Race:1 (460) CHANGI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

KING’S HEROISM was withdrawn on 28.2.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen right fore) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter HAPPY PROJECT. VICTORY IN HAND was withdrawn on 1.3.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter WASABI WIN (R Bayliss). Before being allowed to race again, KING’S HEROISM and VICTORY IN HAND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When being mounted in the Parade Ring, HASTA LUEGO became fractious, resulting in its rider, J Moreira being dislodged without incident.
WINNERS BROTHER was slow to begin, shifted out and was checked away from the heels of HASTA LUEGO which on jumping was bumped by JOYFUL HEART which shifted in.
WASABI WIN and HAPPY GOOD GUYS bumped at the start. In this incident, WASABI WIN lost its left front plate.
Shortly after the start, JOYFUL HEART was inconvenienced by HASTA LUEGO which shifted out.
HASTA LUEGO lost its right front plate in the early stages.
Passing the 900 Metres, JOYFUL HEART raced tight outside HASTA LUEGO which was taken out by MULTIMAX.
Approaching and passing the 400 Metres, HASTA LUEGO raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. HASTA LUEGO was then directed to the inside of MULTIMAX approaching the 200 Metres and when struck with the whip shortly afterwards shifted in abruptly and inconvenienced LUCKY LUCKY. HASTA LUEGO continued to race very greenly and at the 50 Metres when again struck with the whip shifted in abruptly, resulting in LUCKY LUCKY being checked and losing ground. HASTA LUEGO then shifted out abruptly close to the finishing line.
Over the final 300 Metres, HAPPY GOOD GUYS raced with its head on the side and lay in.
IRON KING lost its left front plate after the race.
A veterinary inspection of VIGOROUS SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of VIGOROUS SPIRIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VIGOROUS SPIRIT 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 HASTA LUEGO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of HAPPY PROJECT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
HASTA LUEGO, JOYFUL HEART and NICE FANDANGO were sent for sampling.
<4/3/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>VIGOROUS SPIRIT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. VIGOROUS SPIRIT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, VIGOROUS SPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

Race:2 (461) SINGAPORE RIVER HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

G van Niekerk (HIDDEN SPIRIT) was fined $2,000 for failing to initially weigh out with a girth.
POWER MAN was crowded for room on jumping between STRIKING MR C and JIMSON THE FAMOUS which was taken out by BEST RUNNER which shifted out after stumbling badly at the start.
DOUBLE DOUBLE and HIDDEN SPIRIT were crowded for room on jumping between CORRE RAPIDO and THE HAPPY BUNCH which, after initially being taken out by ROYAL PREROGATIVE, then got its head on the side and shifted out away from that horse after becoming unbalanced due to contact on the hindquarters from DOUBLE DOUBLE.
Passing the 700 Metres, VICTORY FOLLOW ME was left racing wide and without cover.
After the 500 Metres, ROYAL PREROGATIVE was bumped and taken wider by HIDDEN SPIRIT which shifted to the outside of VICTORY FOLLOW ME when that horse came under pressure.
After the race, J Moreira reported that STRIKING MR C made a considerable number of abnormal breathing noises during the race. A veterinary inspection of STRIKING MR C immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
Also after the race, Z Purton said VICTORY FOLLOW ME came under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and then, despite being ridden out, gave ground quickly in the early part of the Straight and weakened over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY FOLLOW ME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BEST RUNNER had bled from both nostrils.
STRIKING MR C, CORRE RAPIDO and HIDDEN SPIRIT were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (462) BUKIT TIMAH HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

When being paraded, HURRICANE HUNTER got away from its handler for a short time before being recaptured without incident.
COURAGEOUS DRAGON shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of WIN WIN which became unbalanced.
POSITIVELY HIGH shifted out at the start and inconvenienced MONICA.
From wide barriers, TRIUMPHANT LORD and HURRICANE HUNTER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
For some distance after the 1300 Metres, COURAGEOUS DRAGON proved difficult to settle.
W M Lai (DATING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1100 Metres and again passing the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of TRIUMPHANT LORD, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled after the 1000 Metres. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 20 March 2019 and to expire on Sunday, 24 March 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).
DATING lost its left hind plate near the 1100 Metres.
Passing the 1100 Metres, WIN WIN again became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by NITRO EXPRESS which was racing in restricted room between WIN WIN and MONICA. WIN WIN was then left racing wide and without cover after the 1000 Metres.
Making the turn after the 900 Metres, COURAGEOUS DRAGON was awkwardly placed behind GOLDEN MISSION.
After the 300 Metres, EZRA was held up for clear running behind DRAGON DANCE and near the 150 Metres was shifted to the outside of that horse after being disappointed for a run inside DRAGON DANCE.
DESTIN was held up for clear running from the 300 Metres until passing the 100 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested.
When questioned, K Teetan (EZRA) stated that rounding the Home Turn he was able to improve his position inside CARE FREE PRINCE when that horse shifted away from the rail and was able to make up good ground at this time. He said passing the 350 Metres DRAGON DANCE was racing away from the rail and whilst there was not room for a full horse to improve to the inside of DRAGON DANCE, he felt that running would become available inside that horse and as CARE FREE PRINCE was racing directly to the outside of EZRA, he considered that the best option to obtain clear running was to pursue a run inside DRAGON DANCE. He said approaching and passing the 300 Metres DRAGON DANCE raced about three quarters of a horse away from the rail and therefore it would not have taken much of a shift outwards from DRAGON DANCE for EZRA to establish its position inside that horse. He said at this time CARE FREE PRINCE continued to race to the outside of EZRA and inside POSITIVELY HIGH, so he was not of the view that there was a run available to the outside of DRAGON DANCE. He added he continued to pursue the run inside DRAGON DANCE, however, that horse did not shift out as anticipated, but for some distance approaching the 200 Metres he was committed inside the heels of that horse. He said as he was attempting to obtain tight running inside DRAGON DANCE, he was unaware that CARE FREE PRINCE had drifted out under pressure and that a run had developed outside DRAGON DANCE just prior to the 200 Metres. He said when it was no longer available for him to continue pursuing the run inside DRAGON DANCE and as he was aware that the run to that horse’s outside had become available, he directed EZRA to the outside of DRAGON DANCE approaching the 150 Metres to obtain clear running.
After the race, S de Sousa expressed concern regarding the action of COURAGEOUS DRAGON. A veterinary inspection of COURAGEOUS DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, COURAGEOUS DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of WIN WIN and HURRICANE HUNTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DRAGON DANCE had sustained multiple superficial abrasions to the right hind leg.
HURRICANE HUNTER, DRAGON DANCE and EZRA were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (463) BUKIT TIMAH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

MEDIC DRAGON shifted in at the start and bumped WINNING CONTROLLER. Then from the outside barriers, both WINNING CONTROLLER and MEDIC DRAGON were steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Apprentice H T Mo (BIG FORTUNE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that by continuing to ride his mount along for some distance in the early stages, he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent it from shifting in, resulting in SOLAR BILLION and YEE CHEONG PEGASUS being unnecessarily crowded for room and for YEE CHEONG PEGASUS to be taken in across the rightful running of GALLANT SPIRIT which was checked when tightened onto CHAPARRAL STAR which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GALLANT SPIRIT. Apprentice Mo was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 23 March 2019 and to expire on Monday, 25 March 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Mo was fined $10,000. After this, BIG FORTUNE was ridden along for some distance, however, failed to muster speed and consequently travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race and in the Straight gave ground. Apprentice Mo reported that his mount made an abnormal breathing noise during the race. A veterinary inspection of BIG FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
For some distance after the 1100 Metres, FLAME LILY proved very difficult to settle and near the 1050 Metres was checked away from the heels of PERFECT PAIR.
Approaching the 300 Metres, GALLANT SPIRIT was directed to the outside of SAVVY SEVEN to obtain clear running.
Passing the 200 Metres, CHAPARRAL STAR and YEE CHEONG PEGASUS bumped.
FLAME LILY, PERFECT PAIR and FINE WITH ME were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (464) THE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG RACING JOURNALISTS CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

CRAIG’S STAR was bumped on jumping by E STAR which in turn was bumped by YEE CHEONG LUCKY.
From wide barriers, HAPPY ALUMNI and HAPPY BOYBOY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
At the 800 Metres, PRINCE OF GEMS (Z Purton) commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of BULLISH BROTHER (M F Poon) which, after obtaining the lead, was then steadied by its rider. PRINCE OF GEMS was then awkwardly placed behind BULLISH BROTHER for a short distance. M F Poon was told whilst the Stewards accepted that he did not restrain his mount at this time, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised that he should have made more of an effort to prevent the tempo of the race reducing at that stage which made it awkward for PRINCE OF GEMS which was following BULLISH BROTHER. The Stewards also accepted the evidence of Z Purton that his mount’s racing manners had played a part in this incident.
After the 700 Metres, SUPER EIGHTEEN was left racing wide and without cover and then in the Straight gave ground. After the race, A Sanna expressed concern regarding the action of SUPER EIGHTEEN as the horse did not feel comfortable throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of SUPER EIGHTEEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER EIGHTEEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Passing the 500 Metres, YICHUN BLITZ was steadied away from the heels of CRAIG’S STAR. YICHUN BLITZ was then held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight.
Approaching the 300 Metres, PRINCE OF GEMS was checked when attempting to improve between BULLISH BROTHER and BEAUTY APPLAUSE where there was insufficient room. When attempting to improve between those horses, PRINCE OF GEMS bumped the hindquarters of BEAUTY APPLAUSE which became unbalanced, TRAVEL SUCCESSOR, which was following PRINCE OF GEMS, was shifted to the inside of that horse in consequence.
Near the 300 Metres, SUPER EIGHTEEN was bumped by YICHUN BLITZ which was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CRAIG’S STAR when improving into tight running between those horses.
Near the 250 Metres, J Moreira (BEAUTY APPLAUSE) momentarily dropped his right rein.
Near the 150 Metres, HAPPY ALUMNI raced in restricted room between EMPIRE OF PATCH and CRAIG’S STAR when improving into tight running between those horses. In this incident, EMPIRE OF PATCH became unbalanced after being brushed on the hindquarters by HAPPY ALUMNI.
TRAVEL SUCCESSOR had difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages and consequently was not ridden out all the way to the end of the race.
Close to the finishing line, PRINCE OF GEMS raced tight inside EMPIRE OF PATCH which was steadied when crowded for room inside HAPPY ALUMNI which, when improving into tight running inside CRAIG’S STAR (S de Sousa), was taken in by that horse. S de Sousa was reprimanded and advised to make every endeavour to keep his mounts straight.
A veterinary inspection of PRINCE OF GEMS and EMPIRE OF PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PRINCE OF GEMS, E STAR and CRAIG’S STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (465) KRANJI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

At declaration time, Z Purton was declared as the rider of SPEEDY KING. It was established that Z Purton had been inadvertently declared as the rider of SPEEDY KING when in fact M F Poon had been engaged to ride that horse. For this declaration error, Trainer P F Yiu was fined $2,000.
From a wide barrier, TEAM FORTUNE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Despite being hard ridden for some distance in the early stages, STRATHCLYDE failed to muster speed.
Near the 250 Metres, AMAZING STAR momentarily raced tight inside the heels of WINNING SUPREME which shifted in marginally.
Throughout the race, PHANTOM FALCON travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the performance of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR, S de Sousa stated that consideration had been given to stepping the horse up in distance for today’s race, however, after GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR was successful at its last start over the course and distance, it was felt more appropriate for the horse to again race in those circumstances. He said he had to make a lot of use of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR in the early stages to obtain as forward a position as possible and GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR appeared to him to be struggling with the rise in weight as a result of its last start success. He said GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR was not able to quicken as it did last start when it carried a lighter weight and therefore he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance at its future starts which will allow it to gather momentum to assist it given that it is carrying higher weights. A veterinary inspection of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of STRATHCLYDE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
AMAZING STAR, PHANTOM FALCON and TEAM FORTUNE were sent for sampling.
<4/3/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that PHANTOM FALCON was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, PHANTOM FALCON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:7 (466) THE SINGAPORE TURF CLUB TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

EPTIMUM and FLYING THUNDER were crowded for room on jumping between TEAM SPIRIT and AEROHAPPINESS, both of which shifted ground.
From the outside barriers, SONIC FIGHTER, FIRST RESPONDER and DALRADIAN were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After the 800 Metres, STORM SOLDIER lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position inside FLYING THUNDER. EPTIMUM, which was following STORM SOLDIER, commenced to prove very difficult to settle after the 700 Metres and was shifted out away from the heels of STORM SOLDIER. EPTIMUM continued to prove very difficult to settle and near the 650 Metres was very awkwardly placed behind FIRST RESPONDER, shifted out and inconvenienced SONIC FIGHTER.
Also after the 800 Metres, DALRADIAN was left racing wide and without cover.
FIRST RESPONDER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
A veterinary inspection of THRILLED, which was eased down over the final 200 Metres, immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
AEROHAPPINESS, TEAM SPIRIT and FLYING THUNDER were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (467) THE MERLION HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

When being restrained from a wide barrier to obtain cover, MANNA FROM HEAVEN got its head up after beginning awkwardly.
Also from a wide barrier, UNICORNBABY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, FARSHAD commenced to prove difficult to settle and lay out towards the heels of MR WEALTH.
At the entrance to the Straight, YOUNG LEGEND was checked away from the heels of LAND GRANT which came under pressure. After this, despite being ridden along, LAND GRANT gave ground and finished at the rear of the field. After the race, G van Niekerk said he was concerned with the manner in which LAND GRANT gave ground so quickly in the early part of the Straight and he eased it down over the latter stages as the horse may have gone amiss. A veterinary inspection of LAND GRANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, LAND GRANT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GOD OF DRAGON had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
TRAVEL FIRST was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was bumped by VOYAGE KING which became unbalanced and shifted out after receiving contact from YOUNG LEGEND which, when improving into tight running between VOYAGE KING and MIGHTY MAVERICK, was taken out by MIGHTY MAVERICK which shifted ground marginally. As there was no rider error attached to this incident, no further action was taken. TRAVEL FIRST was then unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race and consequently was not tested.
Passing the 300 Metres, UNICORNBABY (R Bayliss) shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BETTER CHOICE (M F Poon) which became unbalanced. R Bayliss was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. After the 200 Metres, UNICORNBABY and BETTER CHOICE raced tight. UNICORNBABY and BETTER CHOICE then continued to race tight until near the 50 Metres at which time BETTER CHOICE shifted in. As M F Poon attempted to use the whip in the right hand, his whip became entangled with UNICORNBABY. M F Poon was told to ensure that the circumstances are appropriate when attempting to use the whip so that undue contact is not made with other horses or riders.
SPLENDID TIMING had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 200 Metres.
Throughout the race, MIGHTY MAVERICK travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of VOYAGE KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
KASI FARASI and GOD OF DRAGON were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (468) LION CITY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1800 m

SAVVY SIX initially proved reluctant to enter the track. Having regard to SAVVY SIX’s previous record, Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of that horse, was told that the Stewards will continue to monitor the raceday behaviour of SAVVY SIX and if the horse continues to prove reluctant to proceed to the Start, action may be taken.
GREEN LUCK began awkwardly.
CHARITY GO became unbalanced on jumping when bumped on the hindquarters by GORGEOUS KING which was taken in by SUNNY SPEED.
MONGOLIAN KING was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
After travelling a short distance, SUNNY SPEED and WAIKUKU were steadied from the outside barriers to obtain cover.
Passing the 400 Metres, SUNNY SPEED momentarily raced in restricted room between WAIKUKU and HEAVENLY THOUGHT which shifted out.
SAVVY SIX was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 350 Metres was directed to the outside of GIANT TURTLE and GREEN LUCK. SAVVY SIX was then held up for a short distance passing the 250 Metres behind CHARITY GO which was giving ground. When improving outside CHARITY GO passing the 200 Metres, SAVVY SIX shifted out and bumped GORGEOUS KING.
A veterinary inspection of CHARITY GO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WAIKUKU and MONGOLIAN KING were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (469) THE MERLION HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1400 m

Prior to being walked the saddling area, COOL TEAM broke loose from its handler after which the horse was found to be lame as a result of an overreach injury to the right front foot. As COOL TEAM was found to be not suitable to race, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, COOL TEAM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Whilst in the saddling stalls, HIDDEN BLITZ had its right front plate refitted. HIDDEN BLITZ was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
AMAZING CHOCOLATE and HIDDEN BLITZ were slow to begin.
When being steadied in order to be shifted across behind runners shortly after the start, GOOD FOR YOU shifted out and bumped ROMAN IMPERO which in turn shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of KIRAM. After this, GOOD FOR YOU, ROMAN IMPERO and KIRAM were all shifted across behind runners.
After the 1100 Metres, IRISH VEGA was left racing wide and without cover.
Making the turn after the 900 Metres, UNCLE STEVE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERFECT BUDDY.
Close to the finishing line, INVINCIBLE FRESH was awkwardly placed between ROUNDABOUT and GOOD FOR YOU and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.
Also close to the finishing line, KIRAM was shifted in away from the heels of AMAZING CHOCOLATE.
After the race, U Rispoli was not able to offer an explanation for the performance of UNCLE STEVE. He said UNCLE STEVE appeared reluctant to race inside horses, however, given that it enjoyed a good run behind the leader, UNCLE STEVE was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of UNCLE STEVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RIGHT CHOICE and AMAZING CHOCOLATE were sent for sampling.