Race:1 (663) SOMERSET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

LITTLE PLAYER began only fairly, shifted out and bumped TOWARDS SUCCESS.
From wide barriers, SUPER FLAMES and VICTORIA GENERAL were steadied in the early stages.
G ONE EXCELLENT was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, TAKINGUFURTHER was slow to muster speed and throughout the race travelled wide and without cover.
Making the turn at the 900 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of TOWARDS SUCCESS. LITTLE PLAYER continued to lay out and passing the 800 Metres lost ground when very awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOWARDS SUCCESS. SUPER FLAMES, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. LITTLE PLAYER then continued to lay out and again lost ground approaching and passing the 600 Metres when shifting out and racing tight inside ONE STEP AHEAD.
After the 500 Metres, G ONE EXCELLENT was awkwardly placed behind ALLOY STAR.
Passing the 400 Metres, TAKINGUFURTHER was shifted out away from the heels of G ONE EXCELLENT which, after initially being taken out by ALLOY STAR, then shifted out away from that horse. VICTORIA GENERAL, which was racing outside TAKINGUFURTHER, was inconvenienced in consequence.
In the early part of the Straight, ONE STEP AHEAD lay out.
When questioned, B Shinn (TELECOM MISSILE) stated that in discussions earlier this morning with Mr C Fownes, trainer of TELECOM MISSILE, it was anticipated that wide in the Home Straight would provide a better racing surface than that closer to the rail. He said subsequent to the discussions he walked the track prior to the first race which confirmed to him that the ground closer to the running rail may be inferior. He said therefore it was decided to shift TELECOM MISSILE outside in the early part of the Straight in today’s race. He said rounding the Home Turn TELECOM MISSILE was travelling strongly, however, after being placed under pressure passing the 300 Metres did not finish the race off as strongly as anticipated. He added that TELECOM MISSILE today finished the race off in a similar manner to its last start when the horse did not find the line over the concluding stages after appearing to have the race won.
After the race, M Chadwick stated that, in his opinion, the manner in which TOWARDS SUCCESS weakened in the Straight indicated to him that the horse did not handle today’s track conditions. A veterinary inspection of TOWARDS SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
On return to the stables, it was reported that VICTORIA GENERAL had bled. A subsequent endoscopic examination of VICTORIA GENERAL confirmed that the horse had bled from both nostrils and also found it to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of TAKINGUFURTHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TELECOM MISSILE, UNIVERSAL CROWN and VECTOR were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (664) NORFOLK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1600 m

BRIGHT KID was slow to begin.
KUNG FU TEA shifted in at the start and bumped DRAGON PRIDE.
MR ALDAN was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
From the outside barrier, CHEERY was also steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners.
KUNG FU TEA got its head up when being steadied passing the 1300 Metres.
Near the 750 Metres, BRIGHT KID was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DRAGON PRIDE.
At the entrance to the Straight, CHEERY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FREE FOAL when being directed to the outside of that horse. CHEERY then shifted out and bumped DRAGON PRIDE passing the 400 Metres.
A veterinary inspection of MR ALDAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CHEERY and DRAGON PRIDE were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (665) ALNWICK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

C P BRAVE began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped BELUGA, resulting in C P BRAVE losing ground.
Passing the 1500 Metres and again near the 1400 Metres, CHARITY GRACE and RUNNING GLORY bumped.
Passing the 50 Metres, CALIFORNIA TEN and RUNNING GLORY raced tight.
Throughout the race, CALIFORNIA TEN travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of C P BRAVE and CHARITY GRACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
THE ROCK, CALIFORNIA TEN and RUNNING GLORY were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (666) SUFFOLK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

PRESIDENT STAR, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 13.5.22 by order of the Stewards (retirement).
ATHENA shifted out at the start, resulting in TREASURE OF FIELD, which began awkwardly, being taken out onto SHINY TWO which was crowded for room inside SHENRON which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by SHINY TWO.
WONDERFUL FANTASY began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider becoming unbalanced. WONDERFUL FANTASY then shifted in, resulting in MULTIPLE STAR, which was being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier, being crowded for room outside MISSION SMART. Then shortly after the start, MULTIPLE STAR was hampered by MISSION SMART which was taken out by SUNNY SMILE which got its head on the side and shifted out when also being steadied to obtain cover.
In the early stages, ERNEST FEELING was shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Approaching the 1200 Metres, TREASURE OF FIELD was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ATHENA. Then at the 950 Metres, TREASURE OF FIELD commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind MISSION SMART which was being steadied to obtain cover behind DRAGON BABY.
Approaching the 900 Metres, ROYAL AGILITY and WONDERFUL FANTASY were left racing wide and without cover.
After the 600 Metres, as SHENRON lay out, SHINY TWO improved to be racing between that horse and GALLANT CAVALIER. Then passing the 550 Metres, SHENRON shifted in marginally, resulting in both SHINY TWO and SHENRON becoming badly unbalanced.
Passing the 300 Metres, SHINY TWO was shifted out away from the heels of RUBY STARS. Then passing the 150 Metres, SHINY TWO raced tight outside the heels of RUBY STARS which shifted out.
Passing the 50 Metres, AMIGOS GIGGLE shifted out towards the hindquarters of MISSION SMART.
A veterinary inspection of TREASURE OF FIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
MISSION SMART and ROYAL AGILITY were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (667) ESSEX HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of TEAM GOODLUCK. TEAM GOODLUCK was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race.
PROSPEROUS WIN was crowded for room on jumping between COMMON ROOM and TOUCH FAITH which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. COMMON ROOM was then steadied a short distance after the start when taken out across the heels of UTOPIA LIFE by PROSPEROUS WIN and TOUCH FAITH which continued to lay out.
WISDOM PATCH shifted out at the start and inconvenienced TEAM GOODLUCK.
SUNSET WATCH shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced YEE CHEONG BRAVE. After this, from a wide barrier, YEE CHEONG BRAVE was shifted across behind runners.
M Chadwick (WISDOM PATCH) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 800 Metres he rode his mount along to improve inside the heels of JAZZ STEED which resulted in WISDOM PATCH shifting in across the rightful running of TOUCH FAITH approaching the 700 Metres, causing TOUCH FAITH to become badly unbalanced and to be checked. M Chadwick was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 1 June 2022 and to expire on Monday, 6 June 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Chadwick was fined $60,000. When TOUCH FAITH was checked, COMMON ROOM, which was following, was checked and lost ground in consequence.
Near the 700 Metres, PROSPEROUS WIN was left racing wide and without cover and then passing the 600 Metres got its head on the side and lay out.
Rounding the Home Turn, JAZZ STEED shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of PROSPEROUS WIN, resulting in JAZZ STEED being checked away from the heels of PROSPEROUS WIN which shifted in marginally as a result of becoming unbalanced.
Approaching the 100 Metres, PROSPEROUS WIN (R Maia), which was having its first race start today, shifted out abruptly, resulting in WISDOM PATCH being shifted out away from that horse and causing FIERY DIAMOND to be hampered when taken wider. As the Stewards were of the opinion that R Maia had reacted in a timely manner to his mount shifting out abruptly, no further action was taken. PROSPEROUS WIN then again shifted out under pressure close to the finishing line.
When questioned, Z Purton stated that as FIERY DIAMOND had not been finishing its races off as well as anticipated recently, he was asked, from the outside barrier, not to ride his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said when steadying his mount in the early stages, FIERY DIAMOND commenced to lay out and then hung out after the 700 Metres. He said FIERY DIAMOND continued to race with its head on the side and made the Home Turn awkwardly. He added that under pressure in the Straight FIERY DIAMOND continued to lay out.
FIERY DIAMOND, WISDOM PATCH and PROSPEROUS WIN were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (668) DORSET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

BRAVE DREAMS began only fairly.
RIVER VIEWS began awkwardly.
SUNSHINE LEGENDARY was slow to begin and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Also from a wide barrier, MIRACLES was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
In the early stages, BEAUTY TYCOON, which was having its first race start today, raced greenly and then making the first turn near the 900 Metres lay out towards the heels of WOODFIRE BRO. BEAUTY TYCOON then continued to race greenly and near the 700 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of WOODFIRE BRO. BEAUTY TYCOON then continued to race close to the heels of WOODFIRE BRO and shifted out from behind that horse passing the 550 Metres which resulted in FORTUNE CARRIER being bumped, becoming unbalanced and stumbling. BEAUTY TYCOON then made the Home Turn awkwardly.
Making the turn near the 900 Metres, BELL OF HAPPINESS got its head on the side and lay out, resulting in AUGUST MOON being inconvenienced.
SUNSHINE LEGENDARY made the turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly.
At the entrance to the Straight, FIGHTING STAR was shifted in away from the heels of ACE ONE.
Throughout the race, FORTUNE CARRIER travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, Z Purton stated that WOODFIRE BRO was making an abnormal breathing noise in the Straight and particularly after the race. A veterinary inspection of WOODFIRE BRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FORTUNE CARRIER 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, FORTUNE CARRIER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of BELL OF HAPPINESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ACE ONE and AUGUST MOON were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (669) KENT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

SEAWEED FORTUNE and COURAGEOUS KNIGHT bumped at the start.
DIVINE ERA shifted in on jumping and inconvenienced BEAUTY NOVA. After this, BEAUTY NOVA was shifted across behind runners.
ALL RICHES began awkwardly.
From a wide barrier, SPARKY STAR was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
A short distance after the start, VITRALITE raced tight outside PEAK TO PEAK.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, COURAGEOUS KNIGHT shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SNOWALOT. Then passing the 950 Metres, COURAGEOUS KNIGHT was crowded for room inside SNOWALOT which, after shifting in, was then directed out to relieve the crowding to COURAGEOUS KNIGHT.
Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, CIRCUIT MIGHTY got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of DIVINE ERA which resulted in CIRCUIT MIGHTY being awkwardly placed inside that horse.
After the 800 Metres, BELL OF VICTORY was left racing wide and without cover.
Near the 750 Metres, SNOWALOT lost ground when racing in restricted room between COURAGEOUS KNIGHT which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VITRALITE and FUN N GLORY which shifted in marginally. After this, SNOWALOT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FUN N GLORY for some distance.
Approaching the 500 Metres, VITRALITE raced close to the heels of PEAK TO PEAK.
Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, PEAK TO PEAK was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CIRCUIT MIGHTY which shifted out.
Passing the 200 Metres, VITRALITE was shifted to the inside of ALL RICHES to continue improving.
A veterinary inspection of SEAWEED FORTUNE immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in its trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. After returning to the stables, it was reported that SEAWEED FORTUNE had blood present at both nostrils. A further endoscopic examination conducted on SEAWEED FORTUNE confirmed the horse to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of SNOWALOT and COURAGEOUS KNIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FUN N GLORY, SPARKY STAR and CIRCUIT MIGHTY were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (670) CUMBERLAND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

JOYFUL WIN was withdrawn on 13.5.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, JOYFUL WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
As the start was effected, BEAUTY CHAMP lifted its front feet off the ground, resulting in the horse losing ground.
CALL ME TEDDY and SUNNY BOY bumped at the start. CALL ME TEDDY was then crowded for room outside TORONADO PHANTOM which shifted out.
EVERYONE’S VICTORY and JAZZ ANGEL brushed at the start.
From a wide barrier, SPONTANEOUS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 800 Metres, EVERYONE’S VICTORY momentarily raced tight inside JAZZ ANGEL. Then approaching the 700 Metres, EVERYONE’S VICTORY lay in and was awkwardly placed outside SUNNY BOY.
After the 600 Metres, TRADER raced tight between CALL ME TEDDY and RESOLUTE which shifted out away from the heels of FLYING BONUS.
SUNNY BOY was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight.
BEAUTY CHAMP had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight when improving into tight running inside FLYING BONUS.
Passing the 200 Metres, TRADER was inconvenienced by TORONADO PHANTOM which shifted out.
Over the concluding stages, SUNNY BOY was awkwardly placed behind TORONADO PHANTOM.
Throughout the race, CALL ME TEDDY travelled wide and without cover.
HARMONY SPIRIT lost its left front plate and CALL ME TEDDY lost its left hind plate during the race.
When questioned, B Shinn stated that, in his opinion, the circumstances of today’s race did not suit JAZZ ANGEL which was up in grade today. He said he felt that the pace of the race in the early stages was quite solid and therefore he was comfortable to take a trailing position behind HARMONY SPIRIT near the 700 Metres. He said however that when HARMONY SPIRIT did not continue forward with CALL ME TEDDY, this resulted in JAZZ ANGEL getting further back in the field passing the 600 Metres than he would have hoped. He added that after shifting to the outside of HARMONY SPIRIT near the 450 Metres, JAZZ ANGEL then finished the race off only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of JAZZ ANGEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, L Hewitson stated that although HARMONY SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, he felt that the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the early part of the Straight to finish at the rear of the field. A veterinary inspection of HARMONY SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
JAZZ ANGEL, TORONADO PHANTOM and RESOLUTE were sent for sampling.
<16/5/2022 Additional Veterinary Reports> HARMONY SPIRIT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. HARMONY SPIRIT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D J Whyte this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HARMONY SPIRIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:9 (671) DEVON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

SECRET VISION, which was leaning on the inside of its gate as the start was effected, began awkwardly and lost ground.
NOWITZKI shifted in at the start and bumped THE HULK.
From a wide barrier, EZRA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1300 Metres, THE HULK was crowded for room between SEATTLE CHOICE which shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN LINK and NOWITZKI (H T Mo) which shifted in when not properly clear. H T Mo was reprimanded and told to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
When being steadied to obtain cover behind MASTER HERO after the 1100 Metres, SAUVESTRE was very awkwardly placed outside that horse which shifted out. GOLDEN LINK, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence.
After the 1000 Metres, THE HULK and SECRET VISION bumped.
After the 900 Metres, SEATTLE CHOICE was left racing wide and without cover. SEATTLE CHOICE was then taken wider again passing the 700 Metres when SAUVESTRE shifted to the outside of KEEFY and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of SEATTLE CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SEATTLE CHOICE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SEATTLE CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
At the entrance to the Straight, GOLDEN LINK got its head up when being shifted to the outside of SAUVESTRE and approaching the 200 Metres was awkwardly placed outside the heels of that horse which shifted out under pressure.
After the race, L Hewitson (SUPER TEN) stated that after beginning only fairly, he had to ride his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position. He said despite being ridden along SUPER TEN did not show early speed and because of this raced further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said SUPER TEN did not travel comfortably at any stage on today’s surface and after coming under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn then did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of SUPER TEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Also after the race, L Ferraris stated that he had to ride MASTER HERO along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said after the 1300 Metres MASTER HERO improved to be racing outside the lead and travelled comfortably in the early stages. He said after the 1000 Metres he shifted across to race on the rail in the lead and MASTER HERO continued to travel well. He said however that after being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn MASTER HERO gave him only a limited response in the early part of the Straight and then weakened out of the race over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of MASTER HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SETANTA, ESCAPE ROUTE and KEEFY were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (672) CORNWALL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if FLYING SEASON had been afforded a fair start. After taking evidence from M Chadwick, the rider of FLYING SEASON, and Mr A Speechley, Starter, it was established that after being placed in the barriers FLYING SEASON became fractious. Then as the blindfold was removed from FLYING SEASON, the horse lunged at the front gates which resulted in the gates opening marginally prior to the remaining barrier gates. As a result of FLYING SEASON lunging at the start, the horse began very awkwardly and shifted out abruptly, resulting in M Chadwick becoming badly unbalanced, losing balance and losing the use of his stirrup irons for a short distance. When FLYING SEASON shifted out abruptly, KAI XIN DRAGON was severely checked and lost ground. FLYING SEASON then continued to shift out and made heavy contact with SOLID IMPACT which was crowded for room inside BRILLIANT WAY which was hampered when bumped by SOLID IMPACT. As the Stewards formed the opinion that FLYING SEASON’s barrier manners had resulted in the horse beginning in the manner in which it did and that the horse had been afforded a fair start, they deemed FLYING SEASON to be a runner. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING SEASON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.
JOLLY RULER began awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of REVE PARISIEN, resulting in JOLLY RULER losing ground.
LUCKY QUALITY shifted out at the start and bumped WAR WEAPON. WAR WEAPON then shifted out away from LUCKY QUALITY and was steadied away from the heels of REVE PARISIEN.
From the outside barriers, TEXAS MOON and BEAUTY MISSION were both steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
When racing back in the field, KAI XIN DRAGON travelled very keenly for a considerable distance after the 1000 Metres and repeatedly got its head up.
After the 900 Metres, SOLID IMPACT was left racing wide and without cover.
Approaching the 700 Metres, BEAUTY MISSION was taken wider and without cover by JOLLY RULER which shifted out away from the heels of LUCKY QUALITY after being very awkwardly placed behind that horse. JOLLY RULER then raced tight between BEAUTY MISSION and LUCKY QUALITY and approaching the 600 Metres was steadied as a result of LUCKY QUALITY shifting out marginally.
A veterinary inspection of FLYING SEASON, LUCKY QUALITY and KAI XIN DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SOLID IMPACT, BRILLIANT WAY and REVE PARISIEN were sent for sampling.