Race:1 (670) TOPAZ HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

WINNING STRIKES began awkwardly.
VALIANT ELEGANCE also began awkwardly, shifted out and inconvenienced DASHING GRACE.
REGENCY GEM began only fairly.
Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, GOLDEN MISSION (J Moreira) was slow to muster speed and travelled wide and without cover until approaching the 600 Metres and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, J Moreira stated that GOLDEN MISSION did not travel strongly at any stage of the race and felt "flat”. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN MISSION immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of GOLDEN MISSION, favourite for today’s race and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLDEN MISSION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When riding TIGERLAD along shortly after the start, M F Poon dropped his whip. TIGERLAD subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race.
Passing the 1100 Metres, WINNING STRIKES became unbalanced.
Passing the 600 Metres, WINNING STRIKES was eased away from the heels of GOLDEN MISSION which shifted in.
Passing the 400 Metres, YEE CHEONG LUCKY raced in restricted room inside LUCKY VICTOR which got its head on the side and lay in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to YEE CHEONG LUCKY.
Passing the 350 Metres, DASHING GRACE was shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN MISSION which was giving ground.
After the race, A Badel was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of SUPREME PATROL which he said that after travelling well then failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME PATROL immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of MASTERWORK 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, MASTERWORK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GOLDEN MISSION, REGENCY GEM and MASTERWORK were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (671) SAPPHIRE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

On entering the track, WHISKEY NEAT bumped the running rail. On arrival at the start, WHISKEY NEAT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race.
Also on arrival at the Start, it was noted that TOUCH FAITH had blood in its mouth. TOUCH FAITH was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race.
HEARTY WISH began only fairly.
SPARKLING STAR began awkwardly and then was taken out by RUBY STARS which resulted in SPARKLING STAR and HEROIC CHAMPION bumping.
VIGOR CHAMP stumbled at the start, resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced. Then despite being ridden along from the outside barrier, VIGOR CHAMP was slow to muster speed and subsequently for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover.
From wide barriers, TRAVEL GLORY and IRON KING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
Making the turn near the 900 Metres, DIAMOND BRILLIANT raced tight outside TOUCH FAITH which shifted out marginally.
HEARTY WISH made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly.
IRON KING also made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly and then when travelling keenly was checked away from the heels of HEROIC CHAMPION after being awkwardly placed behind that horse.
Passing the 800 Metres, SO AWESOME was checked away from the heels of TOUCH FAITH.
Near the 250 Metres, SO AWESOME was shifted out away from the heels of TOUCH FAITH which shifted out under pressure. SPARKLING STAR, which was following SO AWESOME, was shifted to the inside of that horse passing the 200 Metres to continue improving.
A veterinary inspection of HEROIC CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DIAMOND BRILLIANT and WHISKEY NEAT were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (672) SAPPHIRE HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

VICTORY MORE shifted out at the start, resulting in U W BROTHER being crowded for room inside PACKING AWARD which was hampered when bumped by U W BROTHER.
CASA DE FORCA and PARTY GENIUS bumped at the start. CASA DE FORCA was then crowded for room between PARTY GENIUS and MASTER EIGHT which got its head on the side and shifted out away from FORMULA EXCEL. In this incident, MASTER EIGHT became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by CASA DE FORCA. FORMULA EXCEL then became unbalanced after being crowded for room inside MASTER EIGHT.
From a wide barrier, PARTY GENIUS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages from the outside barrier, GOOD BEAUTY failed to muster speed and was shifted across behind runners passing the 1100 Metres in an attempt to obtain cover, however, travelled wide and without cover throughout the race.
Passing the 1100 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS lost ground when crowded for room inside U W BROTHER (H N Wong) which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MASTER EIGHT. As the Stewards were satisfied that Jockey Wong had reacted as quickly as possible to the shift from U W BROTHER and had attempted to correct his mount, no further action was taken.
When being steadied to obtain cover behind U W BROTHER after the 1000 Metres, PACKING AWARD travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions.
VICTORY MORE made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly, got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of HARDLY SWEARS.
Passing the 700 Metres, GENERAL TRUMP, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed behind PACKING AWARD.
HARDLY SWEARS and GENERAL TRUMP raced tight near the 400 Metres. HARDLY SWEARS and GENERAL TRUMP continued to race tight for some distance in the early part of the Straight as GENERAL TRUMP attempted to shift to the outside of CASA DE FORCA. After briefly improving into tight running between CASA DE FORCA and HARDLY SWEARS passing the 300 Metres, GENERAL TRUMP was steadied when crowded for room between HARDLY SWEARS and CASA DE FORCA which got its head on the side and shifted out away from PACKING AWARD as that horse improved into tight running between CASA DE FORCA and U W BROTHER. In this incident, HARDLY SWEARS was hampered by GENERAL TRUMP, shifted out and inconvenienced GOOD BEAUTY. FORMULA EXCEL, which was following GENERAL TRUMP, was steadied away from the heels of that horse and shifted out in consequence.
Throughout the race, CASA DE FORCA travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of CASA DE FORCA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of GENERAL TRUMP immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. It was also noted that GENERAL TRUMP had sustained a laceration to the right front leg.
MASTER EIGHT and FIRE BALL were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (673) RUBY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

AHEAD A HEAD, which was difficult to load, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again.
THIS IS GUTS was slow to begin.
XPONENTIAL shifted out at the start and bumped UNITED WE STAND.
CORRIENTHES and AUGUST MOON bumped heavily at the start, resulting in AUGUST MOON in particular becoming badly unbalanced.
BREEZE OF SPRING began awkwardly and lost ground.
AHEAD A HEAD began only fairly and then was steadied when crowded for room between INTENTION and SPARKLING DOLPHIN which shifted in abruptly.
After the 600 Metres, AUGUST MOON lay out under pressure.
Passing the 400 Metres, FARM BUMPER was shifted in away from the heels of INTENTION.
KABI SMART was shifted in away from the heels of SUNNY AND GOLD passing the 300 Metres after racing close to the heels of that horse. KABI SMART then lay out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD approaching the 200 Metres.
Approaching the 200 Metres, CORRIENTHES was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SPARKLING DOLPHIN which shifted out under pressure.
Over the concluding stages, KABI SMART raced close to the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD.
A veterinary inspection of THIS IS GUTS, TREASURE OF FIELD and SUNNY AND GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BREEZE OF SPRING, UNITED WE STAND and CORRIENTHES were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (674) SPESSARTINE GARNET HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

Whilst being loaded, SUPER FLAMES became momentarily fractious, resulting in M L Yeung being dislodged without incident. SUPER FLAMES was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
FANTASTIC SHOW was slow to begin and then despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages became detached from the field.
From wide barriers, ALL YOU KNOW, GREEN ENVY and SAM’S LOVE were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Passing the 1100 Metres, GREEN ENVY, which was travelling keenly, was steadied away from the heels of GALAXY EMPEROR which was being steadied to obtain cover. Then at the 1050 Metres, GREEN ENVY, which continued to travel keenly, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of GALAXY EMPEROR.
Also passing the 1100 Metres, APEX TOP was eased away from the heels of SUPER MISSION which got its head on the side and shifted in away from GOLDEN BOLT.
GALAXY EMPEROR lost its right hind plate at the 1000 Metres.
Approaching the 800 Metres, CHARIZARD was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 800 Metres, BRANDING POWER was hampered when being steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN BOLT which lost ground when being crossed by INCREDIBLE.
At the entrance to the Straight, SAM’S LOVE was checked away from the heels of GOLDEN BOLT as SAM’S LOVE attempted to improve to the outside of that horse which was directed to the outside of INCREDIBLE. As the Stewards were of the opinion that SAM’S LOVE had not improved to be racing to the outside of GOLDEN BOLT at this time, no further action was taken.
ALL YOU KNOW was held up for clear running after the 400 Metres.
SUPER MISSION lay out rounding the Home Turn.
SAM’S LOVE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLDEN BOLT for some distance after the 300 Metres and then approaching and passing the 200 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running.
Near the 75 Metres, ALL YOU KNOW shifted out abruptly, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten his mount.
The performance of INCREDIBLE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, INCREDIBLE 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 INCREDIBLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned, K Teetan stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position on GALAXY EMPEROR but not to lead as it was felt that the horse performs best when able to obtain cover. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to clear CHARIZARD to its inside. He said when GALAXY EMPEROR was not able to show sufficient speed to clear CHARIZARD, he steadied GALAXY EMPEROR after the 1300 Metres to obtain a trailing position behind that horse. He added after shifting in behind CHARIZARD near the 1100 Metres, CHARIZARD itself was steadied which resulted in GALAXY EMPEROR being taken back in the field and racing further back than had been intended. He said nonetheless GALAXY EMPEROR finished off its race strongly.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPER MISSION, K C Leung attributed the disappointing run to the fact that the race was run at a much faster tempo than at its last start when the horse was able to take up a forward position relatively easily. He said SUPER MISSION had to work in the early stages to clear runners to its inside. He said SUPER MISSION travelled only fairly in the middle stages and after coming under pressure rounding the Home Turn then weakened over the concluding stages. He said in addition to the work that SUPER MISSION had to do in the early stages, he felt that the horse may not have appreciated the "Good to Firm” surface today as it did not travel comfortably as it did at its last start. A veterinary inspection of SUPER MISSION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of GREEN ENVY and APEX TOP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUPER MISSION, FANTASTIC SHOW and GALAXY EMPEROR were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (675) SPESSARTINE GARNET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

PERFECT TO PLAY, which was very fractious in the barriers, bounded in the air at the start and hit its head on the overhead barrier structure. This resulted in PERFECT TO PLAY losing ground. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TO PLAY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TO PLAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CITY LEGEND was crowded for room on jumping between TELECOM CHEETAH and OFF THE REEL which began awkwardly and shifted in. After this, CITY LEGEND and OFF THE REEL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
From the outside barrier, DARCI JOY was also steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start.
After the 1100 Metres, MORE THAN A HORSE got its head up when awkwardly placed behind TELECOM CHEETAH.
MAGIC BONUS got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn.
At the entrance to the Straight, GOOD BUDDY shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of OSCAR GLORY.
Passing the 300 Metres, MORE THAN A HORSE was crowded for room between OFF THE REEL which shifted in marginally and TELECOM CHEETAH which was taken out by DARCI JOY which got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. After this, DARCI JOY continued to lay out under pressure.
Passing the 200 Metres, CITY LEGEND was directed to the inside of SHADOW BREAKER to obtain clear running.
Also passing the 200 Metres, FAITHFUL TRINITY was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT TO PLAY (C Wong) which shifted in. C Wong was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
When easing TELECOM CHEETAH down after the race, M F Poon was dislodged without incident.
Throughout the race, OSCAR GLORY travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of MERCURIAL, Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of MERCURIAL, attributed last start performance to the manner in which it began. He said at its last start MERCURIAL began only fairly which resulted in the horse having to be ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said, in his opinion, because of this MERCURIAL was not able to finish off the race. He said in today’s race MERCURIAL began well and was able to take up a forward position easily which resulted in the horse being able to close off the race strongly. He added he was of the opinion that MERCURIAL had benefited from being able to be freshened up at Conghua since its last start. He said this was the horse’s first time away from Sha Tin and that this had benefited MERCURIAL mentally.
A veterinary inspection of MORE THAN A HORSE 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, MORE THAN A HORSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GLUCK RACER, MERCURIAL and GOOD BUDDY were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (676) EMERALD HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

PASSING FASHION shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of LIKE THAT.
THE MULTIPLIER was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
In the early part of the Straight, PASSING FASHION shifted out under pressure.
Over the concluding stages, FANTASY was held up for clear running and consequently was not able to be ridden all the way to the finishing line.
Close to the finishing line, LIKE THAT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of REGENCY BO BO.
Throughout the race, HARRIER JET travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, J Moreira stated that he was asked to ride ALL IN MIND in a forward position and it was anticipated that, from barrier 4, ALL IN MIND would be able to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders with cover. He said after being placed in the barriers, a number of runners became fractious which caused ALL IN MIND to also become fractious as the gates opened, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly and having to race back in the field.
A veterinary inspection of FANTASY immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of RUN RUN COOL and PASSING FASHION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
REGENCY BO BO and ALL IN MIND were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (677) AMETHYST HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1000 m

When parading behind the barriers, MULTIMILLION was kicked on the right hind leg by another runner. MULTIMILLION was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was lame in the right hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, MULTIMILLION was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, MULTIMILLION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GREEN AEON lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, shifted in and bumped YEE CHEONG BABY. GREEN AEON was then crowded for room between YEE CHEONG BABY and MASTER MONTARO which shifted in.
EXPLOSIVE WITNESS shifted out at the start and bumped LUCKY MORE.
Approaching the 600 Metres, MASSIVE POCKET was momentarily crowded for room between SHINING ACE and FLYING GENIUS which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the tightening to MASSIVE POCKET.
At the 550 Metres, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was awkwardly placed behind FLYING GENIUS. EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was then held up for clear running and passing the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of GREEN AEON which shifted in. EXPLOSIVE WITNESS then had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 100 Metres.
GOLD CHEST had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 200 Metres and passing the 150 Metres was directed to the inside of LUCKY MORE to obtain clear running.
A veterinary inspection of EXPLOSIVE WITNESS, PING HAI BRAVO, and MASTER MONTARO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of YEE CHEONG BABY 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, YEE CHEONG BABY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
VALIANT DREAM and LUCKY MORE were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (678) LAPIS LAZULI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1600 m

DECISIVE ACTION, which bumped a rail on entering the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and found to be suitable to race.
On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of MEANINGFUL STAR. MEANINGFUL STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race.
As the start was effected, CHAMPION PAL turned its head to the left and consequently was slow to begin.
SACRED IBIS shifted out at the start and after travelling a short distance was steadied away from the heels of NATURAL STORM.
NATURAL STORM shifted out at the start and bumped MEANINGFUL STAR, causing both horses to become unbalanced. After this, MEANINGFUL STAR was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Shortly after the start, KASI FARASI was awkwardly placed inside the heels of TURQUOISE ALPHA.
Passing the 1400 Metres, TURQUOISE ALPHA was momentarily steadied away from the heels of DECISIVE ACTION which, after shifting in when not quite clear, was directed out to relieve the tightening to TURQUOISE ALPHA.
Near the 1150 Metres, DECISIVE ACTION was steadied away from the heels of ALL FOR ST PAUL’S. Also passing the 1150 Metres, TURQUOISE ALPHA got its head up when racing close to the heels of VITRALITE. After this, both DECISIVE ACTION and TURQUOISE ALPHA travelled keenly.
Passing the 400 Metres, TURQUOISE ALPHA and SUPER BUDDY raced tight.
PERFECT TO GREAT was held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 300 Metres.
Throughout the race, SUPER BUDDY travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of KASI FARASI and MEANINGFUL STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BEAUTY FIT and ALL FOR ST PAUL’S were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (679) CRYSTAL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1400 m

PRIVATE ROCKET shifted out at the start and bumped ARTHUR’S KINGDOM.
BAND OF BROTHERS got its head up on jumping and consequently lost ground. BAND OF BROTHERS was then shifted across behind runners to obtain cover from a wide barrier.
From a wide barrier, SEA OF LIFE was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Passing the 1100 Metres, RACING FIGHTER was momentarily crowded for room inside FANTASTIC TREASURE which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to RACING FIGHTER. RACING FIGHTER was then steadied passing the 1000 Metres to avoid the heels of FANTASTIC TREASURE (C Schofield) which shifted in. C Schofield was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Near the 950 Metres, ARTHUR’S KINGDOM, which was reluctant to improve its position inside FANTASTIC TREASURE, was eased away from the heels of that horse which shifted in. BAND OF BROTHERS, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ARTHUR’S KINGDOM in consequence. C Schofield was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.
Passing the 250 Metres, NOT USUAL TALENT raced tight outside ROMAN TURBO which got its head on the side and lay out under pressure.
For the majority of the race, PRIVATE ROCKET travelled wide and without cover.
The performance of TEAM SPIRIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TEAM SPIRIT 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, J Moreira stated that SMILING TIME did not feel comfortable in its action during the event. A veterinary inspection of SMILING TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SMILING TIME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Also after the race, Z Purton stated that passing the 200 Metres BEAUTY SMILE became unbalanced in its action and shifted out and for this reason he eased the horse down over the concluding stages. He said however that after the race he was not able to detect any significant abnormalities with BEAUTY SMILE. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY SMILE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY SMILE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of ROMAN TURBO and PRIVATE ROCKET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FANTASTIC TREASURE and E STAR were sent for sampling.