Race:1 (306) PALM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

DURHAM STAR was withdrawn on 31.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CHIRON (C Soumillon). Before being allowed to race again, DURHAM STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
MASTER FAY began very awkwardly and lost ground at the start.
GOLDEN BOLT, which began only fairly, was steadied soon after the start when crowded for room between CHAMPION PRIDE and KRAYT’S GOLD which was taken in by FORTUNE CARRIER.
From wide barriers, BRILLIANT CHINA and VIGOR CHAMP were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 600 Metres, OH BRAVO, which was racing greenly, was steadied when racing in restricted room between MASTER FAY and BRILLIANT which commenced to improve to the outside of the heels of TRAVEL GLORY.
For a short distance after passing the 200 Metres, J Moreira, the rider of MASTER FAY, lost the use of his left stirrup iron which he regathered near the 150 Metres.
After being held up for a short distance approaching the 100 Metres, VIGOR CHAMP commenced to improve into a run which then developed between JOYFUL WIN and TRAVEL GLORY (V Borges) which shifted out. After passing the 50 Metres, VIGOR CHAMP was steadied when TRAVEL GLORY shifted back in. V Borges was advised that whilst it was also evident that JOYFUL WIN had contributed to the tightening to VIGOR CHAMP by shifting out slightly under pressure, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes more of an effort to keep his mounts straight. VIGOR CHAMP was then shifted to the outside of TRAVEL GLORY close to the finishing line.
In the Straight, CHIRON hung in and proved difficult to ride.
Throughout the race, HERO STAR travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of HERO STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
C Y Ho, the rider of KRAYT’S GOLD, was reminded of his responsibility to desist from using the whip on a horse which is out of contention.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BRILLIANT had bled from both nostrils.
MASTER FAY and TRAVEL GLORY were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (307) POPLAR HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

CIGARY was slow to begin.
HELLO BEAUTY jumped out at the start, resulting in SUPER BULLET being crowded onto MONSTER KAKA which became unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters.
DIAMOND STAR jumped in at the start and made contact with WINS ALL which in turn shifted in, causing crowding to OURGOLDENRULES and DONC JE SUIS.
Soon after the start, NATURAL WINNER got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in CRUCIATUS being inconvenienced and taken in across the running of EL JEFE which, when being steadied to obtain cover, was hampered.
From the outside barrier, MASTER HERO was steadied and shifted across behind runners soon after the start.
In the early stages, EL JEFE was ridden along after becoming detached from the field.
Approaching the 900 Metres, CRUCIATUS was left racing wide and without cover.
Approaching the 800 Metres, OURGOLDENRULES commenced to travel keenly when steadied away from the heels of MONSTER KAKA.
After the 600 Metres, DIAMOND RHYME was awkwardly placed behind NATURAL WINNER which came under heavy pressure and commenced to lose ground.
At the 500 Metres, OURGOLDENRULES was checked away from the heels of MONSTER KAKA which was taken out by PRECIOUS DREAM.
Just prior to straightening, EL JEFE was obliged to shift in abruptly to avoid the heels of NATURAL WINNER which continued to give ground. When being eased out of the race, NATURAL WINNER collapsed at the 350 Metres. M Chadwick, who was dislodged from NATURAL WINNER, was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL WINNER immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of HELLO BEAUTY and MONSTER KAKA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DIAMOND RHYME and WINS ALL were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from NATURAL WINNER.

Race:3 (308) THE BAUHINIA SPRINT TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Group Three 1000 m

STRONGER began awkwardly.
AMAZING STAR lost its left front plate in the early stages.
For some distance approaching the 700 Metres, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS proved difficult to settle and got its head up.
After improving into a narrow run to the outside of COMPUTER PATCH (J Moreira) approaching the 300 Metres, STRONGER was then momentarily crowded near the 250 Metres when COMPUTER PATCH shifted out slightly when placed under pressure. J Moreira was advised to exercise more care. In this incident, COMPUTER PATCH became unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters. Then after passing the 200 Metres, COMPUTER PATCH was steadied away from the heels of AMAZING STAR (T Piccone) which shifted out under pressure. T Piccone was also advised to exercise more care and ensure that he keeps his mounts straight.
Approaching and passing the 50 Metres, STRONGER raced in restricted room outside AMAZING STAR which continued to shift out slightly under pressure.
A Badel, the rider of EXPLOSIVE WITNESS, was warned against the practice of using his whip forward of the saddle.
When questioned, J Moreira stated that COMPUTER PATCH did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race. He said the horse came under heavy pressure mid-race, did not respond to his riding thereafter and was most disappointing. He said although the horse was carrying top weight today, this did not provide sufficient reason for its disappointing performance. Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of COMPUTER PATCH, stated that the only explanation he could offer for the disappointing performance of the horse was that it was considerably up in weight. A veterinary inspection of COMPUTER PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of COMPUTER PATCH, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COMPUTER PATCH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
COMPUTER PATCH, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS and STRONGER were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (309) WILLOW HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1800 m

SKY GEM was withdrawn on 31.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (respiratory infection) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ENJOYABLE SUCCESS (A Hamelin). Before being allowed to race again, SKY GEM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
DRAGON COMMANDER shifted out at the start and hampered FORTUNE PATROL. DRAGON COMMANDER was then steadied and shifted across behind runners soon after the start.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GREAT SMART failed to muster speed. Then passing the 1600 Metres, GREAT SMART was steadied and shifted across to obtain cover.
Passing the 1400 Metres, ROCKET HAMMER was steadied when racing tight inside YOUNG GLORY which was awkwardly placed inside GREAT SMART which shifted in.
T Piccone (TURF BRILLIANT) was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in approaching the 1300 Metres when not sufficiently clear of JOLLY FOREVER, resulting in JOLLY FOREVER, SOCKET ELITE and SPEED FORCE all being momentarily crowded.
JOLLY FOREVER travelled wide and without cover from the 1100 Metres.
Rounding the Home Turn. GREAT SMART was awkwardly placed behind THE JOY OF GIVING and DRAGON COMMANDER.
YES WE CAN was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight.
Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of C Soumillon (SPEED FORCE), 4th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.
After the race, K Teetan said that SOCKET ELITE came under heavy pressure approaching the 600 Metres and then finished off the race one-paced. He said that, in his view, the horse is better suited at Happy Valley.
When questioned, V Borges stated that he was instructed to be positive on FORTUNE PATROL and endeavour to take up a forward position. He said he rode the horse from the barriers as instructed and it was able to assume the lead without being pressured to do so.
When questioned, T Piccone stated that, as instructed, he rode TURF BRILLIANT positively in the early stages to take up a prominent position. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily, however, quickly came under pressure and was disappointing in the Straight. He said that, in his view, the horse is clearly better suited on the All Weather surface. A veterinary inspection of TURF BRILLIANT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE immediately following the race found that horse to be mildly lame in its left front leg.
A veterinary inspection of GREAT SMART 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, GREAT SMART will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of JOLLY FOREVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE, YES WE CAN and PROUD SKY were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (310) POPLAR HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

SAM’S LOVE was slow to begin.
HEY PAL lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected.
ULTIMATE GLORY jumped out at the start and inconvenienced LAND POWER.
From wide barriers, ENJOY LIFE and AUTHENTIC CHAMP were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 1300 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR lay in and caused crowding to CHARITY GRACE which made contact with the hindquarters of GOOD SHOT which became unbalanced.
Passing the 1100 Metres, GOOD SHOT became unbalanced when crowded for room inside COOLCELEB which was checked away from the heels of GOLDEN LINK which got its head up and raced ungenerously when taken in by HEY PAL which for some distance got its head on the side and hung in and away from FORTUNE HAPPINESS despite the efforts of its rider. HAPPY WARRIOR, which was following COOLCELEB, was checked away from the heels of that horse when COOLCELEB lost ground. The racing manners of HEY PAL were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HEY PAL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend.
Approaching the 900 Metres, ULTIMATE GLORY was left racing wide and without cover.
Soon after straightening, CHARITY GRACE was obliged to shift to the outside of the heels of GOLDEN LINK which, after laying out around the turn, was then directed back in.
At the 250 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR was momentarily awkwardly placed behind HEY PAL when taken out marginally by CHARITY GRACE which shifted out to obtain clear running.
After the race, C Soumillon stated that PARTY GENIUS travelled keenly in the lead and consequently was not able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of PARTY GENIUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
Also after the race, C Schofield stated that GOOD SHOT was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of GOOD SHOT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN LINK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CHARITY GRACE and AUTHENTIC CHAMP were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (311) COTTON TREE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

DIVINE REGULUS was withdrawn on 31.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GREEN REIGN (C Schofield). Before being allowed to race again, DIVINE REGULUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
On arrival at the Start, it was noted that STOICISM had lost its left front plate. This plate was refitted. STOICISM was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
IGNITING was slow to begin
STOICISM jumped out at the start and made contact with ACA POWER.
POISED TO STRIKE and WAR OF COURAGE also made contact at the start.
From wide barriers, SUPER DOBBIN and SHADOW RUNNER were steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
For some distance after leaving the 1000 Metres, ACA POWER raced fiercely and refused to settle when being steadied to allow TRUST ME to cross. When continuing to race fiercely passing the 900 Metres, ACA POWER shifted out and made contact with SCORES OF FUN which was also shifting in at that stage.
Approaching and passing the 900 Metres, POISED TO STRIKE was steadied away from the heels of WAR OF COURAGE which shifted in.
When shifting out from behind WAR OF COURAGE approaching the 200 Metres in an endeavour to obtain clear running, GREEN REIGN was obliged to be checked away from the heels of WAR OF COURAGE which was brushed and taken out by IGNITING which was improving into tight running between WAR OF COURAGE and SCORES OF FUN which also shifted out slightly under pressure. GREEN REIGN was then checked severely away from the heels of INNER FLAME which was inclined to lay in when racing tight inside SUPER DOBBIN which shifted in slightly under pressure. When GREEN REIGN shifted out abruptly away from the heels of INNER FLAME, SHADOW RUNNER was inconvenienced and obliged to shift out to avoid that horse. In this incident, INNER FLAME became badly unbalanced as a consequence of GREEN REIGN striking its heels.
After passing the 200 Metres, ARES, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of TRUST ME which, after initially being inclined to lay in, then shifted in after being bumped by NAMJONG SINGS (A Badel). A Badel was reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion.
For the majority of the race, SCORES OF FUN travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of INNER FLAME immediately following the race found that horse to have an intermittent displacement of the soft palate.
A veterinary inspection of ARES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUPER DOBBIN, NAMJONG SINGS and TRUST ME were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (312) COTTON TREE HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

SOULMATE was withdrawn on 29.12.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore and right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CHEERS BABY. Before being allowed to race again, SOULMATE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After being fractious in the barriers, LUCKY QUALITY reared as the start was effected, resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced and the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY QUALITY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
SUNNY BOY jumped out at the start, resulting in SILVER EXPRESS being hampered.
SILVER EXPRESS lost its right hind plate at the start.
Soon after the start, CHEERS BABY was crowded for room between TRIPLE TRIPLE and MING WARRIOR which shifted in.
For some distance after leaving the 1000 Metres, MING WARRIOR got its head up and travelled ungenerously when steadied away from the heels of BIG FORTUNE.
Making the turn after the 900 Metres, STARZ HERO, which was racing keenly and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SILVER EXPRESS, shifted out abruptly and lost ground.
Also after passing the 900 Metres, CHEERS BABY was steadied away from the heels of SEA OF LIFE.
Passing the 800 Metres, TRIPLE TRIPLE, which was travelling keenly, shifted out away from the heels of SUNNY BOY which was awkwardly placed behind CRUISING (Apprentice C L Chau) which was steadied in the lead. When TRIPLE TRIPLE shifted out away from the heels of SUNNY BOY, TOP SCORE was taken out onto BIG FORTUNE which was checked. SILVER EXPRESS and STARZ HERO, which were following, were also checked in consequence. Apprentice Chau was reprimanded and warned against the practice of steadying the tempo such that runners behind do not have the opportunity to react to the change of tempo.
Approaching the finishing line, MING WARRIOR was steadied away from the heels of SERIOUS LIAISON (A Badel) which, when closing off the race, shifted ground to improve inside the heels of TOP SCORE. A Badel was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground.
Just prior to the finishing line, CHEERS BABY was checked away from the heels of SUNNY BOY which shifted out slightly as it was tiring.
When questioned, Z Purton stated that, from the outside barrier, he steadied MASTER MONTARO to settle near the rear of the field in accordance with his instructions. He said this was consistent with the manner in which it was ridden last start when it also drew a wide barrier. He said MASTER MONTARO was awkward in its action during the middle stages when travelling strongly behind MING WARRIOR which resulted in MASTER MONTARO shifting out and bumping with SILVER EXPRESS at the 600 Metres. He said on straightening he shifted out and elected to follow BIG FORTUNE which he felt would carry him into the race. He said however that when BIG FORTUNE did not accelerate as quickly as he anticipated, MASTER MONTARO was held up behind that horse approaching and passing the 300 Metres. He said after leaving the 300 Metres he endeavoured to improve into tight running between BIG FORTUNE and SILVER EXPRESS which resulted in MASTER MONTARO again making contact with SILVER EXPRESS and becoming unbalanced. He added after this MASTER MONTARO, due to its extravagant action, was then unable to quicken and was left flat-footed before closing off the race well over the final 75 Metres. He said he felt that the circumstances of the race were against MASTER MONTARO and that its performance, given those circumstances, was acceptable.
A veterinary inspection of CRUISING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
MASTER MONTARO, SEA OF LIFE and TRIPLE TRIPLE were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (313) THE CHINESE CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Group Three 1400 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that BUDDIES had blood at its mouth. BUDDIES was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
MIGHTY GIANT raced in restricted room between WINNING DREAMER and FAT TURTLE soon after the start.
Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, MIGHTY GIANT was slow to muster speed.
Approaching the 1200 Metres, FAT TURTLE and MIGHTY GIANT bumped.
Leaving the 900 Metres, CHAMPION’S WAY was steadied after improving inside the heels of FAT TURTLE where there was insufficient room.
C Soumillon (BUDDIES) was reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift in approaching the 800 Metres when not fully clear of KINGS SHIELD, resulting in that horse being awkwardly placed on the heels of BUDDIES and shifting out approaching the 700 Metres, causing KA YING STAR to be taken out.
Approaching the 500 Metres, FAT TURTLE shifted out and made contact with SKY DARCI which became unbalanced and was forced wider.
C Y Ho (WINNING DREAMER) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that rounding the Home Turn after leaving the 500 Metres, he directed his mount out, resulting in KINGS SHIELD, which was racing to its outside, being crowded onto MIGHTY GIANT, causing MIGHTY GIANT to become unbalanced and also causing KINGS SHIELD to be badly checked. As a consequence of KINGS SHIELD being badly checked, FAT TURTLE, which was following, was also severely checked, shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of SKY DARCI which again became unbalanced. C Y Ho was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 13 January 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 21 January 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Ho was fined $60,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards had regard to the severity of the interference suffered by both KINGS SHIELD and FAT TURTLE.
A Badel reported that after sustaining interference, FAT TURTLE was badly unbalanced, hence he did not place the horse under full pressure until after passing the 300 Metres.
At the 250 Metres, MIGHTY GIANT shifted out marginally and made contact with SKY DARCI.
When questioned, C Y Ho stated that WINNING DREAMER did not travel comfortably as it normally does and was under pressure prior to the Home Turn to improve. He said although WINNING DREAMER was up in class today, he still considered the horse was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of WINNING DREAMER 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, WINNING DREAMER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of BUDDIES and KINGS SHIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WINNING DREAMER, CHAMPION’S WAY and SKY DARCI were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (314) CHERRY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

DUKE WAI and CALIFORNIA RAD began only fairly.
HIGHLAND FORTUNE began awkwardly and then was severely crowded for room soon after the start when tightened between HAPPY FUN and UGLY WARRIOR which was taken out by LOCKHEED which shifted out on jumping.
From wide barriers, WATER DIVINER and MS ALLY, which stumbled on jumping, were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages.
At the 1100 Metres, DUKE WAI, HIGHLAND FORTUNE and HAPPY FUN were momentarily crowded for room between CALIFORNIA RAD which shifted out slightly and HONG KONG BET which shifted in before being corrected.
After being crossed by TEAM SPIRIT at the 900 Metres, BEAUTY APPLAUSE shifted out around the heels of that horse, resulting in CZARSON being left racing wide and without cover.
When the pace slowed at the 800 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR shifted out away from the heels of CZARSON and consequently travelled very wide and without cover.
Approaching the 600 Metres, CALIFORNIA RAD, which was travelling keenly, improved to be racing inside the heels of DECRYPT which shifted out when travelling keenly. CALIFORNIA RAD then raced tight between DECRYPT and GUY DRAGON for a short distance before being steadied after leaving the 600 Metres. DUKE WAI, which was following CALIFORNIA RAD and also travelling keenly, initially shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of HONG KONG BET and then was checked away from the heels of CALIFORNIA RAD.
At the entrance to the Straight, DECRYPT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CZARSON which was then shifted out to provide DECRYPT with sufficient racing room.
CALIFORNIA RAD was unable to obtain clear running from on straightening until passing the 200 Metres.
WATER DIVINER was held up for clear running from approaching the 300 Metres until after passing the 200 Metres.
GUY DRAGON was badly held up for clear running in the Straight and passing the 100 Metres attempted to improve into tight running between LOCKHEED and BEAUTY APPLAUSE which was shifting slight ground under pressure. GUY DRAGON then remained racing tight between LOCKHEED and BEAUTY APPLAUSE and was checked inside the 50 Metres due to BEAUTY APPLAUSE continuing to shift slight ground under pressure. In this incident, LOCKHEED became unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters from GUY DRAGON. GUY DRAGON was not able to be ridden out when it remained badly held up approaching the finishing line.
Over the concluding stages, BEAUTY APPLAUSE raced tight between TEAM SPIRIT which shifted out under pressure and LOCKHEED which shifted in when unbalanced.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on LOCKHEED at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LOCKHEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of HIGHLAND FORTUNE and CZARSON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CALIFORNIA RAD and TEAM SPIRIT were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (315) FLAME TREE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

ROYAL BOMB shifted out at the start and made contact with MIGHTY VALOR which in turn made contact with SOARING TOWER.
PEGASUS GLORY began awkwardly and shifted in, resulting in LOOKING GREAT being inconvenienced.
From wide barriers, GREAT TREASURE, HEZA BEAUTY and HARMONY SPIRIT were all steadied and shifted across behind runners soon after the start.
BELUGA was also steadied in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain cover, however, was left racing wide and without cover from the 900 Metres.
On the Home Turn, DIAMOND BRILLIANT was bumped by NOTHING NEW which shifted around the heels of PEGASUS GLORY to improve.
At the 350 Metres, DIAMOND BRILLIANT shifted out and made contact with BELUGA. Then after being awkwardly placed inside the heels of BELUGA which shifted in approaching the 250 Metres before being corrected, DIAMOND BRILLIANT was inconvenienced due to ROYAL BOMB shifting out under pressure.
HARMONY SPIRIT had difficulty obtaining clear running from on straightening until passing the 200 Metres where it was directed to the inside of NOTHING NEW.
Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, LOOKING GREAT was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PEGASUS GLORY when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running.
Approaching the 100 Metres, NOTHING NEW was steadied when crowded for room between E STAR and DIAMOND BRILLIANT (M Chadwick) which shifted in. M Chadwick was advised to exercise more care.
Approaching the finishing line, HARMONY SPIRIT was steadied when again held up behind MIGHTY VALOR which was weakening. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY VALOR immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY VALOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, K Teetan stated that SOARING TOWER was able to take up a reasonable position midfield behind DIAMOND BRILLIANT. He said approaching the 600 Metres when BELUGA commenced to improve to his outside, he allowed SOARING TOWER to shift out from behind DIAMOND BRILLIANT to improve with BELUGA as he did not want to be pocketed behind that horse. He said no sooner had he done this, SOARING TOWER came off the bit and did not let down as he anticipated it would. He added SOARING TOWER was particularly disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of SOARING TOWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOARING TOWER, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOARING TOWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SOARING TOWER, ROYAL BOMB and BELUGA were sent for sampling.

Race:11 (316) CHINESE BANYAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

THE SUMMIT and THE ROCK bumped at the start.
ARTHUR’S KINGDOM began awkwardly.
From wide barriers, PACKING WALTHAM, ASSIMILATE, INVINCIBLE MISSILE and GENERAL’S DELIGHT were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After passing the 1400 Metres, GENERAL’S DELIGHT was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY EXPRESS which shifted in.
Due to the slow speed throughout the early and middle stages, THE ROCK was restrained when very awkwardly placed behind STAR SHINE after leaving the 1000 Metres and again approaching the 800 Metres. GENERAL’S DELIGHT, which was racing to the outside of THE ROCK, was inconvenienced due to contact with that runner.
LUCKY EXPRESS was left racing wide and without cover at the 900 Metres.
Due to the continuing slow speed, SUPER OASIS was awkwardly placed behind ALPHA HEDGE approaching the 700 Metres.
THE ROCK was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and at the 300 Metres was directed to the inside of PACKING WALTHAM to improve.
At the 50 Metres, STAR SHINE lay out under pressure and made contact with GENERAL’S DELIGHT.
Approaching the finishing line, STAR SHINE was inconvenienced by ALPHA HEDGE which also lay out under pressure.
A veterinary inspection of INVINCIBLE MISSILE and THE ROCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CIRCUIT THREE and MAXIMUS were sent for sampling.