Race:1 (236) JIM AND TONIC HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

J Moreira (PICKEN) was fined $3,000 for failing to present himself in the Parade Ring by the required time. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that J Moreira had previously been penalized for a similar breach of the Rules.
SPEEDY DRAGON began only fairly.
BINGO HERO began only fairly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between CHARIZARD and UNIVERSAL GO GO, both of which shifted ground.
HAPPY GUY shifted in at the start and bumped VICTORY POWER which began awkwardly.
From the outside barrier, SMART CHARADE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1000 Metres, HAPPY GUY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of UNIVERSAL GO GO as that horse was being steadied to obtain cover behind CHARIZARD.
Approaching the 500 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR was bumped by NOBLE DE LOVE which shifted out.
CITY LEGEND was badly held up for clear running until near the 250 Metres.
Near the 150 Metres, CITY LEGEND raced tight inside HAPPY WARRIOR as that horse was steadied to avoid the heels of DESTIN (S Clipperton) which shifted in under pressure. S Clipperton was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
HAPPY WARRIOR raced wide and without cover throughout.
When questioned, U Rispoli stated that as CHARIZARD was stepping up in distance today and had drawn an inside barrier for the first time, he was asked to have the horse travelling where it was comfortable but not to be as far back in the field as it had been in its previous two starts. He said CHARIZARD began well and it was his intention to attempt to shift in and race behind NOBLE DE LOVE as he expected that horse to perform well. He said it took some time for CHARIZARD to be in a position to follow that horse and by this time it was clear to him that there were a number of horses being ridden forward from outside barriers and therefore he elected to remain racing outside NOBLE DE LOVE and obtain a position with cover. He said whilst this resulted in CHARIZARD racing a little further forward than may have been anticipated, nonetheless he was able to obtain a good run throughout the race behind HAPPY WARRIOR. He added however that CHARIZARD did not travel as strongly as it had when he had ridden it previously and rounding the Home Turn he had concerns as to the manner in which the horse was going to finish off the race. He said for this reason he elected to take a run inside HAPPY WARRIOR rather than shifting to that horse’s outside and follow NOBLE DE LOVE through. He said CHARIZARD finished off the race only fairly in the Straight and he noted that the horse was blowing quite hard after the race which indicated to him that its fitness may be improved with the race.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PICKEN, J Moreira stated that his mount became fractious after being placed in the barriers and reared, resulting in the horse’s head possibly making contact with the overhead structure. He said PICKEN, despite being ridden along in the early stages, was reluctant to take up a forward position and he had to ride the horse for some distance in order to have it as handy as it could be. He said PICKEN travelled only fairly in the middle stages and then did not finish off the race as expected. The performance of PICKEN, favourite for this race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PICKEN 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 PICKEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of UNIVERSAL GO GO and SUPREME WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PICKEN, SMART CHARADE and NOBLE DE LOVE were sent for sampling.
<10/12/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that CITY LEGEND was lame in its left hind leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, CITY LEGEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:2 (237) ABLE FRIEND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

MASTER ALBERT began awkwardly.
HANDSOME REBEL shifted out at the start and bumped MAGNIFICENT. MAGNIFICENT was then crowded for room between REGENCY LEGEND and HANDSOME REBEL which shifted out further.
LOVING A BOOM shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of BEAUTY SPIRIT. LOVING A BOOM was then crowded for room between REGENCY LEGEND and BEAUTY SPIRIT which shifted in.
From wide barriers, LOVING A BOOM, BEAUTY SPIRIT and SONIC FIGHTER were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, MASTER ALBERT raced tight inside AMBITIOUS HEART which was taken in by HIGH FIVE (Apprentice C Wong). Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to ensure that he does not allow his mounts to shift ground such that other runners are crowded for room.
After the 1000 Metres, G van Niekerk (AMBITIOUS HEART) adjusted his left foot in the stirrup.
Near the 800 Metres, REGENCY LEGEND was left racing wide and without cover.
For some distance after the 700 Metres, AMBITIOUS HEART travelled keenly and passing the 600 Metres was checked away from the heels of FLYING BONUS.
AMBITIOUS HEART was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight.
HIGH FIVE was awkwardly placed behind JING JING WIN passing the 400 Metres.
Passing the 300 Metres, MASTER ALBERT was shifted to the outside of HANDSOME REBEL after being momentarily held up for clear running.
Near the 50 Metres, TOP SCORE, which was improving into tight running inside HIGH FIVE, was struck across the nose by the whip of Apprentice Wong.
After the race, Apprentice H T Mo was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of FLYING BONUS. He said he was able to take up a forward position without having to make too much use of the horse and FLYING BONUS then travelled satisfactorily in the lead. He said however that after being placed under pressure in the Straight, the horse did not respond and gave ground over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of FLYING BONUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of SONIC FIGHTER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and also found it to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SONIC FIGHTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
REGENCY LEGEND and JING JING WIN were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (238) FANTASTIC LIGHT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

Prior to the start, HAPPY DRAGON was removed from the barriers when the bridle required adjusting. This resulted in a delay to the start of the race.
REMARKABLE was slow to begin.
BIGWOOD began only fairly.
ZILONG was bumped on jumping by AMAZING SATCHMO which was taken in by FAMOUS WARRIOR.
RICKFIELD shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of HAPPY DRAGON which became unbalanced.
Near the 1750 Metres, HO HO KHAN was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of BIGWOOD when being shifted in behind that horse.
RICKFIELD got its head up on a number of occasions in the early stages.
For the majority of the race, ZILONG travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of FAMOUS WARRIOR 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 AMAZING SATCHMO and REMARKABLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BIGWOOD, HO HO KHAN and HO HO FEEL were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (239) THE LONGINES HONG KONG VASE (Sec1) Group One 2400 m

Whilst in the saddling stalls, LATROBE had its right front plate refitted. LATROBE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
PRINCE OF ARRAN began very awkwardly and shifted out abruptly at the start.
CROCOSMIA lost its right hind plate at the start.
Near the 2200 Metres, SALOUEN raced tight inside EZIYRA which became unbalanced and then was shifted out to relieve the tightening to SALOUEN.
Z Purton (EXULTANT) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that at the 2100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of EZIYRA, resulting in that horse being directed in onto SALOUEN, causing SALOUEN and RED VERDON to be badly crowded for room. LATROBE, which was following those runners, was steadied in consequence. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 19 December 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 27 December 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WALDGEIST became unbalanced of its own accord.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, SALOUEN was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 1600 Metres, EAGLE WAY got its head up when being shifted in away from the heels of LATROBE. A short distance later, LYS GRACIEUX was shifted out away from the heels of LATROBE.
Passing the 1400 Metres, WALDGEIST raced tight inside RED VERDON which lay in momentarily.
W Buick (PAKISTAN STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 450 Metres he directed his mount out at an acute angle when not clear of WALDGEIST, causing that horse and RED VERDON, which was racing to the outside of WALDGEIST, to be severely checked. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Buick’s guilty plea but also his actions had seriously compromised the safety and welfare of those horses and riders to his outside and had significantly impacted upon the chances of both WALDGEIST and RED VERDON in this race. In the circumstances, the Stewards believed that the appropriate penalty was for W Buick to be suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Monday, 17 December 2018 and to expire on Monday, 28 January 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (12 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, W Buick was fined $20,000.
Approaching the 300 Metres, SALOUEN, which was commencing to give ground, was bumped by PAKISTAN STAR which was taken in by LYS GRACIEUX (J Moreira) which shifted in under pressure. J Moreira was severely reprimanded.
Passing the 300 Metres, WALDGEIST was steadied when unable to proceed between ROSTROPOVICH which shifted in marginally and EAGLE WAY (S de Sousa) which shifted out when not properly clear. S de Sousa was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Passing the 200 Metres, LATROBE was awkwardly placed outside ROSTROPOVICH which shifted out marginally.
Near the 150 Metres, EAGLE WAY was shifted in away from the heels of PAKISTAN STAR which drifted in under pressure.
On two occasions after the 150 Metres, EXULTANT was bumped by LYS GRACIEUX (J Moreira) which shifted in. Then passing the 100 Metres, EXULTANT raced tight inside LYS GRACIEUX. J Moreira was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to straighten his mount.
After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that RED VERDON had sustained a wound to the outside of the left front cannon.
A veterinary inspection of MIRAGE DANCER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.
WALDGEIST, EXULTANT and LYS GRACIEUX were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (240) THE LONGINES HONG KONG SPRINT (Sec1) Group One 1200 m

PINGWU SPARK was withdrawn by order of the Stewards when that horse was unable to be loaded. Having regard to PINGWU SPARK’s previous record in respect of being difficult to load, the Stewards ruled that that horse must undergo a series of consecutive barrier trials prior to being permitted to race again.
WINNER’S WAY began only fairly.
SIR DANCEALOT was slow to begin.
D B PIN shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced LIM’S CRUISER.
FINE NEEDLE began awkwardly.
Approaching the 900 Metres, WINNER’S WAY got its head up.
After the 800 Metres, FINE NEEDLE was left racing wide and without cover.
Approaching the 300 Metres, D B PIN was shifted in away from the heels of IVICTORY. D B PIN then had difficulty obtaining clear running between IVICTORY and HOT KING PRAWN for a short distance.
When questioned regarding the performance of HOT KING PRAWN, J Moreira stated that after having to make more use of HOT KING PRAWN in the early stages to obtain the lead than he had at its most recent start when the horse was successful, HOT KING PRAWN was then not able to relax as it did last start due to IVICTORY improving to race to its outside from the 800 Metres. He said HOT KING PRAWN initially responded well to his riding in the early part of the Straight, however, over the final 200 Metres did not finish off the race and he attributed this to the fact that the horse had to work harder in the middle stages than it did at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of HOT KING PRAWN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HOT KING PRAWN, MR STUNNING and D B PIN were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (241) MAURICE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

MONGOLIAN KING began awkwardly.
STIMULATION began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between GOOD STANDING and EASY GO EASY WIN, both of which shifted ground.
From a wide barrier, TIME TO CELEBRATE was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also STAR MAJESTIC and SICHUAN DAR were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Passing the 1500 Metres and again after the 1300 Metres, EASY GO EASY WIN got its head up when racing keenly.
Near the 950 Metres, DARK DREAM got its head up and shifted in abruptly when being checked away from the heels of INSAYSHABLE. EASY GO EASY WIN, which was following DARK DREAM, got its head up and commenced to race ungenerously in consequence.
For some distance after the 800 Metres, EASY GO EASY WIN remained awkwardly placed behind DARK DREAM.
Near the 750 Metres, MONGOLIAN KING was checked away from the heels of JOYFUL TRINITY.
At the entrance to the Straight, EASY GO EASY WIN was shifted in away from the heels of STAR MAJESTIC.
SICHUAN DAR was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight.
CHARITY GO was unable to obtain clear running from passing the 300 Metres until near the 200 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the outside of TIME TO CELEBRATE.
MONGOLIAN KING was held up for clear running from passing the 250 Metres until passing the 200 Metres at which time the horse was disappointed for running between TIGRE DU TERRE and DARK DREAM. In this incident, DARK DREAM became unbalanced after being bumped by MONGOLIAN KING.
EASY GO EASY WIN had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200 Metres and then was checked away from the heels of DARK DREAM passing the 200 Metres.
Passing the 200 Metres, CLASSIC BEAUTY raced tight between HELENE LEADINGSTAR and JOYFUL TRINITY which was shifted to the inside of GOOD STANDING to obtain clear running.
Close to the finishing line, GOOD STANDING raced tight inside SICHUAN DAR which shifted to the inside of STIMULATION to continue improving.
Throughout the race, STIMULATION travelled wide and without cover.
A Badel (TIGRE DU TERRE) was warned against the practice of raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder.
The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by A Badel, the rider of the second placed, TIGRE DU TERRE, against INSAYSHABLE being declared the winner alleging interference near the 400 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, it was found that approaching the 400 Metres INSAYSHABLE and TIGRE DU TERRE raced tight as INSAYSHABLE attempted to shift out and TIGRE DU TERRE maintained its positon. The Stewards were of the view that this contact was of little consequence. It was further found that after the 400 Metres TIGRE DU TERRE became unbalanced after being bumped by INSAYSHABLE which shifted to the outside of STIMULATION to obtain clear running. Having regard to the fact that this incident occurred just after the 400 Metres and that both horses then had the opportunity to finish off the race without further incident, the Stewards could not be satisfied to the requisite degree that if not for the contact between the two horses passing the 400 Metres TIGRE DU TERRE would have finished in front of INSAYSHABLE. Accordingly, the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.
Mr C S Shum, the trainer of CHARITY GO, explained that, from the outside barrier, he was concerned that if CHARITY GO were to be ridden along to take up a forward position as was the case at its only previous start in Hong Kong, the horse may be required to race on the rail in the lead. He said, in his opinion, based on the races that had been run to that point, horses, which were racing away from the rail and other than in the lead, appeared to have been advantaged, he therefore decided to instruct C Y Ho to shift CHARITY GO across behind the field and obtain cover.
A veterinary inspection of EASY GO EASY WIN 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 GOOD STANDING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
EASY GO EASY WIN, INSAYSHABLE and TIGRE DU TERRE were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (242) THE LONGINES HONG KONG MILE (Sec1) Group One 1600 m

Whilst in the saddling stalls, COMIN’ THROUGH had its right front plate refitted. COMIN’ THROUGH was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
MOZU ASCOT began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped INNS OF COURT.
BEAUTY ONLY was slow to begin.
PERSIAN KNIGHT began awkwardly.
Near the 1350 Metres, when being steadied to obtain cover behind SINGAPORE SLING, BEAT THE BANK clipped the heels of that horse and blundered. At this time, SINGAPORE SLING and FIFTY FIFTY raced tight. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken.
Passing the 1300 Metres, SINGAPORE SLING became unbalanced when being shifted in behind FIFTY FIFTY to obtain cover. When SINGAPORE SLING shifted in, BEAT THE BANK was directed to the inside of the heels of that horse and consequently raced tight inside SINGAPORE SLING passing the 1200 Metres.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, BEAT THE BANK was again steadied away from the heels of SINGAPORE SLING.
After the 900 Metres, NOTHINGILIKEMORE was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 300 Metres, WHAT ELSE BUT YOU was shifted out away from the heels of the tiring INNS OF COURT.
Passing the 100 Metres, BEAT THE BANK was steadied when disappointed for running between FIFTY FIFTY and SINGAPORE SLING, both of which shifted minimal ground. As the Stewards were satisfied that BEAT THE BANK had not properly established running between those horses, no further action was taken.
After the race, it was noted that SINGAPORE SLING had sustained an abrasion to the inside of the left hind cannon.
BEAUTY GENERATION and VIVLOS were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (243) THE LONGINES HONG KONG CUP (Sec1) Group One 2000 m

STORMY ANTARCTIC was slow to begin and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
GLORIOUS FOREVER and DEIRDRE were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (244) LORD KANALOA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

After being loaded into the barriers, PRECIOUSSHIP became fractious, reared and got its left front leg over the stall partition. PRECIOUSSHIP was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Accordingly, PRECIOUSSHIP was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, PRECIOUSSHIP will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
VOLPINO was crowded for room on jumping between GOLD WIN which shifted in and LIMITLESS which shifted out abruptly.
FORTUNE BOOTH began only fairly.
BREEDERS’ STAR and KINGS SHIELD bumped at the start.
JADE THEATRE lost its right front plate shortly after the start.
From the outside barriers, KINGS SHIELD and BOLD STITCH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
NEW ASIA SUNRISE lost its left front plate at the 1050 Metres.
After the 900 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was left racing wide and without cover.
After the 800 Metres, LIMITLESS commenced to prove very difficult to settle and for a considerable distance was awkwardly placed between FAST MOST FURIOUS and BREEDERS’ STAR.
Near the 750 Metres, FORTUNE BOOTH got its head up when awkwardly placed behind HINCHINLOVE.
For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, FAST MOST FURIOUS and FORTUNE BOOTH raced tight as FORTUNE BOOTH was taken out by HINCHINLOVE (A Badel) which shifted out under pressure. A Badel was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Passing the 200 Metres, A Badel dropped his whip.
Passing the 100 Metres, WINSTON’S LAD was shifted in away from the heels of LIMITLESS which shifted in momentarily under pressure.
Close to the finishing line, JADE THEATRE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FAST MOST FURIOUS and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race as it normally would be.
Throughout the race, RAGING STORM travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE BOOTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of LIMITLESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
RAGING STORM and HINCHINLOVE were sent for sampling.
<10/12/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>LIMITLESS, which performed poorly, was examined by Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. LIMITLESS was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C Fownes 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, LIMITLESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
<12/12/2018 9 December 2018 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 9 (244)>After having reviewed the videos, the Stewards tonight questioned G van Niekerk regarding his riding of BREEDERS’ STAR, principally in the Home Straight. G van Niekerk stated that after having to race wide throughout the race, he placed BREEDERS’ STAR under pressure in the early part of the Straight. He said at this time LIMITLESS was able to improve its position from racing behind BREEDERS’ STAR to establish a margin on his mount. He said WINSTON’S LAD, which he had been racing outside of rounding the Home Turn, was also able to establish a margin on BREEDERS’ STAR despite him testing his mount. He said after riding BREEDERS’ STAR along in the early part of the Straight, the horse did not respond to his riding and shortened stride and he considered easing it down passing the 300 Metres. He added BREEDERS’ STAR then commenced to finish off the race better after the 200 Metres albeit that the horse was never in contention of running a placing. He said as BREEDERS’ STAR was not finishing off the race such that it could place in the race, he therefore did not ride it out vigorously over the concluding stages. G van Niekerk was told that his riding of BREEDERS’ STAR in the Home Straight had come under notice. He was placed on notice that he has a requirement, under the Rules of Racing, to properly test his mounts where circumstances permit. He was further advised to ensure that he rides his mounts out with sufficient vigour so as not to leave his riding open to query.

Race:10 (245) HIGHLAND REEL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

SMART BOY shifted out at the start and bumped GRADE ONE.
Shortly after the start, AMAZING CHOCOLATE, BABA MAMA, TASHIDELEK and GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR were all crowded for room between MR WEALTH which shifted in marginally and INVINCIBLE FRESH which shifted out. This resulted in BABA MAMA and TASHIDELEK losing ground and AMAZING CHOCOLATE and MR WEALTH both becoming badly unbalanced.
From the outside barrier, SHAMPORT was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Also from a wide barrier, GENEROUS HEART was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners, however, was left racing wide and without cover after the 1100 Metres.
Approaching the 700 Metres, TASHIDELEK commenced to travel keenly and improved into tight running between SHAMPORT and GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR. This resulted in GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR and SHAMPORT both becoming unbalanced when contacted on the hindquarters by TASHIDELEK. After this, GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR got its head up and commenced to travel keenly.
GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 200 Metres was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of SMART BOY.
BABA MAMA was unable to obtain clear running from the 400 Metres until passing the 250 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the outside of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR.
Close to the finishing line, CIRCUIT HASSLER shifted in and brushed AMAZING CHOCOLATE.
The performance of MR WEALTH, a last start winner which gave ground noticeably over the latter stages of the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MR WEALTH 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 MR WEALTH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.
A veterinary inspection of INVINCIBLE FRESH and TASHIDELEK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
NICCONI EXPRESS, ENCOURAGING and NOBLE STEED were sent for sampling.