Race:1 (181) BOCHK ENRICH BANKING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

VIRTUS STAR was slow to begin.
KING OF THE NORTH was also slow to begin and then after being ridden along for some distance in the early stages was eased out of the race after making the turn near the 900 Metres. A veterinary inspection of KING OF THE NORTH immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, KING OF THE NORTH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SUPER STAR was crowded for room on jumping between HAPPY WARRIOR and SUPER EURO STAR which shifted in. In this incident, HAPPY WARRIOR became unbalanced when bumped by SUPER STAR.
From the outside barrier, CHARIZARD was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1000 Metres, KING MORTAR momentarily raced in restricted room inside the heels of REGENCY DARLING which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SUPER EURO STAR. KA YING BRILLIANCE, which was racing to the inside of KING MORTAR, was inconvenienced in consequence.
Passing the 900 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE got its head up when awkwardly placed behind ALPHA HEDGE.
Also passing the 900 Metres, SUPER STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COURT RULER which shifted out marginally. For some distance after this, SUPER STAR was awkwardly placed behind COURT RULER and passing the 700 Metres, after being directed out by CHARIZARD, shifted out when checked away from the heels of COURT RULER which got its head on the side and shifted out away from HAPPY WARRIOR. After this, both COURT RULER and SUPER STAR were left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 600 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE was awkwardly placed behind ALPHA HEDGE and then at the entrance to the Straight was shifted in away from the heels of that horse to obtain clear running.
Making the turn near the 500 Metres, REGENCY DARLING, which for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover, got its head on the side and lay out.
Passing the 300 Metres, ALPHA HEDGE shifted out and bumped KING MORTAR.
W M Lai (SUPER EURO STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance approaching and passing the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out under pressure when not clear of BRAVE BABY, causing that horse to be unnecessary hampered and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 5 December 2018 and to expire on Monday, 10 December 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, W M Lai was fined $7,500.
Passing the 100 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR was steadied when crowded for room between CHARIZARD and SUPER STAR which was directed out by KING MORTAR (Apprentice H T Mo). Apprentice Mo was severely reprimanded and reminded of the requirement to be alert to his mounts shifting ground and to straighten them at the earliest opportunity.
CHARIZARD and ALPHA HEDGE were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (182) BOCHK BUSINESS INTEGRATED SERVICES HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

PLAY IT, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 17.11.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, PLAY IT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After being loaded into the barriers, SPICY KAKA became fractious and reared, resulting in the horse’s head making light contact with the overhead barrier partition.
CHATER THUNDER and GRAN MASTER bumped at the start.
KING KANALOA and QUICK RETURN also bumped on jumping.
From the outside barrier, RIGHTEOUS MATE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1600 Metres, WHAMPOA STAR was steadied when crowded for room between TRAVEL FIRST which shifted in marginally and DIAMOND FRIENDS which shifted out after being bumped by GRAN MASTER.
Approaching the 1600 Metres, SPICY KAKA shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of CHATER THUNDER.
Making the turn after the 1200 Metres, GRAN MASTER was awkwardly placed behind CHATER THUNDER.
TRAVEL FIRST travelled wide and without cover until near the 900 Metres at which stage the horse shifted in to race outside the lead. As a consequence, HONG KONG’S FOLKS was then left racing wide and without cover.
Near the 450 Metres, QUICK RETURN got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CHATER THUNDER after being disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out marginally and HONG KONG’S FOLKS.
A veterinary inspection of CHATER THUNDER, QUICK RETURN and SPICY KAKA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GRAN MASTER and SUPERIOR BOY were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (183) BOCHK PRIVATE BANKING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

IMPERIAL CONCORDE was withdrawn on 17.11.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever). Before being allowed to race again, IMPERIAL CONCORDE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Shortly after the start, TURF SPRINT was steadied away from the heels of TANG FLEMING which shifted in.
From wide barriers, MCMUNIGAL and REMARKABLE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After initially being ridden along from the outside barrier, ELUSIVE STATE was steadied passing the winning post on the first occasion and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, TURF SPRINT shifted out and bumped CHUNG WAH SPIRIT.
After obtaining the lead passing the 1400 Metres, MY POWER commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up for some distance when being steadied.
When being steadied to allow TURF SPRINT to cross, TANG FLEMING got its head up and proved difficult to settle for some distance passing the 1100 Metres.
After the 900 Metres, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was left racing wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of HANG’S DECISION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SHAMPORT, ELUSIVE STATE and GREAT TREASURE were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (184) BOCHK CROSS-BORDER FINANCIAL SERVICES HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

As the start was effected, SUMSTREETSUMWHERE lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently lost ground.
MONEY BOY, which was fractious in the barriers, reared as the start was effected and consequently lost ground.
E-SUPER began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between WINNING WAYS and KA YING LEGEND which shifted in abruptly.
PRINCE HARMONY began awkwardly.
SONIC FIGHTER was crowded for room on jumping between RACING FIGHTER which shifted out marginally and STYLING CITY which shifted in. This resulted in all three horses becoming unbalanced.
JOYFUL FAMILY shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of SIMPLY BIG.
YOUNG LEGEND began only fairly.
Passing the 800 Metres, YOUNG LEGEND commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of DIAMOND DRAGON.
Passing the 300 Metres, YOUNG LEGEND was shifted in away from the heels of MONEY BOY to continue improving.
Passing the 200 Metres, RACING FIGHTER was shifted to the inside of SONIC FIGHTER after being held up for clear running when disappointed for a run between SONIC FIGHTER and SIMPLY BIG. When RACING FIGHTER was shifted in, MONEY BOY was inconvenienced.
A veterinary inspection of E-SUPER and MONEY BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of SUMSTREETSUMWHERE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
STYLING CITY and KA YING LEGEND were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (185) BOC LIFE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1800 m

VICTORY BOYS, SICHUAN DAR and PIKACHU were all crowded for room on jumping between STIMULATION and PEOPLE’S KNIGHT which shifted out abruptly before being corrected by its rider. In this incident, PIKACHU lost ground after bumping the hindquarters of STIMULATION which also became unbalanced and consequently made contact with STAR MAJESTIC which became unbalanced. After this incident, STIMULATION lost its right front plate.
Shortly after the start, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY and GENERAL SHERMAN were steadied to obtain cover.
From wide barriers, HAPPILABABY and HARMONY VICTORY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After the race, it was reported that VICTORY BOYS was distressed. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY BOYS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of GENERAL SHERMAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
INSAYSHABLE, HARMONY VICTORY and VICTORY BOYS were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (186) THE BOCHK WEALTH MANAGEMENT JOCKEY CLUB MILE (Sec1) Group Two 1600 m

On arrival at the Start, SEASONS BLOOM had its left front plate refitted. SEASONS BLOOM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
PINGWU SPARK, which proved difficult to load, will be required to stalls test satisfactorily prior to being permitted to race again.,
SEASONS BLOOM shifted out at the start and bumped BEAUTY ONLY.
Passing the 1400 Metres, THEWIZARDOFOZ raced tight inside PINGWU SPARK which, after being bumped by THE GOLDEN AGE, then got its head on the side and shifted in away from that horse.
Approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, SEASONS BLOOM, which improved to be racing inside BEAUTY ONLY, became unbalanced when crowded for room inside that horse which was taken in by BEAUTY GENERATION (Z Purton) which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to SEASONS BLOOM and BEAUTY ONLY. Z Purton was severely reprimanded and advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have shifted his mount out sooner than he did once he became aware that SEASONS BLOOM had improved its position to be racing inside BEAUTY ONLY.
When questioned, Z Purton (BEAUTY GENERATION) stated that after riding his mount along to obtain a forward position in the early stages, the tempo of the race in the early part of the race was strong. He said rather than becoming involved in a speed battle, he elected to steady BEAUTY GENERATION and obtain a position with cover if possible. He said after briefly obtaining cover behind SOUTHERN LEGEND passing the 1100 Metres, he was required to shift BEAUTY GENERATION out to relieve the tightening to his inside after the 1100 Metres which resulted in BEAUTY GENERATION racing wide and without cover. He said when the tempo of the race slowed sufficiently, he then allowed BEAUTY GENERATION to improve and obtain a position outside the leader. He added rounding the Home Turn BEAUTY GENERATION was inclined to lay out and, when under pressure in the Straight, drifted out abruptly. He said this is unusual for BEAUTY GENERATION as the horse had previously not shown any inclination to shift out. The Stewards will monitor the racing manners of BEAUTY GENERATION in its coming starts.
A veterinary inspection of PINGWU SPARK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BEAUTY GENERATION and SOUTHERN LEGEND were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (187) THE BOCHK JOCKEY CLUB CUP (Sec1) Group Two 2000 m

TIME WARP shifted in at the start, resulting in PAKISTAN STAR being taken in and bumping RUTHVEN.
Shortly after the start, GLORIOUS FOREVER shifted out and hampered EAGLE WAY. Then from the outside barriers, EAGLE WAY and GOLD MOUNT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
K Teetan (PAKISTAN STAR) was charged with careless riding in that approaching the winning post on the first occasion he failed to make sufficient effort to prevent his mount from shifting in across the running of RUTHVEN, causing that horse to be checked, strike the heels of PAKISTAN STAR and blunder badly. After pleading not guilty to the charge and hearing Jockey Teetan’s submissions in answer to the charge, the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied to the requisite degree that Jockey Teetan had not reacted in a timely manner to his mount shifting in, and in his attempt to shift PAKISTAN STAR out after that horse got its head on the side and hung in away from TIME WARP. K Teetan was advised that in accordance with the normal practice of the Stewards, if there is a doubt as to whether a charge should be sustained, the benefit of that doubt is always afforded to the jockey, however, he was reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other horses.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, PAKISTAN STAR got its head on the side and hung in, resulting in HORSE OF FORTUNE racing tight outside WERTHER.
Passing the 400 Metres, WERTHER was checked away from the heels of PAKISTAN STAR when initially disappointed for running between that horse which shifted out and RUTHVEN. As WERTHER had not established running between PAKISTAN STAR and RUTHVEN, no further action was taken.
When questioned, Z Purton (TIME WARP) stated that the tempo of the race throughout was strong as a result of GLORIOUS FOREVER challenging TIME WARP in the lead. He said as TIME WARP must lead in its races and preferably on the rail in order to produce its best, he therefore was reluctant to allow GLORIOUS FOREVER to improve its position forward of TIME WARP despite the race being run at a very strong tempo. He said TIME WARP came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and after being headed by GLORIOUS FOREVER weakened noticeably in the Straight. The performance of TIME WARP, a last start winner and which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TIME WARP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TIME WARP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned, J Moreira stated that he was asked to ride GLORIOUS FOREVER positively in the early stages to take up a forward position. He said he was given the option of either racing outside the anticipated leader TIME WARP, however, if that horse slacked the tempo in the lead, it was acceptable for him to allow GLORIOUS FOREVER to improve into the lead. He said in accordance with his instructions he was able to obtain a forward position in the early stages and shifted in to race outside TIME WARP approaching the 1700 Metres. He said after the 1700 Metres GLORIOUS FOREVER improved to be racing about a neck in front of TIME WARP and he elected then to continue pressing forward to see whether GLORIOUS FOREVER would show sufficient speed to be able to cross TIME WARP. He said passing the 1600 Metres TIME WARP was niggled along to maintain its position to the inside of GLORIOUS FOREVER and therefore he elected to steady GLORIOUS FOREVER and sit off TIME WARP. He said along the Back Straight he sat at the hindquarters of TIME WARP and then commenced to improve his position to race on terms with that horse at the 700 Metres. He said it had been explained to him that GLORIOUS FOREVER was out-sprinted by TIME WARP at its most recent start and therefore he elected to improve at this time which was earlier than would normally be the case as he had sat off TIME WARP in the middle stages and he wanted to ensure that TIME WARP was not able to quicken and again out-sprint GLORIOUS FOREVER. He added after improving to race outside TIME WARP, GLORIOUS FOREVER then came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and did not finish off the race over the final 200 Metres. Trainer F C Lor confirmed the instructions given to J Moreira and stated that he was of the opinion GLORIOUS FOREVER had been out-sprinted by TIME WARP when that horse was allowed to have an unchallenged lead at its previous start. He said accordingly he instructed Jockey Moreira if GLORIOUS FOREVER was not able to lead today’s race, he must ensure that TIME WARP was not able to establish a break on GLORIOUS FOREVER approaching the Home Turn. A veterinary inspection of GLORIOUS FOREVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PAKISTAN STAR, K Teetan stated that his mount travelled well in the middle stages on the back of a strong tempo. He said he shifted PAKISTAN STAR to the outside of GLORIOUS FOREVER at the entrance to the Straight and he expected PAKISTAN STAR to quicken strongly given that it had travelled well to that point of the race. He said however that rather than respond to his riding, PAKISTAN STAR came under heavy pressure and did not show any turn of foot. He added he rode PAKISTAN STAR strongly in the early part of the Straight but by the 300 Metres the horse was already giving ground. He said PAKISTAN STAR then refused to stretch out over the latter stages of the race and gave ground noticeably to finish at the rear of the field. The performance of PAKISTAN STAR, which finished second last as one of the favourites of today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PAKISTAN STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PAKISTAN STAR, immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
GLORIOUS FOREVER, EAGLE WAY and EXULTANT were sent for sampling.
<21/11/2018 18 November 2018 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 7 (187)>The Stewards tonight questioned K C Leung (RUTHVEN) regarding his decision to improve his position after 1300 Metres when the pace was being run at a good tempo. K C Leung stated that he was instructed to obtain a forward position behind the leaders if possible as RUTHVEN is one-paced. He said after being badly interfered with shortly after the start, RUTHVEN settled further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said this resulted in RUTHVEN having to race behind HORSE OF FORTUNE after this incident. He said passing the 1400 Metres a considerable gap had opened up in front of HORSE OF FORTUNE due to the tempo of the race. He said as HORSE OF FORTUNE, in his opinion, would not be able to take him into the race, he felt that there was an opportunity after the 1300 Metres to improve his position forward of HORSE OF FORTUNE and to race behind the leaders and outside PAKISTAN STAR. He said although the race was being run at a good tempo at this time, he felt that RUTHVEN would be able to improve its position forward of HORSE OF FORTUNE without having to make too much use of the horse and that he would be able to do this within a relatively short distance. He added accordingly he shifted RUTHVEN to the outside of HORSE OF FORTUNE passing the 1300 Metres and was able to improve his position to race in advance of that horse and outside PAKISTAN STAR with cover behind GLORIOUS FOREVER by the 1100 Metres. He said after this RUTHVEN retained cover behind GLORIOUS FOREVER until being taken wider by PAKISTAN STAR approaching the 500 Metres.

Race:8 (188) THE BOCHK WEALTH MANAGEMENT JOCKEY CLUB SPRINT (Sec1) Group Two 1200 m

BORN IN CHINA was crowded for room on jumping between IVICTORY and BEAT THE BLOCK, both of which shifted ground.
WINNER’S WAY was slow to begin.
From the outside barrier, D B PIN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
When MR STUNNING was bumped by IVICTORY approaching the 800 Metres, BEAT THE CLOCK, which was following, was momentarily awkwardly placed behind that horse.
When MR STUNNING was taken out into a three wide position, FIFTY FIFTY was steadied away from the heels of that horse passing the 800 Metres. After this, MR STUNNING travelled wide and without cover.
Z Purton (IVICTORY) stated that following IVICTORY’s disappointing last start performance, he was asked to obtain a trailing position behind the likely leader HOT KING PRAWN. He said after beginning well IVICTORY travelled nicely in the early stages as he allowed HOT KING PRAWN to cross his mount. He said as HOT KING PRAWN was crossing IVICTORY, IVICTORY then commenced to prove very difficult to settle and approaching the 900 Metres he took another hold on his mount in order to remain racing away from the heels of HOT KING PRAWN. He said, despite his best efforts, IVICTORY would not come back underneath him and near the 850 Metres clipped the heels of HOT KING PRAWN, requiring him to shift out abruptly away from the heels of that horse. He added when this happened IVICTORY made heavy contact with MR STUNNING. He said passing the 800 Metres IVICTORY continued to prove very difficult to settle, however, approaching the 700 Metres relaxed better with him. He said IVICTORY quickened better than it did at its last start in the early part of the Straight and held its position until after 200 Metres after which the horse gave ground and again did not finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of IVICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HOT KING PRAWN and MR STUNNING were sent for sampling.
<19/11/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that PREMIERE was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, PREMIERE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:9 (189) BOCHK ASSET MANAGEMENT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

EPTIMUM began only fairly and then was crowded for room inside SUMMER PASSAGE which was bumped and taken in by FANTASTIC EIGHT which got its head on the side and shifted in after initially being taken in by WAR ROOM. After this, SUMMER PASSAGE and WAR ROOM were shifted across behind runners.
NEW ASIA SUNRISE began awkwardly.
Also from the outside barrier, PATCH BABY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Passing the 1000 Metres, EPTIMUM commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of SHANGHAI MASTER, resulting in FANTASTIC EIGHT being taken wider. After this, EPTIMUM and FANTASTIC EIGHT both travelled wide and without cover.
Passing the 300 Metres, RAGING STORM shifted out and bumped SUMMER PASSAGE.
Approaching the 200 Metres, EPTIMUM momentarily raced in restricted room between FANTASTIC EIGHT and LIMITLESS which shifted out.
Close to the finishing line, STORM SIGNAL raced tight inside LIMITLESS which got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure.
After the race, A Badel stated that PATCH BABY did not feel completely comfortable in its action. He said he rode the horse along from after the 600 Metres and then shifted it to the outside of runners in the Straight, however, PATCH BABY did not quicken and then was disappointing in its failure to make up ground. The performance of PATCH BABY, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PATCH BABY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PATCH BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
A veterinary inspection of PICK NUMBER ONE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RAGING STORM and LIMITLESS were sent for sampling.
<19/11/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>PICK NUMBER ONE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. PICK NUMBER ONE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg with a stiff and restricted action. Before being allowed to race again, PICK NUMBER ONE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:10 (190) BOC CREDIT CARD HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, Mr A Speechley, the Starter, notified the Stewards that he had been made aware that the starting lights positioned on the Starter’s stand to alert jockeys that the race is about to begin did not operate. After viewing the video and after no rider expressed concern that his mount had been afforded an unfair start as a result of the starting lights not functioning, the Stewards considered that all horses had been afforded a fair start and accordingly weighed-in was notified.
ROUNDABOUT got its head up on jumping and began awkwardly.
VILLA FIONN began only fairly.
From wide barriers, INCREDIBLE, SEVENTY SEVENTY and SMART BOY were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
VIVA COUNCIL lay out rounding the Home Turn.
Passing the 150 Metres, VILLA FIONN was checked away from the heels of COMFORT LIFE which shifted ground when being eased down.
Throughout the race, SMART LEADER travelled wide and without cover and then making the Home Turn got its head on the side and lay out and passing the 400 Metres N Callan dropped his left rein. SMART LEADER then gave ground in the Straight.
After the race, Z Purton stated that COMFORT LIFE hung out badly and in particular in the Straight. He said COMFORT LIFE commenced to give ground from the 200 Metres, however, he was unable to ride the horse out due to the manner in which it was racing. The racing manners and performance of COMFORT LIFE were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COMFORT LIFE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of COMFORT LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
NOBLE STEED and NICCONI EXPRESS were sent for sampling.