Race:1 (113) EGRET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

MASTER OF FUN was slow to begin and shifted out towards the heels of AUGUST MOON.
SYMPHONY shifted out at the start and bumped DRAGON BABY.
SOLAR PARTNER and WONDERFUL FANTASY bumped on jumping.
INTENTION began only fairly.
As the start was effected, KOWLOON EAST STAR lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began awkwardly.
Approaching the 950 Metres, CARRY THE DIAMOND shifted out abruptly away from the heels of SUPER FORTUNE and in doing so bumped SYMPHONY, causing that horse to be hampered. CARRY THE DIAMOND continued to lay out and after racing tight outside AUGUST MOON (M L Yeung) shifted out, resulting in SYMPHONY being taken out onto NEW ASIA ADVANCE which was crowded for room inside KA YING SPIRIT which shifted in marginally after being bumped on the hindquarters by NEW ASIA ADVANCE. Whilst the Stewards accepted that CARRY THE DIAMOND was laying out and proving difficult to manage at this time, nonetheless M L Yeung was told to ensure that the leaves comfortable room for his fellow riders in similar circumstances. After this, AUGUST MOON raced with its head on the side and lay out for the remainder of the race.
Approaching the 800 Metres, NEW ASIA ADVANCE shifted out of its own accord towards the heels of KA YING SPIRIT, resulting in DRAGON BABY momentarily racing tight between NEW ASIA ADVANCE and INTENTION.
Near the 500 Metres, CHEVAL VALIANT raced tight outside SUPER FORTUNE which shifted out marginally.
Passing the 200 Metres, ASIAN ONE was shifted in away from the heels of INTENTION.
Close to the finishing line, ASIAN ONE was awkwardly placed behind MASTER OF FUN.
After the race, J Moreira (SYMPHONY) stated that his mount was unbalanced throughout the race and did not travel comfortably at any stage. He said SYMPHONY shifted ground on a number of occasions and after the 400 Metres would not respond to his riding and commenced to give ground noticeably. A veterinary inspection of SYMPHONY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SYMPHONY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of KOWLOON EAST STAR and CARRY THE DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUPER FORTUNE and CHEVAL VALIANT were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (114) FLAMINGO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

PEGASUS GLORY lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began only fairly.
On jumping, CHICKEN DANCE and TAKINGUFURTHER bumped. After this, CHICKEN DANCE was steadied to obtain cover.
From a wide barrier, COMPULSORY was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
BEAUTY AMIGO was ridden along for some distance in the early stages from the outside barrier, however, was slow to muster speed and then throughout the race travelled wide and without cover in a forward position.
After travelling a short distance, STREET SCREAM got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider and inconvenienced FIRE BALL.
Making the turn at the 900 Metres, FOXHUNTER WAY lost ground when crowded for room between GOOD BUDDY and SIGHT SPIRIT which got its head on the side and shifted out.
For some distance after the 500 Metres, PEGASUS GLORY raced tight inside SIGHT SPIRIT when endeavouring to improve into restricted room inside that horse.
PEGASUS GLORY was held up for clear running from passing the 400 Metres until near the 300 Metres.
For the majority of the race, TAKINGUFURTHER travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, J Moreira stated that he had not been tied down to any specific instructions but rather to ride SIGHT SPIRIT, which was having its first race start today, where it was comfortable and attempt to shift the horse to the outside of runners in the Straight if possible. He said it was felt that the horse may have sufficient speed to be able to take up a forward position and he anticipated that SIGHT SPIRIT, from an inside barrier, may be able to take a trailing position behind the leaders if the horse began satisfactorily. He said SIGHT SPIRIT began only fairly and then shifted out towards FIRE BALL which itself shifted in, resulting in SIGHT SPIRIT losing ground and having to be ridden along in the early stages to make up lost ground. He said he was able to obtain a position behind STREET SCREAM after the 1100 Metres and to obtain this position, he did not have to make undue use of SIGHT SPIRIT. He said in the middle stages he continued to follow STREET SCREAM and when it appeared to him after the 600 Metres that STREET SCREAM was going to be ridden to follow the leader FIRE BALL through rounding the Home Turn, he commenced to shift to the outside of STREET SCREAM after the 600 Metres into running which became available to PEAK TO PEAK as a result of SHENRON shifting in to that horse’s outside. He said he did consider following STREET SCREAM through rounding the Home Turn as he felt that that horse would be a good chance, however, if he did this, by the time that STREET SCREAM obtained clear running between FIRE BALL and PEAK TO PEAK, this may result in SIGHT SPIRIT not being provided with enough time to obtain clear running. He added he therefore elected after the 500 Metres to shift to the outside of PEAK TO PEAK and follow BEAUTY AMIGO with a view to obtaining clear running either inside or outside that horse in the early part of the Straight. He said passing the 400 Metres SIGHT SPIRIT was held up for clear running behind BEAUTY AMIGO and racing tight inside the heels of SHENRON. He further stated that due to the positioning of SHENRON which was racing outside and in advance of SIGHT SPIRIT which in turn had GOOD BUDDY racing immediately to its outside and at the same time PEAK TO PEAK was commencing to give ground to the inside of BEAUTY AMIGO, SIGHT SPIRIT was then badly held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres at which stage PEAK TO PEAK weakened sufficiently to allow him the opportunity to shift SIGHT SPIRIT to the inside of BEAUTY AMIGO to obtain clear running. He said after this SIGHT SPIRIT finished off the race strongly.
SIGHT SPIRIT, GOOD BUDDY and FIRE BALL were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (115) HERON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that UNIVERSAL CROWN had blood in its mouth. UNIVERSAL CROWN was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
REGENCY GEM was slow to begin.
As the start was effected, SOCCER MASTER lifted its front feet off the ground and got its head behind the barrier partition which resulted in SOCCER MASTER beginning very awkwardly and losing ground. Before being allowed to race again, SOCCER MASTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
From wide barriers, BIG BANG BONG and EVEN KEEL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
LITTLE PLAYER and BRAVE POWER were both steadied in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail.
After the 800 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed behind SUPER FLAMES.
Passing the 600 Metres, EVEN KEEL was bumped and taken wider by REGENCY GEM which attempted to improve to the outside of SOCCER MASTER.
Passing the 650 Metres, SOCCER MASTER became unbalanced when attempting to improve between VICTORIOUS LEADER and BRAVE POWER where there was not quite enough room. In this incident, SOCCER MASTER bumped BRAVE POWER.
REGENCY GEM had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres.
At the 100 Metres, A Badel (REGENCY GEM) dropped his whip.
Throughout the race, UNIVERSAL CROWN travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, M Chadwick was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of SOCCER MASTER other than the horse was required to race at the rear of the field as a result of missing the start. He said after the incident on jumping, SOCCER MASTER did not travel strongly at any stage of the race and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SOCCER MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SO AWESOME and ZACIAN were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (116) KESTREL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

On arrival at the barriers, DURHAM STAR, which was reported to have kicked out on the way to the racecourse, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
LAPUTA began only fairly.
GREAT KING shifted out at the start and made heavy contact with BOOM STITCH, resulting in BOOM STITCH becoming unbalanced and GREAT KING becoming badly unbalanced and losing ground.
DARCI JOY began awkwardly and then lost ground when steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN BOLT which shifted out abruptly.
After the 1200 Metres, COURAGEOUS KNIGHT and DURHAM STAR raced tight as DURHAM STAR shifted in. Then passing the 1100 Metres, DURHAM STAR got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SWORD and shifted in, resulting in COURAGEOUS KNIGHT and DURHAM STAR bumping. After this, COURAGEOUS KNIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING VICTORY. LAPUTA, which was following DURHAM STAR, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse passing the 1000 Metres.
Near the 900 Metres, GOLDEN FOUR was left racing wide and without cover.
At the 400 Metres, DURHAM STAR was bumped by COURAGEOUS KNIGHT (A Badel) which shifted to the outside of FLYING SWORD in an attempt to obtain clear running. A Badel was reprimanded and told that he must exercise far more care than he did on this occasion when shifting ground. After this, COURAGEOUS KNIGHT had some difficulty obtaining clear running.
Approaching the 200 Metres, DAILY BEAUTY got its head on the side and lay in away from AI ONE, resulting in DAILY BEAUTY being checked away from the heels of DARCI JOY which at this stage shifted out marginally away from the heels of LAPUTA.
At the 150 Metres, GOLDEN BOLT was struck across the nose by the whip of K Teetan (BOOM STITCH).
Over the concluding stages, GOLDEN FOUR lay in under pressure.
Close to the finishing line, AI ONE raced tight outside DARCI JOY which shifted out away from GOLDEN FOUR which, after initially laying in, was then shifted out to prevent causing interference to LAPUTA.
The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by K Teetan, the rider of BOOM STITCH, which finished second, against FLYING SWORD, which finished first, alleging interference over about the final 200 Metres. After taking evidence from all parties and after viewing the videos, it was found that at the entrance to the Straight FLYING SWORD was shifted out from behind BOOM STITCH to obtain clear running and that approaching the 200 Metres BOOM STITCH and FLYING SWORD bumped as a result of both horses shifting ground. After this, BOOM STITCH lay in under pressure away from FLYING SWORD. It was further found that after the 100 Metres BOOM STITCH, which was continuing to lay in, raced tight inside FLYING SWORD which itself shifted in under pressure. BOOM STITCH then continued to lay in away from that horse over the concluding stages. The Stewards found that after coming from behind BOOM STITCH in the early part of the Straight, the contact between BOOM STITCH and FLYING SWORD resulted from both horses shifting ground. It was further found that whilst FLYING SWORD shifted in under pressure and raced tight outside BOOM STITCH after the 100 Metres, BOOM STITCH’s racing manners were such that that horse continued to lay in away from FLYING SWORD. Having regard to all the circumstances and the half length margin between the horses at the end of the race, the Stewards were of the opinion that BOOM STITCH’s racing manners had been an integral factor to this matter and therefore the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.
Near the 75 Metres, LEADING FORTUNE was checked when crowded for room inside BOOM STITCH (K Teetan) which, after being directed in passing the 100 Metres by FLYING SWORD (L Ferraris), then shifted in away from that horse under pressure. L Ferraris was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in passing the 100 Metres which resulted in BOOM STITCH being taken in towards LEADING FORTUNE. K Teetan was also reprimanded for, after initially being directed in, not making more endeavour than he did to prevent BOOM STITCH from shifting in and away from that horse.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GREAT KING had bled from both nostrils and that FLYING SWORD had sustained a laceration to its right hind hoof.
A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN BOLT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DURHAM STAR, FLYING SWORD and BOOM STITCH were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (117) PEACOCK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1600 m

LEGION OF MERIT and THE JOLLY began only fairly.
DECISIVE ACTION shifted out at the start and bumped EASY FORTUNE. After this, DECISIVE ACTION was steadied to obtain cover.
From the outside barriers, MING WARRIOR and EASY FORTUNE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
R Maia (WITTY SCHOLAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that at the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WINNING STEED, resulting in that horse being hampered when unnecessarily crowded for room and taken in onto EVER LAUGH which was also hampered when crowded for room outside the heels of SOULMATE. R Maia was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 10 November 2021 and to expire on Sunday, 14 November 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Maia was fined $7,500.
Near the 500 Metres, SOULMATE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of LEGION OF MERIT and then after the 500 Metres shifted in and bumped THE JOLLY.
LIGHT OF WANSHI was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 400 Metres shifted out away from the heels of WITTY SCHOLAR which was giving ground, resulting in GREAT TREASURE being disappointed for running between LIGHT OF WANSHI and CASIMIRO. LIGHT OF WANSHI then continued to experience difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 300 Metres was shifted in away from the heels of WINNING STEED. After this, WITTY SCHOLAR continued to give ground. A veterinary inspection of WITTY SCHOLAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WITTY SCHOLAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WITTY SCHOLAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Passing the 300 Metres, BEAUTY SPIRIT and SOULMATE bumped.
Approaching the 100 Metres, LIGHT OF WANSHI shifted out under pressure, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and straighten.
Throughout the race, WINNING STEED travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of WINNING STEED immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the outside of the right hind heel.
A veterinary inspection of CASIRMIRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BEAUTY SPIRIT and SOULMATE were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (118) THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1600 m

GORYTUS shifted in at the start and bumped XIANG YIN.
HEZA BEAUTY began only fairly.
SUPER OASIS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped HALL OF CHAMP. SUPER OASIS was then crowded for room between HALL OF CHAMP and MR ALDAN which got its head on the side and shifted out. After this, from wide barriers, HALL OF CHAMP and SUPER OASIS were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
MR ALDAN made the Home Turn awkwardly.
GALLANT CROWN had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
MALDIVES was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 350 Metres bumped the hindquarters of TIANCHI MONSTER when improving into very tight running between that horse and GORYTUS. HALL OF CHAMP, which was following MALDIVES, was held up behind that horse in consequence.
For the majority of the race, FEARLESS FIRE travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, H Bentley stated that, GORYTUS, when unable to obtain cover, travelled too keenly in the early and middle stages and because of this was not able to finish off the race as it did at its most recent start when the horse was able to race behind runners. A veterinary inspection of GORYTUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of MR ALDAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
XIANG YIN and MALDIVES were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (119) SEA EAGLE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

CRAIG’S STAR began only fairly.
SPEND was crowded for room on jumping between DRAGON FORTUNE and ROYAL PRIDE, both of which shifted ground.
CROSSFORD lost ground when checked as a result of being crowded for room between BELUGA and SKY FOREVER which shifted out. After this, from wide barriers, CROSSFORD and SKY FOREVER were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
COPARTNER AMBITION was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Passing the 700 Metres, DRAGON FORTUNE and BELUGA raced tight.
At the entrance to the Straight, SKY FOREVER was directed in away from the heels of CROSSFORD to obtain clear running.
KASI FARASI lay out rounding the Home Turn.
SPEND had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 350 Metres.
CROSSFORD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PLEASANT ENDEAVOR after the 350 Metres when held up for clear running behind that horse.
Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, KASI FARASI raced tight outside WIN WIN FIGHTER which shifted out. WIN WIN FIGHTER and KASI FARASI then bumped passing the 200 Metres.
After the 100 Metres, DRAGON FORTUNE was steadied away from the heels of PLEASANT ENDEAVOR (V Borges) which shifted in. V Borges then directed PLEASANT ENDEAVOR out abruptly to relieve the tightening to DRAGON FORTUNE which resulted in PLEASANT ENDEAVOR being steadied away from the heels of COPARTNER AMBITION passing the 50 Metres. V Borges was reprimanded and told that whilst he had made a significant endeavour to correct his mount as DRAGON FORTUNE was being crowded, nonetheless he should have reacted quicker than he did on this occasion to his mount shifting ground.
Throughout the race, BELUGA travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of CRAIG’S STAR, BEAUTY GLORY, DRAGON FORTUNE and MARVEL DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
COPARTNER AMBITION and SKY FOREVER were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (120) SPOONBILL HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

Trainer C W Chang was fined the sum of $3,000 for presenting MOERAKI in the Parade Ring with a parade hood, which was not part of that horse’s declared gear.
NAMJONG SINGS shifted out at the start and inconvenienced GOOD VIEW CLARICO.
EXCELLENT CHARIOT began awkwardly, shifted in at the start and bumped PROUD DRAGON.
TEAM SPIRIT shifted in at the start and bumped MOERAKI which then became unbalanced and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in GALLANT EXPRESS and EXCELLENT CHARIOT being crowded for room between MOERAKI and PROUD DRAGON.
From the outside barrier, A LA KING was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, SCIENCE PATCH momentarily raced tight inside MAGIC PHOENIX which then shifted out. SCIENCE PATCH then became unbalanced when steadied away from the heels of MAGIC PHOENIX (H T Mo) approaching the 1000 Metres which shifted in when not properly clear. H T Mo was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is sufficiently clear of other runners when crossing in future.
Passing the 800 Metres, GALLANT EXPRESS got its head up when awkwardly placed behind THE GOLDEN SCENERY.
Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, GALLANT EXPRESS was awkwardly placed behind PROUD DRAGON when racing tight inside the hindquarters of MOERAKI. This resulted in GALLANT EXPRESS being steadied when racing behind PROUD DRAGON at the entrance to the Straight after that horse lay out rounding the Home Turn. GALLANT EXPRESS was then directed out abruptly passing the 400 Metres to obtain clear running to the outside of MOERAKI.
Passing the 350 Metres, when improving into tight running between PROUD DRAGON and NAMJONG SINGS, THE GOLDEN SCENERY raced tight outside the heels of NAMJONG SINGS which shifted out marginally.
Throughout the race, PROUD DRAGON travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG SINGS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of PROUD DRAGON immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
After the race, it was reported that THE GOLDEN SCENERY had sustained a minor laceration to its right hind heel.
MASTER EIGHT and THE GOLDEN SCENERY were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (121) SPOONBILL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

LUCKY WITH YOU was withdrawn 23.10.21 on by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter CALIFORNIA SPANGLE (Z Purton). BIG FORTUNE was also withdrawn on 23.10.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right front suspensory ligament injury) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter BRIGHT KID (H W Lai). Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY WITH YOU and BIG FORTUNE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GLORIFIED FIRE and DUBLIN STAR bumped at the start.
CALIFORNIA SPANGLE began only fairly and then had to be ridden along for some distance to obtain the lead.
When questioned, A Badel stated that passing the 300 Metres LOCKHEED commenced to close off the race strongly. He said after the 200 Metres he commenced to use the whip on LOCKHEED and he immediately sensed the horse was resenting the whip as it lay in towards GLUCK RACER and appeared to be reluctant to continue to improve its position. He said for this reason he desisted in using the whip and rode LOCKHEED out vigorously hands and heels over the concluding stages. He added when he did this, LOCKHEED responded positively to the whip not being used and finished off the race well over the concluding stages.
When questioned, J Moreira (FIVE ELEMENTS) stated that passing the 400 Metres he commenced to use the whip in the left hand and FIVE ELEMENTS commenced to lay in towards ROCK YA HEART which was improving into tight running between FIVE ELEMENTS and CALIFORNIA SPANGLE. He said for this reason he changed his whip over into his right hand passing the 300 Metres and after FIVE ELEMENTS initially wanted to lay out he was able to commence using the whip in the right hand until near the 200 Metres at which stage the horse commenced to lay out towards GLUCK RACER. He said at this time he put the whip away and straightened FIVE ELEMENTS and the horse then commenced to race more tractably. He added as FIVE ELEMENTS was racing more genuinely, he again used the whip in the right hand approaching the 100 Metres, however, once again FIVE ELEMENTS shifted out which resulted in him having to stop riding and correct his mount. He said given the manner in which FIVE ELEMENTS, which was having only its second race start in Hong Kong, was racing at this time, he elected to put the whip away and rode the horse out vigorously hands and heels to the end of the race. He further stated that FIVE ELEMENTS also lay out under pressure at its first start in Hong Kong, however, as he had the whip in the left hand, he was able to continue to ride it out as no other runners were positioned directly to his outside at this time. He added, in his opinion, FIVE ELEMENTS is still immature which he anticipates will improve with racing.
A veterinary inspection of GLUCK RACER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ROCK YA HEART and CALIFORNIA SPANGLE were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (122) SWAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1400 m

SEA OF LIFE was crowded for room on jumping between SUNSHINE WARRIOR and RATTAN, both of which shifted ground. After this, SEA OF LIFE was ridden along to obtain a more forward position.
MISTER SNOWDON began awkwardly.
BEAUTY FIT was crowded for room on jumping between GOLDEN DASH which shifted out and AMAZING ONE PLUS which was taken in by DECRYPT which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. After this, both BEAUTY FIT and AMAZING ONE PLUS were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, MASTER MONTARO (Z Purton) was awkwardly placed behind BALLISTIC KING which was being steadied in an endeavour to obtain cover. In this incident, MASTER MONTARO shifted in and bumped GOLDEN DASH. After this, MASTER MONTARO proved difficult to settle and passing the 1000 Metres got its head up on a number of occasions. Then near the 900 Metres, MASTER MONTARO was left racing wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, MASTER MONTARO’s failure to finish off the race was attributable to the horse having to race wide and without cover and not settling as well as it did at its most recent start. He said after the race MASTER MONTARO felt comfortable in its action and therefore he was not able to offer any other explanation for the horse’s run today. A veterinary inspection of MASTER MONTARO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Passing the 1100 Metres, AMAZING ONE PLUS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of RATTAN when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse.
After the 600 Metres, GOLDEN DASH was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MASTER MONTARO when racing tight outside RATTAN which shifted out away from the heels of SEA OF LIFE which itself was awkwardly placed between MISTER SNOWDON and CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT.
Approaching the 500 Metres, GOLDEN DASH went amiss and was retired from the race. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN DASH immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a fracture to its right hind pastern.
Near the 500 Metres, RATTAN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SEA OF LIFE.
After the 300 Metres, RATTAN was directed to the inside of SEA OF LIFE to obtain clear running. RATTAN was then shifted away from DECRYPT passing the 200 Metres as that horse gave ground.
When questioned, M L Yeung (DECRYPT) stated that it was anticipated that CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT and HIGHLAND FORTUNE would share the lead in the race which may afford DECRYPT the opportunity to obtain a trailing position behind those horses. He said after riding his mount positively in the early stages to take up a forward position, he shifted across towards the rail after the 1100 Metres and when it appeared to him that CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT was not persisting in obtaining the lead, he was left with no other option but to continue forward of that horse as DECRYPT was racing wide and no other horse appeared as though it was going to be ridden to obtain a forward position.
After the race, C L Chau stated that although MISTER SNOWDON was left racing wide and without cover near the 800 Metres, his mount was travelling comfortably. He said however that passing the 700 Metres and again near the 600 Metres MISTER SNOWDON became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by SEA OF LIFE. He said, in his opinion, this resulted in the horse losing momentum which it was not able to regain as it then came under pressure rounding the Home Turn. He added whilst MISTER SNOWDON did not finish off the race as anticipated, he was of the opinion that the horse becoming unbalanced in the middle stages may have been the reason for its disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of MISTER SNOWDON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of SEA OF LIFE immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
MASTER MONTARO, HIGHLAND FORTUNE and CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT were sent for sampling.