Race:1 (593) EGRET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

FAMILY LEADER was withdrawn on 21.4.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter FINE WITH ME (R Bayliss). RADIANT BUNNY was also withdrawn on 21.4.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter PERFECT TO PLAY (M F Poon). Before being allowed to race again, FAMILY LEADER and RADIANT BUNNY will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
HAY RUN began awkwardly and lost ground.
REEVE’S MUNTJAC shifted out at the start and bumped REMARKABLE.
From wide barriers, REMARKABLE and FINE WITH ME were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 1200 Metres, LITTLE ISLAND was awkwardly placed behind BRING IT ON and then after the 1200 Metres was left racing wide and without cover.
For some distance in the middle stages, VERY LUCKY travelled keenly in the lead and would not relax.
Near the 800 Metres, FINE WITH ME got its head up and became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of PERFECT TO PLAY.
WHISKY KNIGHT made the turn near the 700 Metres awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of GENERAL DINO. PERFECT TO PLAY, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WHISKY KNIGHT in consequence.
Near the 600 Metres, CLEAR CHOICE and GENERAL DINO raced tight as CLEAR CHOICE shifted to the outside of VERY LUCKY.
After the race, C Schofield reported that despite being vigorously ridden for a considerable distance in the early stages, GREAT TREASURE was reluctant to stretch out.
Also after the race, R Bayliss said FINE WITH ME did not feel comfortable in its action and would not stretch out. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that FINE WITH ME was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, FINE WITH ME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of REMARKABLE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, REMARKABLE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of HAY RUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GENERAL DINO and CLEAR CHOICE were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (594) FLAMINGO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

MASSIVE MILLENNIUM began very awkwardly and lost ground.
RUMINARE began awkwardly, shifted in and brushed NICE KICK. After this, RUMINARE was ridden along to obtain a forward position and after being crossed by MASSIVE POWER after the 1200 Metres got its head up on a number occasions when proving difficult to settle.
DISTRICT EXPRESS (M Harley) got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start when being steadied to obtain cover. After the race, M Harley reported that DISTRICT EXPRESS made an abnormal breathing noise during the race. A veterinary inspection of DISTRICT EXPRESS immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer”.
From a wide barrier, MASTER BERNINI was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
After being steadied from the outside barrier to obtain cover, ALCAZAR (C Schofield) commenced to prove very difficult to settle passing the 1300 Metres and got its head up on a number of occasions. ALCAZAR continued to travel keenly and after the 1200 Metres again got its head up when over-racing. ALCAZAR then commenced to race intractably and shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider at the 1050 Metres, resulting in MASSIVE MILLENNIUM being crowded for room and MASTER BERNINI being inconvenienced. ALCAZAR again got its head up for some distance when making the turn near the 900 Metres. C Schofield reported that after proving very difficult to settle, ALCAZAR did not feel comfortable in its action in the Straight and as it was out of contention he eased the horse down over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of ALCAZAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners of ALCAZAR were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ALCAZAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and amongst runners and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Near the 1000 Metres, SURE SUPREME shifted in and made contact with DISTRICT EXPRESS. SURE SUPREME was then taken out passing the 1000 Metres by ROYAL PREROGATIVE which shifted out.
MASSIVE MILLENNIUM got its head on the side and made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly.
At the 850 Metres, NEVER BETTER got its head up when awkwardly placed behind NICE KICK which was racing close to the heels of RUMINARE. MASSIVE MILLENNIUM, which was following NEVER BETTER, was inconvenienced in consequence.
For the majority of the race, JIMSON THE FAMOUS travelled wide and without cover and near the 800 Metres was taken wider by MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR which shifted out away from the heels of XIANG HUANG QI.
On straightening, NEVER BETTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICE KICK.
RUMINARE and NICE KICK were unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres.
After the 300 Metres, MASSIVE MILLENNIUM shifted out and brushed ROYAL PREROGATIVE which in turn shifted out, inconveniencing ALCAZAR and SURE SUPREME.
Passing the 200 Metres, ROCKAGE momentarily raced in restricted room between JIMSON THE FAMOUS and NICE KICK which shifted out.
Approaching the 100 Metres, NEVER BETTER was awkwardly placed when improving into tight running between RUMINARE and MASSIVE POWER. This resulted in MASSIVE POWER being inconvenienced when NEVER BETTER shifted in near the 100 Metres.
A veterinary inspection of XIANG HUANG QI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
NICE KICK and MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (595) KESTREL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU began only fairly.
BUDDIES and SAM’S LOVE bumped at the start.
LITTLE GENERAL shifted out at the start and bumped GRACIOUS RYDER.
GREEN ENVY began only fairly and then was bumped by GENERAL TRUMP which shifted in.
In the early stages, APPLAUSE was steadied to obtain cover.
For some distance after the 1100 Metres, BUDDIES and BAND OF BROTHERS raced tight as BAND OF BROTHERS raced in restricted room inside GRAND HARBOUR (H N Wong) which shifted in. H N Wong was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners on his inside in similar circumstances. GRACIOUS RYDER, which was following BUDDIES, commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse which resulted in GRACIOUS RYDER losing ground near the 1050 Metres. Then making the turn near the 900 Metres, GRACIOUS RYDER again proved very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of BAND OF BROTHERS.
After the 900 Metres, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU was left racing wide and without cover.
Near the 550 Metres, BUDDIES shifted out and bumped GRAND HARBOUR.
At the 400 Metres, LITTLE GENERAL was shifted to the outside of BUDDIES after being disappointed for running inside that horse. LITTLE GENERAL was then shifted further to the outside of BAND OF BROTHERS near the 250 Metres to obtain clear running.
At the entrance to the Straight, APPLAUSE was checked away from the heels of SAM’S LOVE which was taken out by GENERAL TRUMP which, when being shifted to the outside of THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, was obliged to shift further out away from behind that horse as a result of THIS ONE’S FOR YOU being taken wider by GRAND HARBOUR which shifted out after being brushed by BUDDIES.
ULTIMATE GLORY had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres.
Approaching the 300 Metres, GREEN ENVY and SLEEP EDUCATION bumped as a result of both horses shifting ground.
After the 300 Metres, SAM’S LOVE shifted out under pressure.
A veterinary inspection of GENERAL TRUMP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BAND OF BROTHERS and LITTLE GENERAL were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (596) KINGFISHER HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

HEARTS KEEPER was slow to begin.
LUNAR ZEPHYR began only fairly and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed.
ELITE BOY lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and then lost ground when crowded for room between BOND ELEGANCE and COOLCELEB which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider after being bumped by NICE FANDANGO. In this incident, BOND ELEGANCE became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ELITE BOY.
From wide barriers, MCMUNIGAL and THE CREATETH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
COOLCELEB lay out rounding the Home Turn.
H T Mo (VIVA COUNCIL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of ELITE BOY (M F Poon), causing that horse to be unnecessarily hampered and to be checked away from the heels of VIVA COUNCIL. H T Mo was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 April 2019 and to expire on Thursday, 2 May 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, H T Mo was fined $20,000. After the race, M F Poon reported that after being checked, ELITE BOY made an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of ELITE BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Approaching the 150 Metres, BOND ELEGANCE had difficulty obtaining clear running and then passing the 150 Metres was shifted to the inside of IRON KING to obtain clear running.
In the Straight, IRON KING raced with its head on the side and lay out under pressure.
When questioned regarding the performance of STAR LUCK, K Teetan stated that, from the wide barrier, he was asked to allow STAR LUCK to use its natural speed and obtain a forward position, but not to ride his mount along to do so if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode STAR LUCK positively in the early stages and STAR LUCK immediately commenced to improve its position. He said he did not have to ride his mount along to clear runners to his inside and after the 800 Metres was racing in a three wide position outside IRON KING. He said he did not believe it was available for him to continue forward to clear IRON KING and obtain a position one horse off the rail as IRON KING was travelling strongly and riding his mount along would have been contrary to his instructions, therefore he remained racing three wide and without cover. He said in the early part of the Straight STAR LUCK initially responded satisfactorily to his riding and was able to gain an advantage over IRON KING. He said however that STAR LUCK came under pressure passing the 200 Metres and then was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the concluding stages. K Teetan further stated that whilst STAR LUCK may be better suited when drawn an inside barrier, he noted the horse had gone up in weight following its last start win. Mr F C Lor, the trainer of STAR LUCK, said that the horse was particularly disappointing in today’s race. He said STAR LUCK had trained on well since its last start win and another forward showing was expected despite the horse’s wide barrier draw. He said based on the manner in which STAR LUCK failed to finish off the race, he is of the opinion that the horse is better suited by inside draws as its two failures had come when being drawn wide and its only success was when it had drawn an inside barrier. A veterinary inspection of STAR LUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of STAR LUCK, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STAR LUCK will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that THE CREATETH had sustained a small laceration to the inside of the right hind heel.
FLYING LOVER and VIVA COUNCIL were sent for sampling.
<23/4/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that FLYING LOVER was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING LOVER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:5 (597) THE HONG KONG LIONS CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

DECISIVE ACTION and ARDENODE began awkwardly.
UNIQUE TREASURE was crowded for room on jumping between MR LUMIERES and VOYAGE WARRIOR, both of which shifted ground.
STAR OF THEHARBOUR and VOYAGE KING bumped on jumping.
Shortly after the start, ARDENODE was eased away from the heels of CAO CAO which shifted out.
In the early stages, ORIONIDS was shifted across behind runners and after the 400 Metres got its head on the side and lay in under pressure.
MR LUMIERES lost its left front plate at the 500 Metres.
A veterinary inspection of STAR OF THEHARBOUR immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a cut to the inside of the right front cannon.
VOYAGE WARRIOR and HAPPY TIME were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (598) PARUS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

FAITHFUL TRINITY shifted in at the start and bumped KING’S MAN.
LONDON HALL began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between LE PANACHE which shifted out marginally and HEALTHY TREASURE which began awkwardly and shifted in. After this, both LONDON HALL and HEALTHY TREASURE were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
From the outside barriers, HO HO FEEL, SANGRIA and SMART PATCH were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1600 Metres, SMART PATCH was hampered when taken out by SANGRIA which was bumped by HEALTHY TREASURE which shifted out when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed outside LONDON HALL. Then passing the 1400 Metres, HEALTHY TREASURE was awkwardly placed behind LONDON HALL.
Near the 1350 Metres, when being steadied to obtain cover, FLASH FAMOUS got its head up, shifted out marginally and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CIRCUIT THREE which shifted in slightly.
Near the 1300 Metres, FULL OF CHANCES was left racing wide and without cover.
Near the 800 Metres, SANGRIA was checked away from the heels of LONDON HALL which was awkwardly placed behind LE PANACHE. SMART PATCH, which was following SANGRIA, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence and then had to be checked away from the heels of FULL OF CHANCES near the 750 Metres.
Passing the 500 Metres, CIRCUIT THREE and FLASH FAMOUS bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.
FAITHFUL TRINITY was unable to obtain clear running from near the 300 Metres until approaching the 100 Metres.
The performance of HEALTHY TREASURE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HEALTHY TREASURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, U Rispoli stated that as CIRCUIT THREE had been slow to begin in each of its starts, he was asked to have the horse begin as well as possible. He said judged on the manner in which CIRCUIT THREE had begun in its previous races, it was anticipated that the best CIRCUIT THREE would be able to achieve would be in about a midfield position. He said CIRCUIT THREE began much better today than had been anticipated and as he was aware that Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of CIRCUIT THREE, had previously expressed a preference for his horses not to be restrained in the early stages, he allowed CIRCUIT THREE to sit outside CLEMENT LEGEND which was being ridden along in the early stages. He said at no stage did he ride his mount along and when he felt that it was not available for him to obtain a trailing position behind CLEMENT LEGEND, he then allowed CIRCUIT THREE to improve its position forward of that horse and he was able to shift in and cross outside the lead after the 1400 Metres. He said CIRCUIT THREE travelled well until the 500 Metres at which time FLASH FAMOUS improved to its outside. He said CIRCUIT THREE came off the bridle, however, in the early part of the Straight stayed on one-paced. He added CIRCUIT THREE then came under heavy pressure passing the 200 Metres and weakened over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT THREE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CIRCUIT THREE, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CIRCUIT THREE 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 HEALTHY TREASURE and SAVVY SEVEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SMART BABY was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SMART BABY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
CIRCUIT THREE, LONDON HALL and KING’S MAN were sent for sampling.
<23/4/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that SANGRIA had a very restricted movement in both front legs. Before being allowed to race again, SANGRIA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:7 (599) PEACOCK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

FORTUNE BOOTH was slow to begin.
BREEDERS’ STAR shifted out at the start and bumped HIGH FIVE.
From a wide barrier, STARLIGHT was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Passing the 800 Metres, FLAT HEAVEN was eased away from the heels of I AM POWER which was taken in by BIG TIME BABY.
After the 800 Metres, JUMBO LUCK was left racing wide and without cover.
Making the turn near the 700 Metres, FORTUNE BOOTH and HIGH FIVE raced tight.
At the 700 Metres, U Rispoli’s (BIG TIME BABY) left stirrup iron broke, placing him at a significant disadvantage for the remainder of the race and preventing him from being able to ride the horse out.
A veterinary inspection of I AM POWER immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on UGLY WARRIOR at the request of Trainer Y S Tsui. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, UGLY WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
UGLY WARRIOR, FORTUNE BOOTH and HIGH FIVE were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (600) SPOONBILL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

HANG’S DECISION began only fairly.
HAPPY SEBRING began only fairly and then became unbalanced when bumped by PEOPLE’S KNIGHT.
From wide barriers, NOBLE STEED and SPLENDID TIMING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
PING HAI TREASURE was left racing wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres.
After the 1100 Metres, THUNDER STOMP travelled keenly in the lead.
At the 700 Metres, MAGNIFICENT was checked when unable to improve to the outside of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR as a result of PING HAI TREASURE improving its position quickly to the outside of MAGNIFICENT. When MAGNIFICENT was checked, BEAR SLAM, which was following, struck the heels of MAGNIFICENT and was checked. PEOPLE’S KNIGHT, which was following BEAR SLAM, was also checked in consequence. When BEAR SLAM clipped the heels of MAGNIFICENT, it shifted out, resulting in LUCKY TIME being hampered and taken wider. HAPPY SEBRING, which was following LUCKY TIME, was steadied away from the heels of that horse. SPLENDID TIMING, which was following HAPPY SEBRING, shifted in when awkwardly placed behind that horse and took WILLIE WAY onto NOBLE STEED which was hampered.
A veterinary inspection of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
ROYAL PERFORMER and PING HAI TREASURE were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (601) SWAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

TEAM FORTUNE was slow to begin.
ENCORE BOY began only fairly and then was crowded for room between STRATHCLYDE and ZERO HEDGE which shifted out.
MULTIMILLION and ENSHRINED bumped at the start.
HAPPY TOUR shifted in at the start and crowded NUCLEAR POWER.
Near the 700 Metres, HARBOUR ALERT was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 200 Metres, HAPPY TOUR momentarily raced tight between TEAM FORTUNE and HARBOUR ALERT which shifted out.
Passing the 100 Metres, Apprentice K H Chan (SIMPLY BIG) dropped his right rein.
After the race, N Callan reported that WINNER SUPREME changed lead leg on an number of occasions in the Straight as it was giving ground. He said as WINNER SUPREME did not feel comfortable in its action, he eased it down over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of WINNER SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, WINNER SUPREME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, C Schofield stated that when successful at its last start on 3 April 2019, JUST NOT LISTENING was able to lead and dictate the tempo of the race. He said in today’s race JUST NOT LISTENING began well from its outside barrier and consequently took up a forward position, however, due to MULTIMILLION and WINNER SUPREME showing superior early speed, he elected to shift in behind MULTIMILLION and sit off the leaders. He said due to the fast pace throughout the early stages JUST NOT LISTENING came under pressure soon after straightening and then got its head on the side and lay out when giving ground. A veterinary inspection of JUST NOT LISTENING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Also after the race, K Teetan reported that he was instructed to allow MULTIMILLION to use its natural speed without steadying the horse as MULTIMILLION had hung out badly at its only previous start when racing around a bend. He said MULTIMILLION had been ridden in this manner in its two recent barrier trials in the lead up to today’s race. He said however that after leading clearly MULTIMILLION came under pressure soon after straightening and then weakened noticeably in the Straight. He added, in his opinion, MULTIMILLION, at this stage of its career, is better suited over 1000 Metres on the straight course. A veterinary inspection of MULTIMILLION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ENSHRINED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SIMPLY BIG and TEAM FORTUNE were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (602) TERN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

FLYING BONUS was withdrawn on 21.4.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GOOD FIT (H N Wong). Before being allowed to race again, FLYING BONUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
CHAIRMAN LO began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider, J Moreira, becoming badly unbalanced. Then shortly after the start, CHAIRMAN LO and WINSTON’S LAD bumped.
GOOD FIT was slow to begin.
SUPER WISE shifted out at the start, resulting in GENERAL SHERMAN and FARSHAD being hampered.
From wide barriers, WAR ROOM and SHINING GEM were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Near the 1350 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN was awkwardly placed outside SUPER WISE which got its head on the side and shifted out when being ridden along.
H T Mo (SUPER WISE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1250 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of TANGMERE, causing that horse to be unnecessarily hampered and to be checked away from the heels of SUPER WISE. The Stewards ruled that this period of suspension is to be served cumulatively with the period of suspension incurred by Jockey Mo from an incident in Race 4. Accordingly, this period of suspension is to commence on Thursday, 2 May 2019 and to expire on Sunday, 12 May 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, H T Mo was fined $20,000.
Passing the 1200 Metres, AMAZING LUCK was awkwardly placed behind AMAZING.
Approaching the 650 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN got its head up when racing keenly and awkwardly placed behind FARSHAD.
Approaching the 600 Metres, AMAZING CHOCOLATE raced tight between WINSTON’S LAD and WAR ROOM.
SUPER WISE got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn.
Passing the 300 Metres, FARSHAD raced tight between SUPER WISE and TANGMERE which improved to be racing inside the heels of CHAIRMAN LO. TANGMERE then shifted in marginally, resulting in FARSHAD being unable to maintain its position between TANGMERE and SUPER WISE. Because of this, FARSHAD was unable to be tested over the final 200 Metres.
GENERAL SHERMAN had difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 100 Metres.
ELITE PATCH was unable to obtain clear running until over the concluding stages and consequently was not able to be properly tested.
Throughout the race, CHAIRMAN LO travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of CHAIRMAN LO immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CHAIRMAN LO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
PERFECT MATCH and WAR ROOM were sent for sampling.