Race:1 (441) GOLD-FUN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

THOU SHALL SING stumbled at the start.
LUMEN BABA shifted in at the start and bumped HEY PAL. After this, LUMEN BABA was steadied to obtain cover.
A short distance after the start, UNTOLD RICHES raced tight outside HARD PROMISE which shifted out.
From wide barriers, SEA MONARCH, AMAZING KNIGHT and FA FA were all steadied to obtain cover in the early stages.
Despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages, CALIFORNIA GUNGHO failed to muster speed.
Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, HARD PROMISE, which was being vigorously ridden to maintain its position, was steadied away from the heels of UNTOLD RICHES which was racing tight inside HAPPY TANGO (J Moreira). J Moreira was told to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances.
FA FA made the turn after the 700 Metres awkwardly.
For the majority of the race, H Z TOURBILLON travelled wide and without cover and near the 500 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of HARD PROMISE as a result of that horse shifting out.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of UNTOLD RICHES, Z Purton stated that he had ridden the horse in its two barrier trials in the lead up to today’s race and he was satisfied with the manner in which it finished off those trials. He said at its most recent trial UNTOLD RICHES was inclined to lay in, but this did not cause him any concern. He said after beginning only fairly today, he rode his mount along in the early stages and UNTOLD RICHES was able to take up a forward position. He said whilst the race was run at a good tempo, RESOLUTE and HAPPY TANGO, which were racing to the inside and outside of UNTOLD RICHES respectively in the middle stages, were able to finish off their races, however, UNTOLD RICHES came under pressure passing the 400 Metres and then was inclined to lay in behind RESOLUTE. He said UNTOLD RICHES then commenced to give ground and when RESOLUTE was no longer racing to the inside of his mount, UNTOLD RICHES lay in badly. He added UNTOLD RICHES, when continuing to hang in, gave ground noticeably over the latter stages. He said whilst UNTOLD RICHES felt comfortable in its action and that the horse’s condition gave out shortly after entering the Straight, having had so long between races, he felt that the horse was disappointing in the fact that it gave ground at the entrance to the Straight. He said after the race he could not detect any abnormalities with the horse and it appeared sound. A veterinary inspection of UNTOLD RICHES immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of UNTOLD RICHES, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, UNTOLD RICHES 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 HARD PROMISE immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of HEY PAL immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, HEY PAL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
UNTOLD RICHES, RESOLUTE and HAPPY TANGO were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (442) AMBITIOUS DRAGON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 2000 m

ASSIMILATE shifted out at the start and bumped GOLDEN SPECTRUM. Both ASSIMILATE and GOLDEN SPECTRUM were then steadied to obtain cover.
From the outside barrier, CHARITY GO was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Passing the 1400 Metres, ASSIMILATE travelled keenly when racing close to the heels of TIANCHI MONSTER.
Close to the finishing line, GOLDEN SPECTRUM raced tight between TIANCHI MONSTER and CHARITY GO.
After the race, C Schofield said that ASSIMILATE travelled well throughout the race, however, was somewhat disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He said he was of the opinion that ASSIMILATE may not have seen out the distance of today’s race at the first time of asking. A veterinary inspection of ASSIMILATE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of BUTTERFIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PANFIELD and FLYING QUEST were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (443) THE QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CUP (Sec1) Group One 1400 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that BUDDIES had blood in its mouth. BUDDIES was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
MIGHTY GIANT began awkwardly.
From the outside barrier, CHAMPION’S WAY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 400 Metres, BUDDIES lay in. BUDDIES again lay in near the 150 Metres and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KA YING STAR.
Approaching the 200 Metres, WISHFUL THINKER had some difficulty obtaining clear running.
A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION’S WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WAIKUKU and SOUTHERN LEGEND were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (444) SUPER KID HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

AMAZING LUCK began awkwardly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barriers, PLAY WISE and EXALTATION were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Passing the 1700 Metres, AMAZING LUCK got its head up and raced keenly when awkwardly placed inside the heels of EZRA. After being crossed by EZRA, AMAZING LUCK continued to travel keenly and raced close to the heels of that horse approaching the 1600 Metres.
Near the 850 Metres, CABLE SPEED lay in momentarily, resulting in JIMMU being crowded for room.
Passing the 500 Metres, H N Wong (MCMUNIGAL) dropped his whip.
Close to the finishing line, YES WE CAN was bumped by BULLETPROOF which shifted out. This resulted in BULLETPROOF and YES WE CAN becoming unbalanced. Because of this, BULLETPROOF was not able to be ridden out over the final stages.
After the race, J Moreira stated that it had been hoped that EZRA may be able to obtain a midfield position from a wide barrier, however, the horse did not show any early speed despite being ridden along and was required to race further back in the field than had been intended. He said after the 600 Metres, when racing on the rail, he was unable to shift out to commence improving his position to take closer order as he was a considerable distance from the leader at this stage. He said after obtaining clear running at the entrance to the Straight EZRA then finished off the race satisfactorily in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection of EZRA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of EXALTATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
EZRA, PAKISTAN FRIEND and JOYFUL HEART were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (445) CALIFORNIA MEMORY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SMART CHARADE had blood in its mouth. SMART CHARADE was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
MASTER HERO began awkwardly.
CHARGE ON began awkwardly, shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of CHARITY GRACE which became unbalanced.
BRILLIANT CHINA shifted out at the start and bumped OSCAR GLORY.
From a wide barrier, SAM’S LOVE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
BREEZE OF SPRING was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover.
After being steadied in the early stages from a wide barrier, CASA KINGDOM travelled wide and without cover at the rear of the field and then for some distance after the 700 Metres got its head on the side and lay out.
After the 900 Metres, MASTER HERO was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 700 Metres, SAM’S LOVE raced close to the heels of RUN DES RUN which was steadied away from the heels of CHARITY GRACE when travelling keenly.
BREEZE OF SPRING was awkwardly placed behind CHARGE ON passing the 700 Metres.
Passing the 400 Metres, RUN DES RUN raced tight between CHARGE ON which attempted to improve into tight running between STEEL WIN and CHARITY GRACE and SAM’S LOVE which shifted in. This resulted in SAM’S LOVE becoming unbalanced after being bumped by RUN DES RUN.
Also passing the 400 Metres, CHARGE ON was disappointed for running between STEEL WIN and CHARITY GRACE and then was held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres.
Near the 75 Metres, BRILLIANT CHINA and SMART CHARADE raced tight.
VUKAN and CHARITY GRACE were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (446) GOOD BA BA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

C Y Ho (CALIFORNIA CONCORD) was fined the sum of $3,000 for initially weighing out without a girth and surcingle which required his saddle to be returned from the saddling area in order for him to be re-weighed.
MEGA HEART shifted out at the start and bumped MAN STAR.
FLYING BONUS and SUPER ALLIANCES bumped at the start.
MING WARRIOR was crowded for room on jumping between LUCKY FUN and CALIFORNIA CONCORD which was taken out by FABULOUS EIGHT.
ALL FOR SOUTH and HARMONY AND RICH bumped on jumping.
Approaching the turn near the 700 Metres, LUCKY FUN was left racing wide and without cover and lay out. LUCKY FUN then hung out approaching and passing the 600 Metres.
Approaching the 300 Metres, LUCKY FUN was shifted out away from the heels of FABULOUS EIGHT which shifted out under pressure.
N Callan stated that he had to ride UTOPIA LIFE along for a considerable distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said UTOPIA LIFE was always off the bridle in today’s race and was never afforded the opportunity to travel comfortably. He said UTOPIA LIFE came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and then weakened out of the race in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of UTOPIA LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CONCORD and BIZ POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
MAN STAR and LUCKY FUN were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (447) THE CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP (Sec1) Group One 2000 m

GLORIOUS DRAGON was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover from the outside barrier.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, FURORE raced tight outside the heels of EXULTANT when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse.
Passing the 900 Metres, EXULTANT was crowded for room inside COLUMBUS COUNTY (B Shinn) which shifted in. EXULTANT then continued to race in restricted room inside COLUMBUS COUNTY and after the 900 Metres was again crowded for room inside COLUMBUS COUNTY which lay in. B Shinn was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises due care when attempting to shift ground in similar circumstances so that horses are not unnecessarily hampered.
Approaching the 400 Metres, FURORE and COLUMBUS COUNTY bumped as FURORE commenced to improve into tight running between COLUMBUS COUNTY and TIME WARP. Then passing the 400 Metres, COLUMBUS COUNTY was again bumped by FURORE (J Moreira) which shifted out. GLORIOUS DRAGON, which was following COLUMBUS COUNTY, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. J Moreira was reprimanded and told to exercise more care when shifting ground to obtain clear running.
Passing the 50 Metres, EXULTANT was steadied when crowded for room between FURORE and GOLDEN SIXTY (C Y Ho) which shifted in under pressure. C Y Ho was reprimanded and told that he should have made more effort than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground.
GOLDEN SIXTY and FURORE were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (448) LUCKY NINE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

SILVER FIG began only fairly and then was crowded for room outside CZARSON which shifted out. After this, SILVER FIG was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
YOUNG LEGEND lost its left front plate at the start.
From the outside barriers, ELITE PATCH and HONG KONG BET were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Passing the 400 Metres, SUNNY BOY raced tight outside the heels of UGLY WARRIOR.
Close to the finishing line, RED DESERT raced tight outside WE THE SOUTH which shifted out under pressure.
Throughout the race, HIGHLAND FORTUNE and SUNNY BOY travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, J Moreira stated that UGLY WARRIOR travelled well in the early and middle stages after obtaining a position behind RED DESERT. He said after shifting UGLY WARRIOR out into clear running rounding the Home Turn, his mount did not quicken as he anticipated and after coming under heavy pressure passing the 300 Metres commenced to give ground near the 200 Metres and then weakened noticeably over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of UGLY WARRIOR 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, UGLY WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SUNNY BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CZARSON, SILVER FIG and WE THE SOUTH were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (449) THE HONG KONG CLASSIC CUP (Sec1) 4 Year Olds 1800 m

MAXIMUS was withdrawn on 20.2.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front heel laceration) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SMILING TIME. Before being allowed to race again, MAXIMUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LUCKY EXPRESS was crowded for room on jumping between CONQUEROR and TOURBILLON DIAMOND, both of which shifted ground.
PACKING WALTHAM lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between EXCELLENT PROPOSAL and LUCKY PATCH which got its head on the side and shifted in away from HEALTHY HAPPY.
RUSSIAN EMPEROR shifted in abruptly at the start, resulting in DELIGHTFUL LAOS being hampered.
From wide barriers, ARTHUR’S KINGDOM and SEA OF LIFE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 1400 Metres, SEA OF LIFE got its head up when travelling keenly.
A Badel (HEALTHY HAPPY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of LUCKY PATCH, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily hampered and becoming badly unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of HEALTHY HAPPY. A Badel was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 7 March 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 11 March 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Badel’s good race riding record.
LUCKY EXPRESS was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 300 Metres was steadied when unable to improve into tight running between LUCKY PATCH and CONQUEROR. In this incident, LUCKY EXPRESS bumped the hindquarters of CONQUEROR which became unbalanced. LUCKY EXPRESS then continued to be held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres at which stage the horse was improving into very tight running between LUCKY PATCH and CONQUEROR.
In the early part of the Straight, RUSSIAN EMPEROR lay in under pressure and passing the 300 Metres was directed out away from the heels of TOURBILLON DIAMOND. After this, RUSSIAN EMPEROR continued to lay in under pressure.
Passing the 400 Metres, SKY DARCI was disappointed for running between SHADOW HERO and TOURBILLON DIAMOND. After this, SKY DARCI was unable to obtain clear running and near the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of TOURBILLON DIAMOND when unable to improve between SHADOW HERO and TOURBILLON DIAMOND (C Y Ho) which shifted in. As the Stewards were satisfied that SKY DARCI was unable to establish running between SHADOW HERO and TOURBILLON DIAMOND at this stage, no further action was taken, nonetheless C Y Ho was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances.
SEA OF LIFE was unable to obtain clear running from after the 400 Metres and passing the 200 Metres was crowded for room inside SKY DARCI. In this incident, SEA OF LIFE bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY PATCH which became unbalanced.
After the 100 Metres, PACKING WALTHAM was shifted to the outside of HEALTHY HAPPY to continue improving.
Close to the finishing line, LUCKY PATCH was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PACKING WALTHAM and consequently was not ridden out to the end of the race.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY PATCH, M F Poon stated that, in his opinion, the horse did not see out the 1800 Metres of today’s race at the first time of asking. He said at its most recent start over 1600 Metres the horse’s run finished towards the end of the race and at this stage of the horse’s career it was not able to see out the extra distance of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY PATCH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of SMILING TIME immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of LUCKY EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TOURBILLON DIAMOND, HEALTHY HAPPY and RUSSIAN EMPEROR were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (450) WERTHER HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

FLAGSHIP GLORY was slow to begin.
SEVEN HEAVENS shifted in at the start and inconvenienced STAR OF YUEN LONG.
From wide barriers, BELUGA and PERFECT PAIR were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Passing the 1100 Metres, FLAGSHIP GLORY commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind LEWIS.
V Borges (DIAMOND BRILLIANT) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that for some distance rounding the Home Turn he permitted his mount to shift out, resulting in STAR OF YUEN LONG being unnecessarily crowded for room and at the 400 Metres having to be checked after losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled to the inside of KA YING EXCELLENT and outside DIAMOND BRILLIANT which shifted out. V Borges was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 10 March 2021 and to expire on Sunday, 14 March 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).
WINNING FOR ALL was held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 100 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested.
BELUGA was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then was unable to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres at which stage it improved into tight running between DIAMOND BRILLIANT and SEVEN HEAVENS. When improving into tight running, BELUGA got its head on the side and lay in onto SEVEN HEAVENS which was crowded for room approaching the 100 Metres. BELUGA was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to SEVEN HEAVENS passing the 100 Metres, resulting in DIAMOND BRILLIANT being momentarily inconvenienced between BELUGA and PRIME MINISTER.
PRIME MINISTER had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after being disappointed for running between DIAMOND BRILLIANT and SEVEN HEAVENS passing the 300 Metres was then shifted to the outside of DIAMOND BRILLIANT near the 250 Metres to obtain clear running. PRIME MINISTER then momentarily raced in restricted room between DIAMOND BRILLIANT and KA YING EXCELLENT passing the 200 Metres.
Approaching the 150 Metres, STAR OF YUEN LONG was shifted away from the heels of KA YING EXCELLENT which was giving ground.
Over the concluding stages, TEMPEST EXPRESS and FLAGSHIP GLORY shifted out under pressure.
Throughout the race, KA YING EXCELLENT travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, A Badel (PERFECT PAIR) stated that rounding the Home Turn he was taken wider by MERIDIAN GENIUS and raced tight outside that horse. He said at the entrance to the Straight he commenced to ride PERFECT PAIR along, however, passing the 400 Metres MERIDIAN GENIUS shifted out and bumped PERFECT PAIR which resulted in his mount becoming unbalanced. He said after this MERIDIAN GENIUS continued to lay out on PERFECT PAIR which resulted in it continuing to be unbalanced. He added after the 250 Metres he was able to establish a margin over MERIDIAN GENIUS and after balancing up his mount commenced to ride PERFECT PAIR along near the 200 Metres and the horse then finished off the race satisfactorily.
A veterinary inspection of STAR OF YUEN LONG, KA YING EXCELLENT and TELECOM FIGHTERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TEMPEST EXPRESS and FLAGSHIP GLORY were sent for sampling.