Race:1 (227) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

MY BLESSING shifted out at the start, resulting in KWAICHUNG BROTHERS being crowded onto BEST EFFORT. After this, MY BLESSING was vigorously ridden along, however, failed to muster speed whilst KWAICHUNG BROTHERS was shifted across behind runners.
LUCKY STORM shifted in at the start and bumped LAUGH OUT LOUD.
From the outside barriers, GLORIAM, THE JOY OF GIVING and HIDDEN SPIRIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
THE JOY OF GIVING was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn.
At the entrance to the Straight, LUCKY STORM and LAUGH OUT LOUD bumped. LUCKY STORM was then crowded for room between LAUGH OUT LOUD which shifted in after becoming unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters by LUCKY STORM and KWAICHUNG BROTHERS which shifted to the outside of MAGIC POWER.
Passing the 300 Metres, THE SYLPH got its head up and became unbalanced when being directed to the outside of WONDERFUL TIGER to obtain clear running.
Passing the 250 Metres, THE JOY OF GIVING was steadied when disappointed for running between MY BLESSING and THE SYLPH which shifted out.
After initially being taken in by LAUGH OUT LOUD approaching the 200 Metres, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS (N Callan) was shifted to the outside of GOBI STORM to improve into tight running between that horse and LAUGH OUT LOUD. This resulted in KWAICHUNG BROTHERS bumping LAUGH OUT LOUD which was consequently crowded for room inside WONDERFUL TIGER which, when inclined to lay in, became unbalanced and shifted in further after being bumped on the hindquarters by LAUGH OUT LOUD. A short distance after this, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS, when improving into tight running outside GOBI STORM, was directed out by that horse which shifted out marginally under pressure. This resulted in LAUGH OUT LOUD being further crowded for room inside WONDERFUL TIGER. Whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless N Callan was advised to exercise more care as when he initially improved to the outside of GOBI STORM, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS had to make some contact with LAUGH OUT LOUD in order to improve between those horses. GLORIAM, which was following LAUGH OUT LOUD, was shifted in away from the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD in consequence.
Close to the finishing line, GLORIAM raced tight inside GOBI STORM which was checked when crowded for room inside KWAICHUNG BROTHERS which was taken in by WONDERFUL TIGER (Z Purton) which, after being bumped on the hindquarters passing the 150 Metres, got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Z Purton was told that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that his mount was laying in and proving difficult to ride, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners.
Throughout the race, BEST EFFORT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of BEST EFFORT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEST EFFORT 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 BEST EFFORT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of LUCKY STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that MAGIC POWER had bled from both nostrils.
THE SYLPH and WONDERFUL TIGER were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (228) UNITED KINGDOM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

WINGOLD was withdrawn on 3.12.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter KEEP GOING.
THE SHOW shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER EURO STAR.
Shortly after the start, RAICHU raced tight between RICHCITY FORTUNE and FIRST BEAUT which shifted out.
From the outside barriers, NEVER BETTER, THE HAPPY BUNCH and KEEP GOING were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After the 900 Metres, THE HAPPY BUNCH travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed behind HAPPY HAPPY.
After the 800 Metres, HAPPY HAPPY was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 700 Metres, NEVER BETTER momentarily raced tight inside the heels of DIAMOND LEGEND which shifted in momentarily.
In the middle stages, KEEP GOING travelled keenly and proved difficult to shift in behind HAPPY HAPPY to obtain cover.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, HAPPY HAPPY raced tight outside RICHCITY FORTUNE which improved to the outside of RAICHU.
Passing the 300 Metres, THE SHOW raced tight inside RAICHU.
Passing the 150 Metres, A Badel (RICHCITY FORTUNE) dropped his whip.
A veterinary inspection of PEACE ON EARTH 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 KEEP GOING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
THE SHOW, SUPER EURO STAR and ROYAL CHOCOLATE were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (229) JAPAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

After being loaded into the barriers, PERFECT TO PLAY reared and momentarily rested it left front foot over the front gate. PERFECT TO PLAY was then corrected and stood satisfactorily until the start was effected at which time the horse reared abruptly, resulting in PERFECT TO PLAY losing a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TO PLAY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.
NABOO STAR was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, NABOO STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
ENERGETIC CLASS was crowded for room on jumping between GOOD COMPANION which shifted out and HARD PROMISE which shifted in after being bumped by BORNTOACHIEVE.
SUNNY DRAGON began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped THE CREATETH. SUNNY DRAGON was then steadied to obtain cover.
From a wide barrier, SPLIT OF A SECOND was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 850 Metres, HARD PROMISE was momentarily awkwardly placed inside BORNTOACHIEVE which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to HARD PROMISE. Then passing the 800 Metres, HARD PROMISE was steadied away from the heels of BORNTOACHIEVE (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Making the turn approaching the 600 Metres, SUNNY DRAGON got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE CREATETH.
Approaching the 300 Metres, HARD PROMISE and HARBOUR CENTURY raced tight as HARD PROMISE shifted to the outside of BORNTOACHIEVE to obtain clear running.
A veterinary inspection of ENERGETIC CLASS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that HARBOUR CENTURY had blood at its right nostril. An endoscopic examination of HARBOUR CENTURY confirmed the horse to be a bleeder.
SPLIT OF A SECOND and HARD PROMISE were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (230) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 1ST LEG (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

On arrival at the start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of SUPER EIGHTEEN. SUPER EIGHTEEN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race.
WINNING SUPREME was slow to begin.
GODSPEED began only fairly.
BRAVE BABY and LUNAR ZEPHYR bumped at the start.
ROYAL RACER shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER EIGHTEEN which began awkwardly.
From the outside barrier, SPECIAL STARS was steadied and shifted across to obtain cover in the early stages.
Approaching the 950 Metres, FLYING NOBLE raced tight inside MIDNIGHT RATTLER which shifted in. When being directed out to relieve the tightening to FLYING NOBLE, MIDNIGHT RATTLER shifted out abruptly and made heavy contact with SUPER EIGHTEEN which at this time was shifting in. This resulted in SUPER EIGHTEEN being crowded for room between MIDNIGHT RATTLER and LUCKY LUCKY which was then straightened by its rider to relieve the tightening to SUPER EIGHTEEN.
Passing the 700 Metres, BRAVE BABY got its head up when proving difficult to settle when being steadied to obtain cover behind MIDNIGHT RATTLER.
Y Take (LUCKY LUCKY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 350 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in, causing MR RIGHT to be crowded for room, checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Y Take was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 26 December 2018 and to expire on Sunday, 30 December 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In this incident, MR RIGHT lost its left hind plate.
Passing the 300 Metres, GODSPEED and FLYING NOBLE raced tight.
A veterinary inspection of SUPER EIGHTEEN immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER EIGHTEEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of LUNAR ZEPHYR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SPECIAL STARS and MIDNIGHT RATTLER were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (231) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 2ND LEG (Sec2) Class 4 1650 m

NAMJONG INVINCIBLE, ISHVARA and MARVEL JOY (H Bowman) were crowded for room on jumping between CLEAR CHOICE which shifted in marginally and GOOD FOR YOU which shifted out. H Bowman reported that he was instructed to lead on MARVEL JOY if possible, however, after MARVEL JOY was crowded for room at the start, he believed he would have had to make too much use of the horse to obtain a forward position and therefore he elected to shift it across behind runners and obtain cover.
Shortly after the start, SWOT WINDICATOR, when being steadied to obtain cover from an outside barrier, shifted in and bumped CLEAR CHOICE, causing both horses to become unbalanced.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SAVVY SEVEN and ISHVARA raced tight.
Approaching the 600 Metres, GOOD FOR YOU raced tight between CLEAR CHOICE and MICKEY RICH which improved to be racing between GOOD FOR YOU and YOUNG GLORY. This resulted in CLEAR CHOICE and GOOD FOR YOU being taken wider.
At the entrance to the Straight, C P POWER and ISHVARA raced tight.
Passing the 250 Metres, SAVVY SEVEN was directed to the outside of CLEAR CHOICE to obtain clear running.
Passing the 200 Metres, MARVEL JOY was shifted out away from the heels of EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which was giving ground.
Throughout the race, CLEAR CHOICE travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of MICKEY RICH and MARVEL JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CLEAR CHOICE, GLORY STAR and GOOD FOR YOU were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (232) IRELAND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

When parading prior to entering the track, JUST NOT LISTENING became fractious and reared, resulting in C Schofield dismounting the horse without incident.
As the start was effected, HAPPY TIME became fractious and consequently was slow to begin. After this, from the outside barrier, HAPPY TIME was shifted across behind runners.
WONDERFUL JOURNEY and BLOCKER DEE bumped at the start.
EPTIMUM began awkwardly and then was crowded for room on jumping between HARBOUR ALERT and CAO CAO which shifted out.
Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, HAPPY TIME was taken wider by EPTIMUM which got its head on the side and made the turn awkwardly.
Approaching the 500 Metres, NAVAS momentarily raced in restricted room inside BEAUTY LOYAL which shifted in marginally.
Near the 50 Metres, CAO CAO shifted in abruptly under pressure and had to be checked away from the heels of NAVAS.
Throughout the race, BACK IN BLACK travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, Apprentice H T Mo (WONDERFUL JOURNEY) stated that he was instructed to ride WONDERFUL JOURNEY in about 4th or 5th position if possible from its inside barrier. He said BLOCKER DEE, which was drawn immediately to the inside of WONDERFUL JOURNEY, was hard ridden in the early stages to take up a forward position and he therefore steadied WONDERFUL JOURNEY in the early stages to obtain a trailing position behind that horse. He said after shifting in behind BLOCKER DEE, he commenced to ride his mount along, however, WONDERFUL JOURNEY did not show as much early speed as he anticipated and was unable to obtain as prominent a position as he had hoped. He said this allowed EIGHTY EIGHTY to shift in front of WONDERFUL JOURNEY passing the 1000 Metres. He added at this time WONDERFUL JOURNEY commenced to travel keenly and was momentarily awkwardly placed behind EIGHTY EIGHTY. He said this resulted in WONDERFUL JOURNEY racing further back in the field than had been intended.
A veterinary inspection of EPTIMUM and HAPPY TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
COUNTRY STAR and JUST NOT LISTENING were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (233) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 3RD LEG (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

OUR HERO, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 4.12.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, OUR HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
CURLING LUXURY shifted out at the start and bumped ALL YOU KNOW. After this, ALL YOU KNOW was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
LITTLE ISLAND and LOTUS BREEZE bumped at the start. LITTLE ISLAND and SPARKLING SWORD then raced tight shortly after the start between LOTUS BREEZE and MIDNITE PROMISE which shifted out. In this incident, SPARKLING SWORD and LOTUS BREEZE both became unbalanced due to contact on the hindquarters from LITTLE ISLAND as that horse raced tight between SPARKLING SWORD and LOTUS BREEZE.
From wide barriers, FORMULA GALORE and GENTRY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPARKLING SWORD got its head up and travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind POSITIVELY HIGH.
Passing the 1200 Metres, FORMULA GALORE and LETSGOFREE raced tight.
Despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early and middle stages, MIDNITE PROMISE raced detached from the field. The performance of MIDNITE PROMISE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Having regard to the horse’s previous history of having raced unacceptably, the Stewards ruled that MIDNITE PROMISE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. A veterinary inspection of MIDNITE PROMISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Passing the 800 Metres, SPARKLING SWORD shifted out away from the heels of POSITIVELY HIGH when travelling keenly. After this, SPARKLING SWORD was left racing wide and without cover.
At the entrance to the Straight, GENTRY was shifted to the inside of LOTUS BREEZE to improve.
Approaching the 300 Metres, POSITIVELY HIGH and LITTLE ISLAND raced tight as LITTLE ISLAND shifted to the outside of MEGATRON to obtain clear running.
J Castellano (CURLING LUXURY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching and passing the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of KIROV which was hampered and taken out across the rightful running of MEGATRON and GENTRY, both of which were badly hampered. In this incident, POSITIVELY HIGH shifted out away from GENTRY, causing LOTUS BREEZE to be inconvenienced. J Castellano was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 26 December 2018 and to expire on Sunday, 30 December 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).
Passing the 150 Metres, ALL YOU KNOW shifted out under pressure, resulting in S de Sousa changing his whip over into his left hand.
After the race, K Teetan expressed concern regarding the action of FORMULA GALORE. A veterinary inspection of FORMULA GALORE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, FORMULA GALORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SPARKLING SWORD immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the left hind fetlock.
A veterinary inspection of LOTUS BREEZE and POSITIVELY HIGH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ALL YOU KNOW, LITTLE ISLAND and CURLING LUXURY were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (234) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 4TH LEG (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

PLANET STAR began awkwardly.
Shortly after the start, BANK ON RED was crowded for room between PLANET STAR and FAITHFUL TRINITY which shifted in. In this incident, BANK ON RED bumped the hindquarters of PLANET STAR which became unbalanced.
Also shortly after the start, THUNDER STOMP shifted in abruptly, resulting in THE JUDGE being hampered when crowded for room outside SUPER FORM.
When being ridden along in the early stages, BEAUTY DAY got its head on the side and shifted out passing the 1600 Metres.
After the 800 Metres, THUNDER STOMP was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 450 Metres, LUCKY GIRL was awkwardly placed behind SUMSTREETSUMWHERE.
At the entrance to the Straight, VIGOR FAME and ELECTRIC LIGHTNING made contact as ELECTRIC LIGHTNING shifted to the outside of PLANET STAR.
After the race, K Teetan was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. He said ELECTRIC LIGHTNING enjoyed a good run throughout the race and when shifted to the outside of runners shortly after entering the Straight, he expected the horse to close off strongly. He said however that ELECTRIC LIGHTNING did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of SUPER FORM and BEAUTY DAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
EXPERTO CREDE and BANK ON RED were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (235) FRANCE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1800 m

IMPERIAL GALLANTRY and PACKING DRAGON bumped at the start. A short distance after this, PACKING DRAGON and GIANT TURTLE bumped. After this, PACKING DRAGON, despite being vigorously ridden, failed to muster speed.
From wide barriers, VICTORY BOYS and PIKACHU were shifted across behind runners shortly after the start.
PACKING DRAGON lost its left front plate shortly after the start.
After travelling a short distance, ROCKETEER was steadied away from the heels of GLORIOUS ARTIST (G van Niekerk) which shifted in when not quite clear. G van Niekerk was reprimanded.
Passing the 1400 Metres, GLORIOUS ARTIST was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Passing the 500 Metres, VICTORY BOYS was awkwardly placed outside PEOPLE’S KNIGHT which shifted out marginally.
Rounding the Home Turn, VICTORY BOYS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GRAND CHANCELLOR which lay out when giving ground.
Near the 250 Metres, SUPER CHIC was struck across the nose by the whip of Apprentice M F Poon (PACKING DRAGON).
After the race, Z Purton was dislodged from VICTORY BOYS.
When questioned, Z Purton stated that VICTORY BOYS did not travel as strongly as it had done in the past when ridden by him. He said at its most recent start VICTORY BOYS had pulled up distressed and he felt that this may have had some impact on the horse’s performance tonight. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY BOYS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUPER CHIC and RED WARRIOR were sent for sampling.