07/04/2019 - Sha Tin


Going:

Race 1:

Turf - Good

Races 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10:

Turf - Good To Firm

Penetrometer Reading: 2.71

Racing Stewards:

Mr Philip N L Chen GBS JP Chairman

Mr. Ricky C C Fung SBS JP

Mr K Kelly Chief Stipendiary Steward

Mr S Railton Stipendiary Steward

Mr G Bush Stipendiary Steward

Mr K C Y Kwok Stipendiary Steward

Mr H L Liu Stipendiary Steward

Race:1 (556) LUGARD HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

As the start was effected, PRINCE HARMONY lifted its front feet off the ground and began awkwardly.
CHAMPION PRIDE began only fairly.
BRIGHT KID began awkwardly and lost ground.
Passing the 500 Metres, CALIFORNIA GUNGHO got its head on the side, shifted out and brushed the running rail.
After the 400 Metres, CHEERFULJET got its head on the side and lay out.
When questioned, Z Purton stated that unlike each of its trials in the lead up to today’s race, BEAUTY CHARISMA hung in badly and proved very difficult to ride. He said BEAUTY CHARISMA commenced to hang in after the 800 Metres and then hung in worse as the race progressed He said after the 400 Metres he had to apply significant pressure to his left rein and at this time changed his whip over into his right hand to see whether this may improve BEAUTY CHARISMA’s racing manners. He said however that the horse continued to hang in badly and because of this was not able to be tested. He added he had ridden BEAUTY CHARISMA in each of its three trials in the lead up to today’s race, one of which was over today’s course and distance and on each of those occasions the horse had trialed tractably and had shown no inclination to hang in. The racing manners of BEAUTY CHARISMA were considered unacceptable. Trainer J Moore was advised that if BEAUTY CHARISMA is to race over the straight course in the future, it must first barrier trial over 1000 Metres at Sha Tin on the turf. He was further advised that if it is his intention for the horse to race around a bend, it must barrier trial accordingly A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY CHARISMA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ORIONIDS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
BEAUTY CHARISMA, GOKO and CALIFORNIA GUNGHO were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (557) SEVERN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

Apprentice K H Chan (MONICA) was fined $2,000 for presenting himself to weigh out for this race in the incorrect colours.
BRAVE COMMAND and EZRA began only fairly.
MONICA shifted in at the start and hampered WICKER and SUPREME PLUS. Then when being ridden along, MONICA continued to shift in, resulting in WICKER becoming unbalanced when crowded onto SUPREME PLUS which also became unbalanced after being bumped by WICKER. Apprentice Chan was severely reprimanded and told that in future he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts so as not to cause further interference.
From wide barriers, MASTER ALBERT, SKY GEM and MCQUEEN were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, MONICA, when being steadied to avoid the heels of FORTUNE HAPPINESS, got its head up and shifted in away from that horse and made contact with SUPREME PLUS. After this, MONICA was left racing wide and without cover.
In the early part of the Straight, DESTIN was awkwardly placed between SUPREME PLUS and FORTUNE HAPPINESS which was shifting to the outside of EPTIMUM to obtain clear running. This resulted in DESTIN being held up for clear running until approaching the 300 Metres.
Passing the 350 Metres, FLYING NOBLE got its head on the side and lay in behind MONICA.
BRAVE COMMAND lay out passing the 300 Metres.
Close to the finishing line, DESTIN lay out under pressure.
After the race, C Y Ho (FORTUNE HAPPINESS) reported that the horse hung in, particularly in the Straight, and proved difficult to ride.
When questioned, T H So stated that, stepping up to 1400 Metres, he was instructed to ride EPTIMUM positively and attempt to lead. He said the horse had been successful in its overseas races prior to being imported to Hong Kong when leading and, from the horse’s wide barrier, it was believed today provided the opportunity for the horse to go forward and see if it could perform well when similarly ridden in a forward position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount vigorously in the early stages to obtain a forward position and was content to race outside FORTUNE HAPPINESS after the 1000 Metres. He said however that EPTIMUM was travelling strongly and when it appeared as though the rider of FORTUNE HAPPINESS was steadying his mount, he therefore elected to allow EPTIMUM to continue into the outright lead passing the 800 Metres.
When questioned, R Bayliss stated that he was instructed to ride EZRA where it was comfortable depending on how the horse began. He also stated that as the horse was held up for clear running at its last start, he was asked to ensure that it remained racing away from the rail if possible and to make his run down the outside as the connections of the horse had been disappointed that the horse had been held up for clear running in the Straight at its last start. He said he had trialed EZRA in the lead up to today’s race and also formed the view that the horse was hesitant to race when in amongst runners and therefore he agreed that the best opportunity for EZRA to finish off the race would be to make its run to the outside of the field. He said with the blinkers applied for the first time today, EZRA began only fairly and then did not show any early speed and was quickly crossed by WIN WIN. He said after shifting across behind runners in the early stages, he was taken in by MASTER ALBERT after the 1300 Metres and then by SKY GEM after passing the 1200 Metres. He said given his instructions not to be caught on the rail if possible, he was reluctant to press his mount to maintain its position inside SKY GEM as he did not want EZRA to be positioned in midfield amongst runners which would make it difficult to shift out. He said he therefore allowed SKY GEM to improve forward of EZRA and shifted out behind that horse near the 1100 Metres. He added approaching the 1000 Metres EZRA was racing inside the heels of MCQUEEN and when that horse shifted in, this resulted in EZRA having to race closer to the inside rail then had had planned. He said near the 750 Metres SKY GEM was being ridden along to maintain its position, he therefore steadied EZRA to shift out from behind MCQUEEN near the 650 Metres and immediately commenced to ride his mount along to follow MASTER ALBERT rounding the Home Turn. He said after entering the Straight he shifted EZRA to the outside of MASTER ALBERT and the horse then finished off the race well, however, due to the circumstances of the race EZRA got out of its ground. Mr A T Millard, the trainer of EZRA, informed the Stewards that he had asked Jockey Bayliss to ensure that the horse began as well as possible given it had not begun well at each of its race starts. He also confirmed that the connections had insisted that Jockey Bayliss remained racing away from the rail in an endeavour to ensure that the horse was able to obtain clear running which it was not able to do for some distance in the Straight at its last start. He said after EZRA was again slow to begin, he was disappointed that Jockey Bayliss did not ride his mount along in the early stages to be in a more forward position in order to overcome it losing ground on jumping. Jockey Bayliss reiterated that he was mindful to ensure that EZRA was not forced to race close to the rail and whilst it was available for him to improve inside SKY GEM and possibly WIN WIN in the early stages, he believed that this would have resulted in him having to race in about a midfield position but close to the rail. He said he believed that this would have been detrimental to him being able to fulfil his instructions to make his run to the outside of runners. Jockey Bayliss was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he was told that, wherever possible, he must ensure that his mounts are not left with too much to do in their races.
When questioned, K Teetan stated that, from an inside barrier, he was able to obtain a forward position on SUPREME PLUS in the early stages without having to ride his mount along. He said making the first turn he had cover behind EPTIMUM which was racing to the outside of FORTUNE HAPPINESS. He said at this time he was racing to the inside of MONICA and his mount was inclined to travel keenly as a result of having another runner positioned to its outside. He said after the 800 Metres EPTIMUM improved its position forward of FORTUNE HAPPINESS into the lead. He said he was reluctant to allow MONICA to improve its position around SUPREME PLUS to obtain cover behind that horse as the race was progressing to the 700 Metres and he believed it would not be in the horse’s best interests to allow MONICA to cross SUPREME PLUS. He added although MONICA continued to race to the outside of SUPREME PLUS, his mount relaxed better in the middle stages than it did earlier in the race and SUPREME PLUS was travelling well approaching the 500 Metres. He said he placed his mount under pressure rounding the Home Turn and SUPREME PLUS immediately came under heavy pressure and then despite being ridden along gave ground abruptly in the early part of the Straight. He said based on the manner in which SUPREME PLUS gave ground, he was concerned that it may have bled and for this reason he had a number of looks down the horse to establish whether it had any issues. He said after the race SUPREME PLUS trotted back to the unplaced saddling area sound and he was therefore unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME PLUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPREME PLUS, which finished at the tail of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME PLUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
WIN WIN and DESTIN were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (558) THE SPRINT CUP (Sec1) Group Two 1200 m

As the start was effected, HANDSOME BO BO lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, HANDSOME BO BO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
Passing the 1000 Metres, HANDSOME BO BO commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up continuously until after passing the 900 Metres.
Passing the 400 Metres, MR STUNNING and BEAT THE CLOCK brushed.
Close to the finishing line, BEAT THE CLOCK raced tight inside RATTAN.
MR STUNNING, RATTAN and BEAT THE CLOCK were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (559) PEEL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

SMART CHARADE shifted out abruptly at the start and crowded IRON BOY onto BEST ALLIANCE which then shifted out and bumped LOOKING GOOD. LOOKING GOOD then bumped WECARE N PROSPER, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced. IRON BOY, BEST ALLIANCE and LOOKING GOOD were hampered in this incident. IRON BOY was then ridden along, however, failed to muster speed.
From a wide barrier, GRADE ONE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
After being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages in an endeavour to cross GREEN CARD, HONG KONG BET was unable to show sufficient speed to cross that horse and passing the 1000 Metres GREEN CARD momentarily raced in restricted room inside HONG KONG BET.
Apprentice C Wong (FANTASTIC FABIO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 750 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SMART LEADER, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily hampered and clipping the heels of FANTASTIC FABIO and in turn shifting in across the rightful running of BEST ALLIANCE which was hampered in consequence. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 17 April 2019 and to expire on Tuesday, 23 April 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Wong was fined $15,000. After this incident, BEST ALLIANCE was left racing wide and without cover.
Near the 350 Metres, WECARE N PROSPER shifted out away from the heels of BEST ALLIANCE which was racing tight outside HONG KONG BET.
A veterinary inspection of IRON BOY and LOOKING GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GRADE ONE, GREEN CARD and PLANET STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (560) SEVERN HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

GUY DRAGON shifted in at the start and was steadied away from the heels of DRAGON DANCE.
GOLDEN FOUR shifted out at the start and bumped PLAY WISE.
On jumping, FORTUNE BUDDY was crowded for room between FUN TIMES and LET’S COME BACK, both of which shifted ground. After this, FORTUNE BUDDY and LET’S COME BACK were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, WHISKY KNIGHT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1150 Metres, FUN TIMES raced tight between GUY DRAGON and WHISKY KNIGHT (N Callan) which shifted in. Then after the 1000 Metres, FUN TIMES was steadied away from the heels of WHISKY KNIGHT which shifted in before being directed back out. N Callan was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
In the early stages, WAYFOONG CHARMER was left racing very wide and after the 1100 Metres was ridden along to obtain a more forward position, however, continued to race wide and without cover throughout.
Passing the 750 Metres, LET’S COME BACK was steadied away from the heels of PLAY WISE. WHISKY KNIGHT, which was following LET’S COME BACK, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse. FUN TIMES, which was following WHISKY KNIGHT, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of that horse.
PLAY WISE was held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 300 Metres.
Passing the 200 Metres, GUY DRAGON was shifted out away from the heels of FORTUNATE RUNNER after that horse shifted out marginally under pressure.
When questioned, R Bayliss stated that he was asked to ride FUN TIMES quietly as the connections were concerned that the horse had not finished off its races when ridden in a more forward position at its last two starts. He said the tempo of the race steadied in the middle stages which made it hard for FUN TIMES to finish off the race and make ground from the tail of the field. A veterinary inspection of FUN TIMES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of DRAGON DANCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PLAY WISE, CARE FREE PRINCE and GUY DRAGON were sent for sampling.
<8/4/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that LET’S COME BACK was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, LET’S COME BACK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:6 (561) POLLOCK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

CHICKEN DANCE was withdrawn on 4.4.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter POWER RACER (K Teetan). POWER RACER was subsequently withdrawn on 6.4.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (diarrhoea) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter CHEER WIN (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, CHICKEN DANCE and POWER RACER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
DIVINE POWER was slow to begin.
THE CREATETH began awkwardly and lost ground.
LASTING FRIENDSHIP shifted out at the start and bumped GOOD FOR YOU. After this, both LASTING FRIENDSHIP and GOOD FOR YOU were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
GLENEALY GENERALS began only fairly and then bumped the hindquarters of DIAMOND BRILLIANT which shifted in, causing both horses to become unbalanced.
Making the turn near the 900 Metres, MULTIMAX momentarily got its head up when being crossed by GLENEALY GENERALS. After being crossed by GLENEALY GENERALS near the 850 Metres, DEMONS ROCK got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of that horse.
Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, DIVINE POWER shifted out abruptly.
Approaching the 500 Metres, THE CREATETH was shifted out away from the heels of SUN FOXHUNTER.
Near the 350 Metres, DIAMOND BRILLIANT and ALL YOU NEED raced tight as ALL YOU NEED attempted to shift to the outside of WAR LORD. ALL YOU NEED then raced tight inside DIAMOND BRILLIANT passing the 300 Metres when that horse shifted in marginally.
SILVER FIG was unable to obtain clear running between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres.
After the 300 Metres, LASTING FRIENDSHIP was shifted out away from the heels of SUPER RED DRAGON which shifted out.
After the 250 Metres, DEMONS ROCK raced tight outside GLENEALY GENERALS.
THE CREATETH was held up for clear running passing the 150 Metres and was then shifted out a number of horses to obtain a run outside MULTIMAX near the 50 Metres.
Throughout the race, WAR LORD travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, Z Purton reported that GLENEALY GENERALS hung out under pressure in the Straight and was making an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY GENERALS immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right hind leg and an endoscopic examination also showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY GENERALS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of DIVINE POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SILVER FIG, WAR LORD and DIAMOND BRILLIANT were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (562) THE CHAIRMAN'S TROPHY (Sec1) Group Two 1600 m

PAKISTAN STAR shifted in at the start and inconvenienced EAGLE WAY.
At the 200 Metres, RISE HIGH was shifted to the outside of CONTE.
BEAUTY GENERATION and EAGLE WAY were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (563) HOMESTEAD HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

As the start was effected, HAPPY FAMILY reared and lost a significant amount of ground. HAPPY FAMILY subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of HAPPY FAMILY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY FAMILY must perform competitively in a barrier trial at which time the horse will be required to jump on terms with the field and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
REFINED TREASURE shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of FULL OF BEAUTY. Then a short distance after the start, FULL OF BEAUTY, after becoming unbalanced, was then taken out marginally by STYLING CITY which resulted in REFINED TREASURE, FORTUNE BOOTH and WATER DIVINER all being crowded for room inside CALIFORNIA WHIP which also shifted in. This resulted in FORTUNE BOOTH being checked and WATER DIVINER and REFINED TREASURE being badly hampered.
Shortly after the start, JUMBO LUCK got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly, resulting in SUPER HOPPY being crowded for room. After this, from wide barriers, SUPER HOPPY and BREEDERS’ STAR were shifted across behind runners.
Near the 1150 Metres, WATER DIVINER and CALIFORNIA WHIP were crowded for room inside DRAGON GENERAL which was taken in by STORM SIGNAL which, after being bumped by CALIFORNIA FORTUNE (Apprentice K H Chan), then got its head on the side and shifted in away from that horse. Apprentice Chan was advised that whilst there were a considerable number of factors associated with this incident which continued for some distance, nonetheless he was advised to exercise more care.
Apprentice K H Chan (CALIFORNIA FORTUNE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of STORM SIGNAL, causing that horse to be severely checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Chan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 April 2019 and to expire on Monday, 6 May 2019 on which day he may resume race riding. During this time there are 2 Hong Kong racemeetings scheduled to be conducted at which Apprentice Chan is eligible to accept riding engagements. When STORM SIGNAL was checked, STYLING CITY, which was following, was severely checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. REFINED TREASURE, which was following STYLING CITY, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse, resulting in WATER DIVINER being hampered and racing tight inside CALIFORNIA WHIP which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover.
Passing the 400 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was shifted to the outside of STYLING CITY. FORTUNE BOOTH, which was following BREEDERS’ STAR, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. FORTUNE BOOTH was then unable to obtain clear running from on straightening until after the 150 Metres.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REFINED TREASURE, K Teetan stated that REFINED TREASURE travelled strongly in the early stages and he was forced to shift his mount out after the 900 Metres to avoid interference in advance of REFINED TREASURE. He said making the turn after the 800 Metres, under race conditions for the first time, REFINED TREASURE was awkward in its action and he had to ride his mount along after the 700 Metres to maintain its position outside STYLING CITY. He said REFINED TREASURE also made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and then in the Straight lay out. He added, in his opinion, REFINED TREASURE handled the track surface today, but the horse’s disappointing performance could be attributed to it having to race around a turn for the first time. A veterinary inspection of REFINED TREASURE 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, R Bayliss (WATER DIVINER) stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily throughout the early and middle stages but after racing tight outside REFINED TREASURE rounding the Home Turn came off the bridle and then did not finish off the race as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of WATER DIVINER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CALIFORNIA FORTUNE and FULL OF BEAUTY were sent for sampling.
<8/4/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Surgeon reported that DRAGON GENERAL was lame in its left front foot on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON GENERAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:9 (564) HARLECH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 1 2000 m

From wide barriers, TIANCHI MONSTER, VICTORY BOYS and MONGOLIAN KING were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
In the early stages, ENRICHMENT raced wide and without cover and after the 1400 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 1200 Metres at which time WAIKUKU was left racing wide and without cover.
Approaching the 500 Metres, HO HO KHAN was awkwardly placed behind ROMANTIC TOUCH and was then shifted to the inside of that horse passing the 500 Metres.
At the entrance to the Straight, ROMANTIC TOUCH was awkwardly placed behind ENRICHMENT which was giving ground. ENRICHMENT then continued to give ground and finished tailed out. The performance of ENRICHMENT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ENRICHMENT 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 ENRICHMENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Approaching the 400 Metres, VICTORY BOYS shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of SAVVY SIX.
Approaching the 150 Metres, GLORIOUS ARTIST shifted out and bumped HO HO KHAN.
In the Straight, HELENE CHARISMA lay in and near the 150 Metres was awkwardly placed outside WAIKUKU which shifted out marginally.
Passing the 150 Metres, INSAYSHABLE shifted out and bumped DARK DREAM, causing both horses to become unbalanced.
R Bayliss was fined $7,000 for weighing in 2 lbs overweight on ENRICHMENT.
When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that it was intended for GOOD OMEN to take a trailing position behind ROMANTIC TOUCH which they anticipated would lead the race. He said after obtaining a forward position in the early stages, he steadied his mount after the 1700 Metres in order to allow ROMANTIC TOUCH to improve forward of GOOD OMEN. He said however that GOOD OMEN commenced to travel keenly and when ROMANTIC TOUCH did not improve forward of his mount, this resulted in GOOD OMEN leading the race which had not been intended. A veterinary inspection of GOOD OMEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, J Moreira stated that after being left racing wide and without cover near the 1200 Metres from the horse’s wide barrier, WAIKUKU travelled satisfactorily until the early part of the Straight at which time the horse came under pressure and then was disappointing over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of WAIKUKU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of TIANCHI MONSTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WAIKUKU, DARK DREAM and INSAYSHABLE were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (565) PLANTATION HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

On Thursday, 4 April 2019, the Stewards heard a complaint lodged by N Callan that he was rightfully engaged as the rider of UNCLE STEVE but had not been declared on that horse. Also interviewed was Mr J Moore, the trainer of UNCLE STEVE. The owners of UNCLE STEVE were not able to be present at the hearing with Mr Moore, under an authority to act, representing their interests. At the time of declaration, K C Leung was declared as the rider of UNCLE STEVE. After hearing evidence from both N Callan and Mr Moore, the Stewards were satisfied that N Callan had been properly engaged to ride UNCLE STEVE in this race and that subsequent to being engaged the owners of that horse had elected to engage the services of K C Leung. The Stewards ruled that as K C Leung had been declared to ride UNCLE STEVE, he would fulfil that engagement, however, N Callan was to be paid a winning and/or losing riding fee/percentage, depending on UNCLE STEVE’s finishing position in the race. As the owners of UNCLE STEVE were not able to be present, they were advised that they had until midday on Sunday, 7 April 2019 to make representations to the Stewards in respect of this matter. The owners advised the Stewards on Saturday, 6 April 2019 that they accepted the ruling of the Stewards.
TRIUMPHANT HORSE began awkwardly.
PAKISTAN FRIEND began only fairly and then, despite being ridden along in the early stages, failed to muster speed.
From wide barriers, CONFUCIUS DAY, CIRCUIT HASSLER and THE ONE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1200 Metres, PRANCE DRAGON commenced to travel keenly, shifted in abruptly away from the heels of COMFORT LIFE and became awkwardly placed close to the heels of INVINCIBLE MISSILE. After this, PRANCE DRAGON continued to travel keenly and was left racing wide and without cover after the 1000 Metres.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, CONFUCIUS DAY was awkwardly placed outside PRANCE DRAGON.
Rounding the Home Turn, CONFUCIUS DAY got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of THE ONE.
After improving into tight running inside PRANCE DRAGON, NOBLE STEED was taken in marginally by that horse approaching the 200 Metres, resulting in TRIUMPHANT HORSE being steadied away from the heels of PRANCE DRAGON.
Near the 150 Metres, as NOBLE STEED improved to the outside of COMFORT LIFE (Apprentice K H Chan), COMFORT LIFE shifted out, resulting in NOBLE STEED brushing INVINCIBLE MISSILE. COMFORT LIFE continued to shift out under pressure and inconvenienced NOBLE STEED until near the 50 Metres. Apprentice Chan was reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts rather than continuing to allow them to shift out under pressure.
Approaching and passing the 150 Metres, WINNING ENDEAVOUR was steadied away from the heels of MAGNIFICENT which was giving ground.
Throughout the race, THE ONE travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of PAKISTAN FRIEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
NOBLE STEED and CRAIG’S STAR were sent for sampling.

General

1.

After the running of Race 2, the track classification was officially changed from "Good” to "Good to Firm”. This change in the opinion of the Stewards should be recorded as being retrospective. As a consequence of this, the official results will show Race 2 being run on a track rated "Good to Firm”.

2.

The Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the late notification of YOUNG EMPIRE being found to be lame in its left front leg the day after the horse competed at the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 27 March 2019. After taking evidence from Mr W Y So, the trainer of YOUNG EMPIRE, a number of his stable staff together with representatives from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Services and Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy, the Stewards took no further action other than to remind Mr So of the requirement for horses which may have veterinary issues to be notified to the relevant veterinary departments at the earliest opportunity.

3. Additional Veterinary Reports from Sha Tin Racemeeting on 3 April 2019

Subsequent official veterinary inspections (without endoscopy) of ENJOYABLE SUCCESS, KEEP WINNING, LUCKY WIN WIN, CORRE RAPIDO, THE HAPPY BUNCH, JUST NOT LISTENING, COBY OPPA, COOLCELEB, VIVA COUNCIL, GENERAL DINO, TRAVEL FIRST, NICE KICK, STAR LUCK, GRAND HARBOUR, WINNER SUPREME, SIMPLY BIG, PING HAI TREASURE and GRAND CHANCELLOR revealed no apparent abnormality.

4.

Racing Laboratory tests of HAPPY TOUR, NORDIC WARRIOR, SMART CHARADE, COME ON WONGCHOY, DRAGON WARRIOR, WEALTHY FORTUNE, LUCKY HERO, GREEN CARD, SUPER LEADER, THE CREATETH, DARING FIT, CLEMENT LEGEND, HAPPY ROCKY, THE JOY OF GIVING (23.3.19) and HURRICANE HUNTER, CHAPARRAL STAR, SAVVY SEVEN, ROYAL RACER, RULETHEROOST, THIS IS CLASS, BULLISH BROTHER, FRUSTRATED, TRAVEL DATUK, HELENE CHARISMA, TASHIDELEK, NOBLE DELIGHT, JOYFUL UNION, FEARLESS FIRE, MOMENT OF POWER, LITTLE BIRD, ARCADA, RACING LUCK, LAST KINGDOM (27.3.19) proved negative.

Summary

1. Withdrawals

Race 6: CHICKEN DANCE on 4.4.19 on veterinary advice.

POWER RACER on 6.4.19 on veterinary advice.

2. Fines

Race 2: Apprentice K H Chan (MONICA): $2,000 for presenting himself to weigh out in the incorrect colours.

Race 4: Apprentice C Wong (FANTASTIC FABIO): $15,000 for careless riding approaching the 750 Metres.

Race 9: R Bayliss (ENRICHMENT): $7,000 for weighing in 2 lbs overweight.

3. Severe Reprimand

Race 2: Apprentice K H Chan (MONICA) for shifting in shortly after the start.

4. Reprimand

Race 10: Apprentice K H Chan (COMFORT LIFE) for shifting out at the 150 Metres.

5. Warnings

Race 2: R Bayliss (EZRA) re his riding in the early and middle stages.

Race 5: N Callan (WHISKY KNIGHT) for shifting in after the 1000 Metres.

Race 8: Apprentice K H Chan (CALIFORNIA FORTUNE) for shifting in near the 1150 Metres.

6. Suspensions

Race 4: Apprentice C Wong (FANTASTIC FABIO) for careless riding approaching the 750 Metres (from 17 April 2019 until 23 April 2019 on which day he may resume race riding – 2 Hong Kong racedays).

Race 8: Apprentice K H Chan (CALIFORNIA FORTUNE) for careless riding near the 900 Metres (from 28 April 2019 until 6 May 2019 on which day he may resume race riding – 2 Hong Kong racedays).

7. Stalls Test

Race 3: HANDSOME BO BO

8. Barrier Trials

Race 1: BEAUTY CHARISMA

Race 2: SUPREME PLUS

Race 8: HAPPY FAMILY

Race 9: ENRICHMENT

9. Official Veterinary Examinations

Race 2: SUPREME PLUS

Race 6: CHICKEN DANCE

POWER RACER

GLENEALY GENERALS

Race 8: HAPPY FAMILY

Race 9: ENRICHMENT