Race:1 (253) CANBERRA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

After being boxed, OPERA MAGIC became fractious, reared and as a result had its right fore leg caught over the adjoining partition. Acting on advice from the Veterinary Surgeon that OPERA MAGIC was not suitable to race, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of the horse. Before being permitted to race again, OPERA MAGIC will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. On jumping, ASIA RISING got its head up and lost ground. SALENTINO began awkwardly and bumped the inside gate of its stall. AMBITION began awkwardly and bumped the outside gate of its stall. ROMANTIC SYMPHONY was slow to begin. In the early stages, THE GRAND ROOF proved difficult to settle. Also in the early stages, FLASH HARRY proved difficult to settle, then in the Straight hung in and proved difficult to ride. For the major part of the Straight, KOWLOON STAR hung out. Also for the major part of the Straight, THE GRAND ROOF was held up and unable to obtain clear running initially between SALENTINO and SMILING FOREST and then near the 200 Metres between BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY and SUPER SPRINT. Because of these incidents, THE GRAND ROOF was not fully tested. For some distance after straightening, ASIA RISING had some difficulty obtaining clear running and after the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of FLASH HARRY to go forward, then after the 200 Metres was again shifted out away from the heels of LOYAL DEVOTION to continue going forward. Near the 300 Metres, LOYAL DEVOTION, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted to the outside of AMBITION to go forward. Over the concluding stages, AMBITION and MIRACLES shifted out. K Fallon (KALIMANTAN) explained the horse became unsettled as a result of OPERA MAGIC which had drawn to its outside rearing up in the gates. He said KALIMANTAN did not travel in the early stages despite his riding and after straightening when placed under pressure did not respond. KALIMANTAN was sent for a clinical veterinary examination. A veterinary examination of KALIMANTAN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KALIMANTAN, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KALIMANTAN will have to perform competitively in an official barrier trial and will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. G Mossé (BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY) said he had ridden the horse in its work leading into today's race and in his opinion this work was good. He said after beginning well he obtained a nice position in the run behind KOWLOON STAR, the leader, however, when placed under pressure near the 400 Metres BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY did not respond to his riding. He said over the final 200 Metres BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY commenced to give ground and he did not ride the horse out as he became concerned with its action. BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY was sent for a clinical veterinary examination and sampling. After the race, BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings. Before being permitted to race again, BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KOWLOON STAR, MIRACLES and AMBITION were sent for sampling.
Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 15 December 2003)
OPERA MAGIC was withdrawn at barriers by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice. The horse was again examined by the Senior Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C H Yip this morning and at this time was noted to be lame in the right front leg. As previously advised, OPERA MAGIC will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial, and it will now also be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

Race:2 (254) LONDON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 1 2000 m

IDOL was slow to begin and shortly afterwards was checked when crowded for room between SURVEYOR and HELENE VITALITY, both of which shifted ground. CELEBRATION was slow to begin and then from the outside gate was shifted across behind runners to a position closer to the rail but near the rear. At the 1700 Metres, CELEBRATION was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of OCELOT. Also at the 1700 Metres, LIBERAL'S CHOICE was steadied away from the heels of SURVEYOR. For the major part of the Straight, NILOMETER travelled in a forward position but three wide and without cover. After the 400 Metres, LIBERAL'S CHOICE was steadied when disappointed for running inside SURVEYOR. After the 300 Metres, JAZZ BEAT was checked severely when disappointed for running between LIBERAL'S CHOICE which shifted out slightly and KEEN MARSHAL which was giving ground. No action was taken. Near the 200 Metres, OCELOT, which was weakening, was checked severely when crowded for room between CHEERS HONG KONG which shifted in slightly and KEEN MARSHAL which shifted out abruptly after being brushed by LIBERAL'S CHOICE which when improving on the outside of SURVEYOR was taken out slightly by that horse. Shortly after this, KEEN MARSHAL, which was continuing to give ground, was checked when crowded for room between CHEERS HONG KONG and LIBERAL'S CHOICE, both of which shifted ground. In the circumstances, no action was taken. When KEEN MARSHAL checked, inconvenience was also caused to JAZZ BEAT. After the 100 Metres, EQUATOR KID, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between CHEERS HONG KONG and CELEBRATION, both of which shifted ground. In the Straight, DANAMITE hung in and proved difficult to ride and near the winning post shifted ground and made contact with CELEBRATION. KEEN MARSHAL was sent for a clinical veterinary examination. After the race, KEEN MARSHAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer. No abnormalities were detected. LIBERAL'S CHOICE, HELENE VITALITY and CHEERS HONG KONG were sent for sampling. After the race, it was noted IDOL had bled from both nostrils. Also after the race, it was noted OCELOT had sustained a laceration to the left hind leg and was lame in the right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, OCELOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:3 (255) THE HONG KONG VASE (Sec1) 3 YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS 2400 m

IMPERIAL DANCER and INDIAN CREEK were slow to begin. Near the 2000 Metres, KALABAR was steadied away from the heels of INDUSTRIAL SUCCESS which shifted in when not quite clear. POLISH SUMMER, which was following, was inconvenienced as a consequence. Making the Home Turn and in the Straight, INDUSTRIAL SUCCESS hung in. On straightening, FAIR MIX was steadied and shifted to the outside of KALABAR to obtain clear running. Near the 400 Metres, RED PEPPER was steadied and shifted out to avoid the heels of SABIANGO which commenced to give ground. Approaching the 300 Metres, ROOSEVELT was held up and unable to obtain clear running behind POLISH SUMMER and inside VALLEE ENCHANTEE. After the 300 Metres, SABIANGO, which was giving ground, bumped the running rail when crowded for room inside RED PEPPER which was racing tight inside FIELDS OF OMAGH which was carried in slightly by INDUSTRIAL SUCCESS which shifted ground when hanging. No action was taken. C Soumillon (POLISH SUMMER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of RIVER DANCER, causing that horse to lose its rightful running. In the circumstances of this case, it was considered the appropriate penalty was for C Soumillon's licence to ride in races be suspended until Friday 2 January 2004 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong race days). The commencement of the suspension is to take immediate effect. Over the concluding stages, IMPERIAL DANCER and FIELDS OF OMAGH hung in. For the major part of the race, MAKTUB raced wide and without cover. WARRSAN, VALLEE ENCHANTEE and POLISH SUMMER were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that he noted SABIANGO to be distressed.

Race:4 (256) PARIS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

ABLE EAGLE began awkwardly and shifted out. FLYING SUCCESS began awkwardly and shortly afterwards was steadied away from the heels of SAN LORENZO. COOL SWING began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of INSIDE MAIL, then in the early stages proved difficult to settle, approaching the 800 Metres got its head on the side, shifted in, was checked away from the heels of INSIDE MAIL, then shifted out abruptly. When shifting out abruptly, inconvenience was caused to AMAZING and SANBENITO, both of which were hampered and carried significantly wider. After this, COOL SWING hung out badly around the Home Turn and in the Straight tailed out. The performance of COOL SWING was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, COOL SWING will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend and will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COOL SWING was sent for a clinical veterinary examination. After the race, COOL SWING was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a significant amount of blood in the horse's trachea. In the early stages, SCINTILLATION hung in. In the middle stages, INSIDE MAIL proved difficult to settle and near the 700 Metres was shifted out to avoid the heels of KEEP ON EASY which was also proving difficult to settle and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SOUNDS BETTER. Also in the middle stages, ABLE EAGLE hung out. In the early part of the Straight, INSIDE MAIL was carried wider by KEEP ON EASY which shifted out after being disappointed for running between SOUNDS BETTER and LUCKY TRIO which was giving ground. Near the 200 Metres, SANBENITO, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of SOUNDS BETTER which was giving ground. CENDAMY, which was following SANBENITO, was shifted out abruptly. SANBENITO was sent for a clinical veterinary examination. After the race, SANBENITO was examined by the Veterinary Officer. No significant findings were made. SAN LORENZO and SCINTILLATION were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (257) THE HONG KONG SPRINT (Sec1) 3 YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS 1000 m

THE TRADER and FIREBOLT were slow to begin. Near the 900 Metres, CHEERFUL FORTUNE was checked when crowded for room between DEPORTIVO which shifted to the outside of the heels of SILENT WITNESS after being crossed by that horse and THE TATLING which was taken in by CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Near the 400 Metres, INTO THE NIGHT was bumped by GRAND DELIGHT which shifted out. Near the 300 Metres, BOMBER BILL was struck on the nose by the whip of L Dettori (ACCLAMATION – GB). Shortly after this, BOMBER BILL was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between ALL THRILLS TOO and ACCLAMATION (GB) which shifted in when only just clear. GRAND DELIGHT was sent for a clinical veterinary examination. A veterinary examination of GRAND DELIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. SILENT WITNESS and NATIONAL CURRENCY were sent for sampling. After the race, it was noted SILENT WITNESS had lost its left front plate.

Race:6 (258) CATHAY PACIFIC OFFICIAL AIRLINE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 1 1400 m

CALIFORNIA HAWK was slow to begin and then on jumping got its head up. On jumping, GEM OF INDIA knuckled. Also on jumping, OUR CLASS was bumped between THANK HEAVENS which shifted out and TIBER which was taken in slightly by SHAXI FORTUNE. BEST LUCK began awkwardly and blundered. Shortly after the start, WINNING KEVIN was bumped by BEST LUCK which shifted in away from the heels of GREAT DELIGHT which was taken in slightly by OUR CLASS. After the 900 Metres, TIBER was bumped by BEST LUCK which momentarily shifted in. At the 700 Metres, OUR CLASS shifted in and brushed GREAT DELIGHT. After this, OUR CLASS hung out. Prior to straightening, KIDDYLAND was checked to avoid the heels of WINNING KEVIN which was giving ground. After the 300 Metres, BEST LUCK, which was giving ground, was steadied when crowded for room between KIDDYLAND and CALIFORNIA HAWK which shifted out. DASHING THUNDER, which was following, was steadied to avoid the heels of BEST LUCK. In the Straight, CLASSIC MASTER hung in. When questioned, S K Sit (OUR CLASS) said he had been instructed to lead. He said in accordance with those instructions he rode along in the early stages, however, he was unable to clear GREAT DELIGHT which raced to his inside. He said today's riding instructions were consistent with those when he had previously ridden OUR CLASS. Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of OUR CLASS, confirmed the riding instructions. The performance of WINNING KEVIN, which was difficult to load and then tailed out in the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING KEVIN will have to perform competitively in an official barrier trial and will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNING KEVIN was sent for a clinical veterinary examination. A veterinary examination of WINNING KEVIN after the race did not show any significant findings. GREAT DELIGHT was sent for a clinical veterinary examination and sampling. After the race, GREAT DELIGHT was examined by the Veterinary Officer. No significant findings were made. GEM OF INDIA and TIBER were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (259) THE HONG KONG MILE (Sec1) 3 YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS 1600 m

PASSING GLANCE was a little slow to begin and shortly afterwards was steadied when crowded for room between LOHENGRIN which shifted in and FIREBREAK which shifted out after bumping with MISTER ACPEN. MERIDIAN STAR and SPECIAL KALDOUN were slow to begin. TELEGNOSIS began awkwardly and bumped the outside gate of its stall. Near the 1400 Metres, SPECIAL KALDOUN was crowded for room between TELEGNOSIS and MISTER ACPEN which was racing tight inside FIREBREAK. Shortly after this incident, TELEGNOSIS was unable to hold its position between OLYMPIC EXPRESS and SPECIAL KALDOUN. J Saimee (NINETYFIVE EMPEROR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1500 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CITIZEN KANE, causing that horse to lose its rightful running and be severely checked. In the circumstances of this case, it was considered the appropriate penalty was for J Saimee's licence to ride in races be suspended until Friday 2 January 2004 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong race days). The commencement of the suspension is to take immediate effect. LUCKY OWNERS was also hampered in this incident. Making the turn after the 800 Metres, MISTER ACPEN hung out. After passing the 600 Metres, OLYMPIC EXPRESS was eased down. OLYMPIC EXPRESS was sent for a clinical veterinary examination and sampling. Following the race, OLYMPIC EXPRESS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in the right fore leg. Before being allowed to race again, OLYMPIC EXPRESS will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. For the majority of the race, NINETYFIVE EMPEROR hung out. Throughout the race, LOHENGRIN raced wide and without cover and making the Home Turn was carried wider by NINETYFIVE EMPEROR which shifted ground when hanging. LOHENGRIN, LUCKY OWNERS and BOWMAN'S CROSSING were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (260) THE HONG KONG CUP (Sec1) 3 YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS 2000 m

RAKTI began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of FALBRAV. EISHIN PRESTON bounded in the air at the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, RAKTI, which had been ridden to improve its position, was crowded for room between PRECISION and BRIGHT SKY. In this incident, inconvenience was also caused to BRIGHT SKY which was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DR MORE. After this incident, RAKTI got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DENON. After the 400 Metres, RAKTI was bumped by FALBRAV which shifted in. For the major part of the race, MAGNATEN raced wide and without cover, then in the Straight gave ground. FALBRAV and RAKTI were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (261) TOKYO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1400 m

HAPPY MOMENTUM began awkwardly and got its head up. TRIUMPHANT MASTER began awkwardly. AIN'T HERE was slow to begin, then in the early stages proved difficult to settle. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, HONOUR SUPREME got its head on the side and hung out, then raced wide and without cover. Near the 200 Metres, PALETTE NATURAL was disappointed for running between BEARCAT which had its head on the side and shifted out and SUNBELL which shifted in slightly. Then over the concluding stages, PALETTE NATURAL raced close to the heels of BEARCAT and as a result was not ridden out to the line as it normally would be. Over the concluding stages, TRIUMPHANT MASTER was awkwardly placed initially behind FIGURES, then to the outside of that horse and as a result was not ridden out to the line as it normally would be. Also over the concluding stages, INVERNESS was unable to obtain clear running between BEARCAT and LITTLE ELEPHANT and for this reason was not ridden out to the line. FIGURES, BEARCAT and LITTLE ELEPHANT and were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (262) WASHINGTON D.C. HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 1 1600 m

After being boxed, MONARDS, which had drawn gate 8, became fractious, lunged forward and damaged the front gates of its stall. To avoid an unreasonable delay, all runners drawn 8 and wider were moved out one stall. Before being reloaded, MONARDS was examined by the Veterinary Surgeon and after the necessary consultations was considered suitable to race. MONARDS was slow to begin, then hung out throughout and after the 1000 Metres the saddle of Apprentice K T Yeung, the rider of MONARDS, shifted to the right hand side, placing him at a disadvantage. HELENE MOMENTUM began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped CHEEKY. On jumping, KA KA WIN and SUPER KID bumped. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, NORTHERN GOLD BALL hung out. In the early part of the Straight, SMART WINNER had difficulty obtaining clear running when outside BULLISH LUCK and behind MONARDS which was giving ground. After the 300 Metres, COME SEE YOU was checked when crowded for room between SIROCCO and MONARDS which shifted ground while hanging badly. Near the 200 Metres, SIROCCO was momentarily crowded for room between MONARDS which shifted out further and CHEEKY which shifted in slightly. Just prior to the winning post, SUPER KID was steadied when crowded for room between MAGNIFIER and BULL'S EYE which shifted out slightly. Because of this, SUPER KID was not ridden out to the line as it normally would be. When questioned regarding the improved performance of BULL'S EYE, Trainer J Moore was unable to offer any explanation. He said nothing had altered in the horse's work pattern and the horse's winning was a complete surprise to him. BULLISH LUCK, BULL'S EYE and HELENE MOMENTUM were sent for sampling.