Race:1 (169) FUKUSHIMA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

EUROMISSILE, which sustained minor abrasions to the left hock whist being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the course and passed suitable to race.
EUROMISSILE was slow to begin.
From wide barriers, RAGING BLAZE and DASHING GENIUS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After travelling a short distance, CARRY THE DIAMOND and FLYING ON THE TURF brushed as FLYING ON THE TURF was being steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail.
For some distance approaching and passing the 400 Metres, HAPPILY FRIENDS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CARRY THE DIAMOND.
At the entrance to the Straight, EUROMISSILE and FLYING ON THE TURF raced tight as EUROMISSILE shifted to the outside of HEAVENLY THOUGHT to obtain clear running.
Passing the 250 Metres, RAGING BLAZE was shifted to the outside of FORTUNE MARBO after being disappointed for running inside that horse which shifted in under pressure. After being shifted to the outside of FORTUNE MARBO, RAGING BLAZE was then held up for clear running near the 200 Metres when tightened for room between FORTUNE MARBO and LE PLUS VITE. In this incident, RAGING BLAZE bumped the hindquarters of FORTUNE MARBO which became unbalanced. Then over the concluding stages, RAGING BLAZE was again held up for clear running and because of this was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. When held up for clear running over the concluding stages, RAGING BLAZE raced tight inside LE PLUS VITE which shifted in when racing tight inside CIGAR BUDDIES.
Over the concluding stages, HAPPILY FRIENDS shifted in under pressure and passing the winning post brushed U W BROTHER.
A veterinary inspection of CARRY THE DIAMOND and FORTUNE MARBO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HAPPILY FRIENDS and U W BROTHER were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (170) FUKUSHIMA HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 5 1200 m

THE GOOD DEAL shifted in on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of JAZZ STEED.
ENCORE was crowded for room at the start between SHENRON and GLORIFIED FIRE which shifted in.
From a wide barrier, TRAVEL GLORY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After being ridden along for some distance to obtain a forward position, ALLOY KING travelled keenly outside the lead for some distance after the 1000 Metres.
Passing the 300 Metres, JAZZ STEED and SHENRON raced tight as JAZZ STEED shifted to the outside of LITTLE PLAYER and improved into tight running between LITTLE PLAYER and SHENRON.
After the 200 Metres, THE GOOD DEAL was shifted in away from the heels of GLORIFIED FIRE to continue improving.
After the 100 Metres, SUPER KINGDOM was bumped by TRAVEL GLORY which shifted to the inside of LITTLE PLAYER to continue improving. After this, SUPER KINGDOM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPLIT OF A SECOND when continuing to race tight inside TRAVEL GLORY. Because of these incidents, SUPER KINGDOM was not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages.
Near the 75 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER and JAZZ STEED bumped.
After the race, L Hewitson reported that, in his opinion, FORTUNE HERO’s failure to finish the race off in the Straight was due to the horse having to race wide and without cover throughout. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SHENRON, R Maia stated that it was intended for SHENRON to be ridden in a forward position tonight. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages, SHENRON did not show early speed and therefore after the 1100 Metres he steadied his mount to obtain a trailing position behind FORTUNE HERO. He said SHENRON travelled only fairly in the middle stages when racing in a three wide position with cover behind FORTUNE HERO. He added that approaching the 400 Metres he considered shifting SHENRON to the outside of FORTUNE HERO, however, he did not believe that his mount was travelling well enough to be able to improve around that horse and therefore he elected to improve inside FORTUNE HERO and he was able to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight. He said SHENRON was not able to quicken to take advantage of the run which was available to it which allowed JAZZ STEED the opportunity to shift out, causing SHENRON to be disappointed for running near the 250 Metres. He added that whilst SHENRON was disappointed for running, the horse was already under heavy pressure and then over the concluding stages weakened out of the race. The performance of SHENRON, a favourite for tonight’s race and which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SHENRON 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 SHENRON immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea.
A veterinary inspection of GLORIFIED FIRE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
SHENRON, JAZZ STEED and UNIVERSAL CROWN were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (171) NAKAYAMA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

After being loaded into the barriers, YOUNG HORIZON became fractious, reared and got its right front leg over into the adjoining stall. YOUNG HORIZON was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, YOUNG HORIZON was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, YOUNG HORIZON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LESLIE shifted out at the start and bumped JUNEAU FLASH. JUNEAU FLASH and LESLIE bumped again a short distance after the start. Then approaching the 1100 Metres, LESLIE became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by JUNEAU FLASH.
SMILING MOON was crowded for room on jumping between HERO STAR and ABOVE ALL which shifted in.
FLAMING PASSION shifted out at the start and hampered SUPER JOY. After this, from the outside barriers, FLAMING PASSION and SUPER JOY were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Near the 1150 Metres, JOY IN JOY shifted out and inconvenienced TAKE WHAT YOU NEED.
Also near the 1150 Metres, KUNG FU TEA shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of OUR CLASS ACT which became unbalanced.
Making the turn approaching the 1000 Metres, JUNEAU FLASH, which was having its first race start tonight, lay out towards the heels of ABOVE ALL (R Maia) which shifted in when not properly clear. R Maia was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
After the 1000 Metres, FLAMING PASSION travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind JUNEAU FLASH.
Entering the Back Straight approaching the 900 Metres, HERO STAR raced tight outside JOY IN JOY which shifted out.
Approaching and passing the 800 Metres, JUNEAU FLASH travelled keenly and got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind LESLIE.
SUPER JOY made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly.
Passing the 250 Metres, JUNEAU FLASH was shifted out away from the heels of ABOVE ALL.
Throughout the race, ABOVE ALL travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HERO STAR was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HERO STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
L Hewitson was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED which he said travelled satisfactorily in a position behind the lead, but then in the Straight did not close the race off. A veterinary inspection of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Following the race, A Badel stated that JOY IN JOY, which was having its first race start tonight, was able to show early speed to lead the race without too much use having to be made of the horse. He said he was satisfied with the manner in which JOY IN JOY travelled in the middle stages, however, after coming under pressure passing the 400 Metres did not quicken for him and then over the concluding stages gave ground. A veterinary inspection of JOY IN JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
OUR CLASS ACT, LESLIE and KUNG FU TEA were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (172) CHUKYO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

After being loaded into the barriers, the crossed nose band applied to RED IMPACT loosened, resulting in the horse being removed from the barriers so that the piece of equipment could be refitted.
DARCI JOY shifted out at the start and hampered WONDER YEARS.
From the outside barriers, PERFECT TO GREAT and MURRAY’S PARTNERS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
Shortly after the start, MANAGEMENT FOLKS was also steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail.
After the 1600 Metres, SMILING TIME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EZRA. Then approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SMILING TIME and PERFECT MARYKNOLL raced tight.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SMILING TIME, which was travelling keenly, raced close to the heels of RED IMPACT.
For some distance approaching and passing the 150 Metres, DARCI JOY and RED ELYSEES raced tight. Then near the 50 Metres, RED ELYSEES shifted out and bumped DARCI JOY.
After the 100 Metres, PERFECT TO GREAT shifted out abruptly under pressure.
When questioned, C L Chau stated that he was instructed to ride PERFECT MARYKNOLL positively in the early stages and it was anticipated that the horse would have enough speed to either lead the race or sit outside the lead. He said he was further instructed not to make too much use of PERFECT MARYKNOLL to obtain a forward position as at its last start the horse weakened noticeably after use was made of it for some distance in the early stages. He said after beginning well he rode PERFECT MARYKNOLL along to obtain a forward position, however, the horse did not show as much early speed as anticipated and he did not believe it would be able to cross runners more favourably drawn without having to be aggressively ridden. He said therefore after the 1700 Metres he commenced to steady PERFECT MARYKNOLL with a view to obtaining cover. He added that approaching the winning post on the first occasion PERFECT MARYKNOLL was left racing wide and without cover and as there was an opportunity to obtain cover behind SMILING TIME, he steadied his mount in order to obtain that position. He said PERFECT MARYKNOLL took some time to be able to be shifted behind SMILING TIME during which period PERFECT TO GREAT was able to improve its position to be racing to the inside of PERFECT MARYKNOLL. He said this resulted in PERFECT MARYKNOLL having to race wide and without cover throughout and further back in the field than had been intended.
A veterinary inspection of RED IMPACT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CIRCUIT ELITE and CHATER PINS were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (173) NAKAYAMA HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

OUR CREED, which was fractious in the Parade Ring, kicked the rail on a number of occasions. When continuing to be fractious, OUR CREED also hit its head. OUR CREED was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and passed suitable to race.
HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE, which was standing awkwardly as the start was effected, began awkwardly.
SIX BEST FRIENDS began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped TO INFINITY.
NORDIC COMBINED and FAMILY STRENGTH were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
From the outside barrier, OUR CREED was also steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, SUPER MAGIC was awkwardly placed outside the heels of GOLD GOLD BABY which was being steadied to obtain cover.
Near the 850 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS raced close to the heels of H Z TOURBILLON which was being steadied in an endeavour to obtain cover.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NORDIC COMBINED and SUPER MAGIC bumped.
Throughout the race, H Z TOURBILLON travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, C Y Ho stated that stepping up to 1200 Metres tonight, he was able to obtain a midfield position on GOLD GOLD BABY and the horse travelled well in the early and middle stages. He said after placing GOLD GOLD BABY under pressure near the 450 Metres, he was concerned that the horse did not quicken as he expected it to. He added that he had to ride GOLD GOLD BABY vigorously rounding the Home Turn and after failing to show a turn of foot in the early part of the Straight the horse then finished the race off only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of GOLD GOLD BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SIX BEST FRIENDS at the request of Trainer K L Man. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SIX BEST FRIENDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of H Z TOURBILLON and FAMILY STRENGTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GOLD GOLD BABY, SAVVY CHIC and COLONEL were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (174) THE JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

DRAGON DELIGHT began only fairly.
QUADRUPLE DOUBLE shifted out at the start and bumped GOLD MARQUIS which in turn shifted out and brushed DECISIVE TWELVE.
VALIANT ELEGANCE shifted out on jumping and bumped SUPER MISSION which was being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier.
MR VALIANT and GALLANT WAKING bumped at the start. Then from the outside barriers, MR VALIANT and GALLANT WAKING were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
ELON was also steadied in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail.
After the 900 Metres, MR VALIANT travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed behind SUPER MISSION.
Approaching the 800 Metres, VALIANT ELEGANCE, which was travelling keenly, was steadied away from the heels of ADIOS (M F Poon) which shifted in when not properly clear. M F Poon was advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Approaching the 300 Metres, CALIFORNIA CONCORD shifted out and brushed WIND N GRASS.
After the 300 Metres, GALLANT WAKING was steadied when very awkwardly placed close to the heels of WIND N GRASS when being shifted to the outside of that horse and GOLD MARQUIS to obtain clear running.
Near the 50 Metres, VALIANT ELEGANCE raced tight outside the heels of CALIFORNIA CONCORD which lay out under pressure.
A veterinary inspection of DRAGON DELIGHT immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON DELIGHT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SUPER MISSION immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
ADIOS, GOLD MARQUIS and GALLANT WAKING were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (175) KYOTO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

EXCELLENT PEERS, which sustained minor abrasions to the left hock whist being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the course and passed suitable to race.
TELECOM SPEED and NAMJONG SINGS bumped on jumping.
ATULLIBIGEAL shifted out at the start and bumped EXCELLENT PEERS which in turn shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of STORMTROUPER which became unbalanced.
As the start was effected, SUPER DOBBIN lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. After this, SUPER DOBBIN was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier.
MASTER TORNADO shifted in on jumping and inconvenienced OUR LUCKY GLORY which from a wide barrier was then shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail.
After the 900 Metres, HAPPY SHARING was steadied away from the heels of RED LION (A Badel) which shifted in when not clear. A Badel was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. When HAPPY SHARING was steadied, that horse shifted out marginally, resulting in TELECOM SPEED, which was laying in, becoming unbalanced when having to be directed out away from the heels of HAPPY SHARING.
Approaching the 700 Metres, TELECOM SPEED was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXCELLENT PEERS.
NAMJONG SINGS lost its right front plate passing the 600 Metres.
Passing the 100 Metres, HAPPY SHARING raced tight inside RED LION which shifted in.
Over the final 50 Metres, COMPASSION SPIRIT was held up for clear running behind TELECOM SPEED. Because of this, COMPASSION SPIRIT was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.
For the majority of the race, MASTER TORNADO travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, L Currie stated that in the early stages ATULLIBIGEAL was not able to show any early speed and raced further back in the field than had been hoped. He said he had to ride ATULLIBIGEAL along after the 800 Metres to maintain its position and then after shifting ATULLIBIGEAL out away from the heels of SUPER DOBBIN after the 500 Metres his mount was taken wider by that horse rounding the Home Turn. He said then in the Straight ATULLIBIGEAL finished the race off only fairly. A veterinary inspection of ATULLIBIGEAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that he was instructed to lead on BEAUTY GLORY tonight. He said after being loaded into the barriers BEAUTY GLORY was somewhat fractious and as the start was effected turned its head to the right which resulted in the horse being slow to begin. He said because of the manner in which BEAUTY GLORY began, the horse was required to race back in the field tonight. He said BEAUTY GLORY was not able to improve its position until near the 400 Metres and despite being placed under pressure did not finish the race off which he attributed to the early stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BEAUTY GLORY, EXCELLENT PEERS and NAMJONG SINGS were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (176) TOKYO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1650 m

TIANCHI MONSTER was slow to begin.
YOU’REMYEVERYTHING shifted in on jumping and bumped SO WE JOY. After this, SO WE JOY and YOU’REMYEVERYTHING were steadied and shifted across behind runners.
Also from a wide barrier, SAVAQUIN was steadied on jumping to obtain cover.
Throughout the race, EVERYONE’S DELIGHT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of EVERYONE’S DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding his riding of THE IRISHMAN after the 700 Metres, R Maia stated that at that time he was following PACKING AWARD and whilst the opportunity to shift out from behind that horse and improve his position behind EVERYONE’S DELIGHT was available, he was of the opinion that THE IRISHMAN’s best interests would be served by conserving ground and obtaining inside runs given that the horse was carrying 134 lbs tonight. He said he therefore allowed SAVAQUIN to improve forward of THE IRISHMAN passing the 600 Metres and continued to follow PACKING AWARD. He added that in the early part of the Straight he was able to shift to the inside of PACKING AWARD and obtain clear running, however, THE IRISHMAN got its head on the side and lay in under pressure which resulted in him having to direct his mount out away from the heels of FA FA to continue improving after the 250 Metres. He said he continued to ride THE IRISHMAN along and was able to obtain clear running until the concluding stages at which time THE IRISHMAN raced close to the heels of PACKING AWARD and therefore he was not able to ride his mount out all the way to the end of the race. R Maia was told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had erred in not shifting out to race behind EVERYONE’S DELIGHT prior to the 600 Metres which would have prevented SAVAQUIN being able to improve its position around THE IRISHMAN. He was further told that had he have shifted out to race behind EVERYONE’S DELIGHT, this would have provided THE IRISHMAN with the opportunity to shift immediately to the outside of EVERYONE’S DELIGHT rounding the Home Turn which would have provided THE IRISHMAN with clear and uninterrupted running in the Home Straight. He was told to ensure that he positions his mounts so that they are able to improve into the race at the earliest opportunity and finish the race off as best as they can under the circumstances.
THE IRISHMAN, PACKING AWARD and MR ASCENDENCY were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (177) HANSHIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

PEGASUS GENERAL was crowded for room on jumping between AMAZING ONE PLUS and COMET SPLENDIDO which shifted out.
MASTER DELIGHT shifted in at the start and brushed the hindquarters of RED MAJESTY.
DELIGHTFUL LAOS was slow to begin.
VILLA FIONN began awkwardly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From wide barriers, MASTER DELIGHT and RISING FROM ASHES were steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail.
After the 1600 Metres, COMET SPLENDIDO was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WINNING DRAGON when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. AMAZING ONE PLUS, which was racing outside COMET SPLENDIDO, raced tight outside the hindquarters of that horse when also being steadied to obtain cover.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, RISING FROM ASHES commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted in abruptly when being checked away from the heels of AMAZING ONE PLUS which at the same time was also being steadied to obtain cover behind COMET SPLENDIDO. When RISING FROM ASHES shifted in abruptly, MASTER DELIGHT was checked when crowded for room between RISING FROM ASHES and PEGASUS GENERAL. As the Stewards were of the opinion that this incident resulted from RISING FROM ASHES, which was carrying blinkers for the first time tonight, over-racing and AMAZING ONE PLUS being steadied in advance of RISING FROM ASHES, no further action was taken.
After the 500 Metres, PEGASUS GENERAL shifted out and bumped AMAZING ONE PLUS. Then at the entrance to the Straight, AMAZING ONE PLUS was shifted out away from the heels of RED MAJESTY which was giving ground.
M F Poon (NEVER TOO SOON) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after allowing his mount to shift in after the 200 Metres which resulted in MASTER DELIGHT being crowded for room, he made insufficient effort to prevent NEVER TOO SOON from shifting ground over about the final 100 Metres which resulted in MASTER DELIGHT racing unnecessarily tight inside NEVER TOO SOON and close to the finishing line having to be checked when unable to maintain its position to the inside of that horse. M F Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 30 November 2022 and to expire on Monday, 5 December 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Poon’s good race riding record.
Close to the finishing line, DELIGHTFUL LAOS raced tight inside E LEGEND which at this time was held up for clear running behind WINNING DRAGON. Because of this, E LEGEND was not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages.
A veterinary inspection of RED MAJESTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
COMET SPLENDIDO, WINNING DRAGON and PEGASUS GENERAL were sent for sampling.