Race:1 (461) LUCKY OWNERS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

GOLD FORTUNE was withdrawn on 15.3.13 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter OCEAN BRIGHT (M L Yeung).
On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie fitted to DOUBLE MOON was replaced.
TELECOM TOP STAR and LUCKY CHEVALIER began only fairly.
Shortly after the start, RAINBOW SEEKER was crowded for room between IDYLLIC WIND and MONEY WIN WINS which shifted out. RAINBOW SEEKER was then taken across behind runners.
Passing the 500 Metres, LUCKY CHEVALIER and DOUBLE MOON raced tight as LUCKY CHEVALIER attempted to shift out from behind DIAMOND AGATE into clear running. Then approaching the 400 Metres, LUCKY CHEVALIER was checked and lost ground when disappointed for running between those two horses.
When questioned, W M Lai stated that, from barrier 14, he was asked to ride IDYLLIC WIND in 3rd, 4th or 5th position if possible but to ensure the horse was settled. He said it was felt that at its two most recent starts the horse had not been able to finish off its races after having to run fast sectionals whilst ridden in a forward position. He said as he was asked to ensure the horse was settled, he allowed IDYLLIC WIND to travel into a forward position of its own accord rather than ride it along in the early stages. He said however that he was not able to obtain cover on IDYLLIC WIND from the outside barrier.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HURRY HURRY UP, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he was able to lead today’s race as instructed without having to make too much use of the horse in the early stages. He said after reaching the lead, HURRY HURRY UP travelled keenly and would not relax as he had hoped. He said HURRY HURRY UP came under pressure passing the 400 Metres and was then disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HURRY HURRY UP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TELECOM TOP STAR, A Suborics stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden quietly as it was when it was successful three starts ago, nevertheless he had to ride TELECOM TOP STAR along in the early stages to prevent it from becoming detached from the field. He said the horse did not travel as well throughout the race as it had done when he had ridden it previously. He added that he placed TELECOM TOP STAR under pressure rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse was most disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of TELECOM TOP STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of BESPOKE MASTER immediately following the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, BESPOKE MASTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
HURRY HURRY UP, BACKSTREET FIGHTER and DOUBLE MOON were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (462) VENGEANCE OF RAIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

PRONOUNCED HONOUR began awkwardly and lost ground.
From wide barriers, FIERY RAIDER and GOLDEN GUNNERS were taken across behind runners shortly after the start.
Shortly after the start, MAJESTIC ANTHEM was steadied away from the heels of MIGHTY EQUUS which shifted in.
Passing the 900 Metres, BEAR SUPREME was steadied away from the heels of GLACIER BLUE which shifted in.
Passing the 700 Metres, MAJESTIC ANTHEM commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAR SUPREME.
After the 700 Metres and again approaching the 500 Metres, SPICY SHRIMP, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and lay out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSHINE KID.
After the 400 Metres, HEARTLAND, which was shifting out to obtain clear running, was momentarily crowded for room between SUNSHINE KID and SPICY SHRIMP which shifted in slightly. In this incident, HEARTLAND made contact with the hindquarter of SPICY SHRIMP which became unbalanced.
MAJESTIC ANTHEM was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres.
Approaching the 200 Metres, NIGHTLIGN got it head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN GUNNERS, resulting in it being steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPICY SHRIMP for a short distance.
Passing the 200 Metres, GOLDEN GUNNERS and SUNSHINE KID bumped.
Passing the 100 Metres, BEAR SUPREME, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of MAJESTIC ANTHEM (G Mossé) which shifted out into clear running Whilst acknowledging that MAJESTIC ANTHEM was having its first race start today, G Mossé was nonetheless advised to ensure that he exercises care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
For the majority of the race, MR GNOCCHI travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, K C Leung stated that it had been intended for BOBO DRAGON to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its only other race start. He said prior to the race BOBO DRAGON became more stirred up than it was last start and after being placed in the barriers became fractious. He said when the start was effected BOBO DRAGON lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently did not begin as well as had been hoped. He said shortly after the start MIGHTY EQUUS shifted in from his outside and because of this he was not able to ride BOBO DRAGON into a forward position. He said these factors resulted in BOBO DRAGON travelling much further back in the field than had been intended.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PRONOUNCED HONOUR had sustained a cut to the right front pastern.
A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY EQUUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GLACIER BLUE, HEARTLAND and BOBO DRAGON were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (463) VIVA PATACA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1600 m

THE FAST LANE proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, THE FAST LANE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
Shortly after the start, WINNING INSTINCT and THE FAST LANE bumped on a number of occasions.
ALL ROUND shifted out at the start and bumped SATIRICAL BOY. After this, SATIRICAL BOY was taken across behind runners.
Inside the 50 Metres, DIVINE DIYA shifted in and bumped HECO RIDER. Then close to the finishing line, DIVINE DIYA was steadied away from the heels of PEPPERMINT (O Doleuze) which shifted in when not properly clear. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to keep his mounts straight in similar circumstances. Because of this, DIVINE DIYA was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be.
Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of D Whyte (WINNING INSTINCT), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.
WINNING INSTINCT, PEPPERMINT and PERCY JACKSON were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (464) VITAL KING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 2000 m

BREEZE OF LUCK was withdrawn on 16.3.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetance) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BURGUNDY MAC (C Y Ho). Before being allowed to race again, BREEZE OF LUCK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
On arrival at the barriers, it was found that BOSAMBO had got its tongue over the bit. This necessitated the bridle being adjusted.
ACTIVISM was steadied when crowded for room at the start between MOUNT VICTORY which was taken out by KINGSTON SPARTACUS and VICTORY MASCOT which was taken in by PACKING DE LAGO.
KENSWORTH KID began awkwardly.
BURGUNDY MAC was slow to begin.
From the outside barrier, BOSAMBO was taken across behind runners shortly after the start.
Approaching the 200 Metres, BURGUNDY MAC was shifted out away from the heels of VICTORY MASCOT.
Passing the 200 Metres, BULLISH POWER and ACTIVISM bumped.
Passing the 50 Metres, BULLISH POWER was bumped by ACTIVISM which shifted in under pressure.
For the majority of the race, HOLLYWOOD KISS travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been instructed to position HOLLYWOOD KISS in about midfield if possible as the pattern of racing in the earlier races had indicated that horses coming from off the speed had been advantaged. Trainer D Cruz confirmed that he had asked Jockey Cheng to ride the horse more quietly specifically due to the pattern of racing in the earlier races conducted today.
When questioned, M Chadwick (BULLISH POWER) stated that after the 1400 Metres he was following PACKING DE LAGO and it was his intention to maintain this position. He said however that BULLISH POWER came off the bridle and when ridden on a loose rein was reluctant to maintain its position behind PACKING DE LAGO. He said he rode his mount along after the 1400 Metres to continue racing behind PACKING DE LAGO, however, BULLISH POWER did not pick up and despite being ridden along was unable to hold its position. He said this allowed FOLLOW THE WIND the opportunity to shift in behind PACKING DE LAGO and in front of BULLISH POWER. He said after this BULLISH POWER continued to travel only fairly.
A veterinary inspection of KENSWORTH KID immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FULL VALUE and VICTORY MASCOT were sent for sampling.
<18/3/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>KENSWORTH KID, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. KENSWORTH KID was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer R Gibson this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, KENSWORTH KID will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:5 (465) BMW PERFORMANCE RACE (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

WINDICATOR POWER began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of ABLE SPEED after shifting out.
Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, WINDICATOR POWER proved difficult to settle and approaching the 800 Metres was left racing wide and without cover.
At the 1000 Metres, STERLING CITY commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CAPE CANAVERAL.
Passing the 1000 Metres, NEW DEERFIELD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PIZZAZZ.
Rounding the Home Turn, CALIFORNIA BOUNTY got its head on the side and hung out.
Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, FIONN’S TREASURE was held up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ABLE SPEED.
At the 400 Metres, HEALTH WISE was bumped and taken wider by ROMAN SOLDIER which got its head on the side and shifted out away from NEW DEERFIELD.
After the race, it was noted that PIZZAZZ had blood present at its right nostril. The Veterinary Officer said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to have bled.
A veterinary inspection of WINDICATOR STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ROMAN SOLDIER immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ROMAN SOLDIER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
STERLING CITY and NEW DEERFIELD were sent for sampling.
<18/3/2013 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, ROMAN SOLDIER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse was lame in its left front leg. ROMAN SOLDIER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C H Yip this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be also lame in its right hind leg. As previously advised, ROMAN SOLDIER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

Race:6 (466) HELENE MASCOT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

TRIUMPHANT WAY was withdrawn on 16.3.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PRINCIPAL (B Prebble). Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPHANT WAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Both MEDIC KINGDOM and SIGHT LOVER began awkwardly.
POWER BLITZ and HEART WOOD bumped at the start.
From wide barriers, FLORAL MAN and JUN JU were taken across behind runners shortly after the start.
Shortly after the start, BULLISH BOY and PEACEFUL MISSION bumped. PEACEFUL MISSION then shifted in abruptly, resulting in SIGHT LOVER being checked when crowded for room outside DOUBLE DRAGON which shifted out slightly.
MEDIC KINGDOM raced ungenerously and proved difficult to settle in the early stages.
Passing the 700 Metres, SIGHT LOVER commenced to travel keenly and had to be checked away from the heels of PRINCIPAL. In this incident, SIGHT LOVER shifted out resulting in LORD DRAGON becoming unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside HEART WOOD.
SIGHT LOVER, which was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, was shifted to the inside of DOUBLE DRAGON near the 350 Metres in an attempt to obtain clear running. When DOUBLE DRAGON shifted in a short distance later, SIGHT LOVER was directed to the outside of that horse, however, was still unable to obtain clear running until passing the 100 Metres. Because of this, SIGHT LOVER was not able to be properly tested in the Straight as it normally would be.
FLORAL MAN was held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres.
Close to the finishing line, MEDIC KINGDOM was steadied when disappointed for running between POWER BLITZ and GREAT PEGASUS, both of which shifted ground.
Throughout the race, KEEP RUNNING travelled wide and without cover.
G Mossé pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride HEART WOOD, 10th placegetter, out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. Having in mind G Mossé’s prior record in respect of breaches of this Rule, the Stewards deemed the appropriate penalty was for him to be fined the sum of $40,000.
After the race, W C Marwing (KEEP RUNNING) reported that the horse made an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of KEEP RUNNING including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, KEEP RUNNING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of PEACEFUL MISSION and MEDIC KINGDOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BULLISH BOY, LORD DRAGON and JUN JU were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (467) THE QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CUP (Sec1) Hong Kong Group One 1400 m

As the start was effected, LUCKY NINE lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began awkwardly.
After the 1100 Metres, GLORIOUS DAYS was left racing wide and without cover.
At the entrance to the Straight, LUCKY NINE and AMBITIOUS DRAGON bumped as LUCKY NINE attempted to shift out into clear running from behind GLORIOUS DAYS.
In the Straight, THUMBS UP (T Clark) got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Then over the concluding stages, T Clark dropped his right rein.
Also in the Straight, CERISE CHERRY got its head on the side and lay in under pressure.
A veterinary inspection of LUCKY NINE immediately following the race revealed the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY NINE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GLORIOUS DAYS, AMBITIOUS DRAGON and TIME AFTER TIME were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (468) THE BMW HONG KONG DERBY 2013 (Sec1) Hong Kong Group One 2000 m

Prior to the racemeeting commencing, the Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation reported that MIZANI was found to be mildly lame in the right front foot. A further inspection of MIZANI later in the day found that horse to be lame in the right front foot and as such was not suitable to race. Accordingly, MIZANI was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, MIZANI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
POETIC JUSTICE was slow to begin.
From a wide barrier, AUTUMN GOLD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start.
Approaching the 1600 Metres, WAH MAY STAR and GOLD-FUN raced tight.
Approaching the 1300 Metres, GOLD-FUN was taken wider by ALBICELESTE which shifted out away from the heels of the leader, JUN GONG. When GOLD-FUN was steadied by its rider in an attempt to obtain cover behind ALBICELESTE, GOLD-FUN got its head up and momentarily raced ungenerously. AKEED MOFEED, which was following, was checked away from the heels of GOLD-FUN and in doing so shifted out, resulting in IT HAS TO BE YOU blundering when having to be shifted out away from the heels of AKEED MOFEED and being taken wider. After this incident, IT HAS TO BE YOU, after being left racing wide and without cover, was allowed to stride into a more forward position, however, continued to travel wide and without cover for the remainder of the race.
For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, WAH MAY STAR and GOLD-FUN raced tight.
Rounding the Home Turn, PRESIDENT LINCOLN was momentarily crowded for room between GOLD-FUN and RAINBOW CHIC which shifted to the outside of WAH MAY STAR. RAINBOW CHIC was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then experienced difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200 Metres when racing inside AKEED MOFEED.
Near the 350 Metres, GOLD-FUN shifted in and bumped IT HAS TO BE YOU. IT HAS TO BE YOU then got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in ALBICELESTE, which was commencing to give ground, being crowded for room outside ENDOWING which also became unbalanced after getting bumped on the hindquarters.
O Doleuze (GOLD-FUN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of IT HAS TO BE YOU, resulting in that horse having to be checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 15 April 2013 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 7 April 2013. In addition, O Doleuze was fined $80,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating two further racedays. In assessing the appropriate penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that there was a slight contribution to this incident from ENDOWING which shifted out slightly. In this incident, ENDOWING became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by IT HAS TO BE YOU.
In the Straight, BEST SHOW got its head on the side and hung in under pressure and then over the concluding stages was awkwardly placed between PRESIDENT LINCOLN and ASHKIYR.
A veterinary inspection of IT HAS TO BE YOU and ASHKIYR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
AKEED MOFEED and ENDOWING were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (469) COLLECTION HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

Whilst in the saddling stalls, COUNTRY CHARM had its left front plate refitted. COUNTRY CHARM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
KING TAI SING proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, KING TAI SING will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
GOOD TREASURE began awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted in and bumped AEROVELOCITY.
From outside barriers, EXCITING DREAM and BIG FOUR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start.
Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, FLYING CHAPARRAL was unable to show sufficient speed to cross runners to its inside and consequently travelled wide and without cover.
In the early part of the race, AEROVELOCITY raced greenly.
Passing the 800 Metres, EXCITING DREAM momentarily raced tight inside KING TAI SING.
After shifting in rounding the Home Turn, AEROVELOCITY became unbalanced after being shifted back out by its rider to avoid causing interference to BIG FOUR to its inside.
NORDIC ONE had difficulty obtaining clear running between SAMADHI and BULLISH FRIEND in the early part of the Straight.
Near the 300 Metres, EXCITING DREAM was shifted in away from the heels of FLYING CHAPARRAL which was commencing to give ground.
Approaching the 200 Metres, KING TAI SING got its head on the side and shifted in towards the heels of FLYING CHAPARRAL. KING TAI SING continued to be awkwardly placed outside the heels of FLYING CHAPARRAL for some distance after this.
Passing the 150 Metres, EXCITING DREAM was shifted to the inside of the heels of AEROVELOCITY when disappointed for running to the outside of that horse and inside BOMBER JET. Approaching the 50 Metres, EXCITING DREAM was steadied when held up for clear running behind AEROVELOCITY. EXCITING DREAM then shifted to the inside of that horse to obtain clear running and in doing so brushed BIG FOUR.
Throughout the race, KING DERBY travelled wide and without cover.
VICTORIUS and AEROVELOCITY were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (470) SUPER SATIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

LUCKY WARRIOR was withdrawn on 16.3.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter READY TO CELEBRATE. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
NATURAL CHAMPION began awkwardly.
From wide barriers, VERDANE and SUN HUSSAR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start.
Passing the 1100 Metres, PLENTIFUL was steadied away from the heels of BERLINSKI which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPREME FLIGHT which itself shifted in at this time.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, NATURAL CHAMPION got it head up when proving difficult to settle.
Near the 900 Metres, OWNERS’ PRIDE was steadied away from the heels of BERLINSKI which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPREME FLIGHT which at this time was being steadied to obtain a position with cover behind DIAMOND START.
PLENTIFUL got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn.
SUPREME FLIGHT and DIAMOND START were taken wider at the entrance to the Straight by BERLINSKI which shifted to the outside of GREAT CHARM.
Near the 300 Metres, HO IN ONE got its head on the side and shifted in.
Throughout the race, READY TO CELEBRATE travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of OWNERS’ PRIDE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped.
METALLIC STAR and BERLINSKI were sent for sampling.