENTINE.
A veterinary inspection of GOOD OMEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DOUBLE VALENTINE, PERFECT GLORY and JADE THEATRE were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (89) VERBENA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1000 m

BALTIC WHISPER began only fairly and then was crowded for room between KEEP MOVING and MR LUMIERES which shifted out. In this incident, KEEP MOVING shifted out after being bumped by BALTIC WHISPER, resulting in GUNNISON and FABULOUS ONE, which began awkwardly, being hampered.
SAUL’S SPECIAL shifted in at the start and bumped HINCHINLOVE.
From the outside barrier, FANTASTIC EIGHT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
A Sanna (HINCHINLOVE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 700 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ALMABABY, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. GUNNISON, which was following, was hampered in consequence. A Sanna was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 24 October 2018 and to expire on Monday, 29 October 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Sanna’s good race riding record.
Passing the 600 Metres, KEEP MOVING was steadied away from the heels of HINCHINLOVE (A Sanna) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Sanna was reprimanded. BALTIC WHISPER, which was racing behind KEEP MOVING, ran out making the turn after the 600 Metres and in doing so was checked after bumping the hindquarters of GUNNISON which became unbalanced. The Stewards were satisfied that this incident was as a result of BALTIC WHISPER’s racing manners rather than any influence from KEEP MOVING being hampered inside HINCHINLOVE.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, MR LUMIERES became unbalanced after shifting in of its own accord and brushing the running rail.
Apprentice C Wong will be questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KEEP MOVING prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday. 13 October 2018.
A veterinary inspection of BALTIC WHISPER and KEEP MOVING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
MR LUMIERES, SAUL’S SPECIAL and CHEERFULJET were sent for sampling.
<13/10/2018 10 October 2018 Happy Valley Racemeeting Race 7 (89)>The Stewards today questioned Apprentice C Wong regarding the disappointing performance of KEEP MOVING. He said KEEP MOVING, which was up in grade in this race, was not able to travel as comfortably as it did last start due to the pace of the race being, in his opinion, quicker than it was when the horse was successful in Class 3 at its last start. He said KEEP MOVING came off the bridle after the 500 Metres and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race.

Race:8 (90) WISTARIA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

GOOD BEAUTY was crowded for room on jumping between THE JUDGE which shifted out marginally and ARCADA which began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. In this incident, THE JUDGE became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GOOD BEAUTY.
IRISH VEGA began awkwardly and lost ground.
DON’T MISS shifted out at the start and bumped PLANET STAR which became unbalanced.
Near the 1250 Metres, IRISH VEGA was steadied away from the heels of RIGHT HONOURABLE.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, EVEREST momentarily raced right inside DON’T MISS which got its head on the side and shifted in away from PLANET STAR. DON’T MISS was then directed out away from EVEREST to relieve the tightening.
MISTER MONTE travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres.
When improving into tight running between SLEEP EDUCATION and ARCADA passing the 500 Metres, RIGHT HONOURABLE was steadied when momentarily crowded by SLEEP EDUCATION which shifted out before being directed back in to relieve the tightening to RIGHT HONOURABLE.
Passing the 300 Metres, SLEEP EDUCATION and RIGHT HONOURABLE raced tight as SLEEP EDUCATION shifted out to obtain clear running.
Near the 250 Metres, MONGOLIAN LEGEND momentarily raced tight between HAPPY SPIRIT and IRISH VEGA, both of which shifted ground.
U Rispoli, the rider of GOOD BEAUTY, will be questioned regarding the disappointing performance of that horse prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 13 October 2018.
A veterinary inspection of DON’T MISS and GOOD BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RIGHT HONOURABLE, THE JUDGE and PLANET STAR were sent for sampling.
<13/10/2018 10 October 2018 Happy Valley Racemeeting Race 8 (90)>When questioned regarding the performance of GOOD BEAUTY, U Rispoli stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position. He said after beginning only fairly GOOD BEAUTY was then badly crowded for room which resulted in the horse being much further back in the field than has been intended. He said he then rode GOOD BEAUTY along in the early stages to see whether the horse may be able to obtain a more forward position given his instructions, however, despite being ridden along, GOOD BEAUTY did not show any early speed. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he steadied GOOD BEAUTY with a view to possibly obtaining a trailing position behind THE JUDGE, however, he became aware that ARCADA and IRISH VEGA improved their position inside GOOD BEAUTY and for this reason he was not able to shift in. He said this resulted in GOOD BEAUTY having to travel three wide throughout the race albeit the horse was able to have cover throughout. He added GOOD BEAUTY did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and as far as 800 Metres from the finish came off the bridle, resulting in him having to ride the horse along in an attempt to maintain its position behind HAPPY SPIRIT. He said GOOD BEAUTY did not respond to his riding and after being taken wider after the 500 Metres when horses improved to his inside, GOOD BEAUTY did not finish off the race. He further stated that although GOOD BEAUTY was obliged to race further back in the field and was three wide at its first time of asking at Happy Valley, nonetheless the horse was disappointing in that it came under pressure so far from the finish and then did not respond to his riding.