Race:1 (224) AUSTRALIA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

Whilst in the holding stalls, CORDYCEPS ONE had its left hind plate refitted. CORDYCEPS ONE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
On arrival at the Start, WINNING STEPS required farrier attention to the left front plate. WINNING STEPS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
WINNING STEPS was slow to begin.
TURIN WARRIOR and KOWLOON GREAT bumped at the start. After this, from wide barriers, TURIN WARRIOR and KOWLOON GREAT were shifted across behind runners.
Also from the outside barrier, LUCKY MISSILE was steadied on jumping to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Near the 1500 Metres, KILLER INSTINCT was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FEARLESS FIRE when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse.
Passing the 1400 Metres, KILLER INSTINCT was awkwardly placed behind TOYCOON. SO YOU TRUST, which was following KILLER INSTINCT, commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence approaching the 1300 Metres. Then after the 1300 Metres, SO YOU TRUST was again awkwardly placed close to the heels of KILLER INSTINCT which got its head on the side and shifted out away from behind TOYCOON. After this, SO YOU TRUST travelled wide and without cover and near the 1050 Metres shifted in and became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of KILLER INSTINCT. After travelling wide and without cover, SO YOU TRUST gave ground in the Straight and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of SO YOU TRUST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SO YOU TRUST was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SO YOU TRUST 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 900 Metres, LUCKY MISSILE was bumped by KOWLOON GREAT which got its head on the side and lay in.
Passing the 400 Metres, TURIN WARRIOR raced close to the heels of FEARLESS FIRE when held up for running behind that horse.
At the entrance to the Straight, TOYCOON shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of KILLER INSTINCT which became unbalanced and shifted in. TOYCOON, which was racing in restricted room inside KILLER INSTINCT, was then further crowded for room between that horse and FEARLESS FIRE (L Currie) which shifted out. L Currie was reprimanded and told that whilst the movement from KILLER INSTINCT when unbalanced had played a part in this incident, nonetheless he had permitted his mount to shift out when not properly clear of TOYCOON and therefore he was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Passing the 300 Metres, HAPPY JAI JAI was awkwardly placed behind CORDYCEPS ONE when attempting to shift out from behind that horse to obtain clear running.
As TURIN WARRIOR was improving into running between ON EXCEL STAR and CORDYCEPS ONE near the 250 Metres, CORDYCEPS ONE (S De Sousa) shifted in, resulting in TURIN WARRIOR being taken in and causing ON EXCEL STAR to become unbalanced when commencing to give ground. S De Sousa was reprimanded and told to ensure that in similar circumstances he reacts to his mounts shifting ground quicker than he did on this occasion.
Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, FEARLESS FIRE raced tight inside KILLER INSTINCT which shifted in.
Close to the finishing line, TURIN WARRIOR shifted out and inconvenienced UNITED ENDEAVORS.
A veterinary inspection of CORDYCEPS ONE and ON EXCEL STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
KILLER INSTINCT, FEARLESS FIRE and TURIN WARRIOR were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (225) FRANCE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

GOLDEN FOUR, which bumped a rail in the saddling area, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
On arrival at the Start, it was noted that FORTUNE MASTER had blood in the mouth. FORTUNE MASTER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After the race, FORTUNE MASTER was found to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
FORTUNE MASTER, which was leaning on the inside of its stall as the start was effected, began awkwardly.
MURRAY’S PARTNERS was slow to begin.
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD and MOONLUCK bumped at the start.
GO BALLISTIC was crowded for room on jumping between SMILING FACE and OUR CREED, both of which shifted ground. SMILING FACE and GO BALLISTIC were then crowded for room between OUR CREED and MISTER ARM which shifted out abruptly. After this, from wide barriers, SMILING FACE and GO BALLISTIC were shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MISTER ARM shifted in and bumped LONDON LUCKYSTAR.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, LONDON LUCKYSTAR travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind MEDIC ELITE.
L Hewitson (MISTER ARM) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after allowing his mount to shift out at the entrance to the Straight, he permitted MISTER ARM to shift in after the 300 Metres which resulted in FORTUNE MASTER which had established running to the inside of MISTER ARM being unnecessarily crowded for room and hampered approaching and passing the 200 Metres. L Hewitson was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 28 December 2022 and to expire on Monday, 2 January 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Hewitson’s good race riding record.
Passing the 150 Metres, MURRAY’S PARTNERS was bumped and raced tight outside THIS IS CHARISMA which shifted to the outside of OUR CREED to obtain clear running.
Near the 75 Metres, OUR CREED momentarily raced in restricted room between FORTUNE MASTER which shifted to the outside of MISTER ARM to obtain clear running and GOLDEN FOUR which shifted in marginally under pressure.
Close to the finishing line, THIS IS CHARISMA and OUR CREED raced tight whilst PAKISTAN ZINDABAD was steadied away from the heels of SMILING FACE which shifted in.
Also close to the finishing line, FORTUNE MASTER was held up for clear running between MISTER ARM and GOLDEN FOUR. Because of this, FORTUNE MASTER was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.
MEDIC ELITE and LONDON LUCKYSTAR were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (226) JAPAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

On exiting the Parade Ring, HEARTY WISH became fractious and bumped a rail, resulting in its rider, J Kah, being dislodged without incident. HEARTY WISH was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
LITTLE PLAYER began awkwardly and shortly after the start bumped the hindquarters of HEARTY WISH.
LE PLUS VITE and SUPER KINGDOM bumped on jumping.
CIRCUIT SPLENDOR was crowded for room at the start between U W BROTHER and TOUCH FAITH which shifted out. In this incident, U W BROTHER became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by CIRCUIT SPLENDOR.
From the outside barriers, ZACIAN and HANDSOME GUYS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
When being steadied to obtain cover in the early stages, SUNSHINE LEGENDARY travelled keenly.
Passing the 1100 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER raced tight inside HEARTY WISH which shifted in.
Also passing the 1100 Metres, SUPER KINGDOM got its head on the side and became unbalanced when awkwardly placed outside the heels of LE PLUS VITE.
Approaching and passing the 100 Metres, U W BROTHER got its head on the side and lay in away from HEARTY WISH.
Approaching the 50 Metres, HANDSOME GUYS raced tight inside JACK WIN which was then corrected by its rider.
Throughout the race, CIRCUIT SPLENDOR travelled wide and without cover.
HEARTY WISH and ZACIAN were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (227) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 1ST LEG (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

FARIBAULT, which sustained an abrasion to the left hock whilst being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
On arrival at the barriers, OVERSUBSCRIBED, which was agitated in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race.
SUPREME LUCKY began only fairly.
FARIBAULT began only fairly and then was crowded for room between CIRCUIT SEVEN which stumbled at the start and FORTE which began awkwardly and shifted out.
HANDSOME REBEL shifted out on jumping and bumped FABULOUS EIGHT. OVERSUBSCRIBED then shifted out away from FABULOUS EIGHT, resulting in UNIVERSAL CROWN being hampered. After this, from wide barriers, OVERSUBSCRIBED and UNIVERSAL CROWN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also from a wide barrier, VALHALLA was steadied in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Near the 850 Metres, SUPREME LUCKY momentarily raced in restricted room inside FORTE which got its head on the side and lay in before being corrected by its rider. After this, FORTE travelled keenly.
Approaching the 800 Metres, FABULOUS EIGHT got its head up when racing keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of MOMENTUM GALAXY when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse.
Passing the 700 Metres, FARIBAULT raced tight outside the heels of FORTE which shifted out. FARIBAULT then raced in restricted room between FORTE and MOMENTUM GALAXY approaching the 600 Metres.
Approaching and passing the 500 Metres, VALHALLA got its head on the side and lay out.
Near the 450 Metres, OVERSUBSCRIBED lay out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FABULOUS EIGHT approaching the 400 Metres.
Approaching the 400 Metres, FORTE got its head up when continuing to travel keenly and awkwardly placed behind HANDSOME REBEL.
At the entrance to the Straight, FORTE and MOMENTUM GALAXY raced tight as FORTE shifted to the outside of JUNEAU FLASH to obtain clear running.
Throughout the race, JUNEAU FLASH travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of FORTE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of OVERSUBSCRIBED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUPREME LUCKY, HANDSOME REBEL and FARIBAULT were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (228) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 2ND LEG (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

BABY shifted out at the start and bumped STAR CONTACT. After this, from a wide barrier, STAR CONTACT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
COPARTNER ERA and LIFELINE VISION were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
After travelling a short distance, YEE CHEONG WARRIOR bumped SPICY GRILL when racing tight outside SUNNY DELIGHT which shifted out.
Passing the 1500 Metres, KUNG FU TEA got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind WIN WIN FIGHTER.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, LIFELINE VISION was crowded for room between COPARTNER ERA which shifted out marginally and STAR CONTACT which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the crowding to LIFELINE VISION. After this, STAR CONTACT was left racing wide and without cover and passing the 1200 Metres was steadied in an attempt to obtain cover behind COPARTNER ERA. When being steadied to obtain a position behind COPARTNER ERA, STAR CONTACT was badly hampered approaching the 1100 Metres when taken wider by COPARTNER ERA which, when over-racing, shifted out when being checked away from the heels of SPICY GRILL.
When the tempo of the race slackened in the middle stages, BABY commenced to travel keenly and passing the 800 Metres was racing close to the heels of FREE FOAL. KUNG FU TEA was also awkwardly placed behind WIN WIN FIGHTER near the 750 Metres.
Near the 250 Metres, BABY raced tight outside the heels of SUNNY DELIGHT which shifted out under pressure.
Approaching the 200 Metres, SPICY GRILL was directed to the inside of BABY to improve into tight running between that horse and LIFELINE VISION. SPICY GRILL then raced in restricted room approaching the 150 Metres between LIFELINE VISION and BABY which shifted in slightly when giving ground.
Also approaching the 200 Metres, KUNG FU TEA shifted out and brushed COPARTNER ERA. KUNG FU TEA then raced tight inside COPARTNER ERA passing the 200 Metres.
Passing the 200 Metres, ROYAL PRIDE was crowded for room when improving into tight running between MY INTELLIGENT and FREE FOAL which shifted in marginally and then shifted in further after becoming unbalanced as a result of being bumped by ROYAL PRIDE.
Approaching the 100 Metres, LIFELINE VISION was steadied when disappointed for running between YEE CHEONG WARRIOR and SPICY GRILL.
Over the concluding stages, STAR CONTACT lay in under pressure.
When questioned, T Marquand stated that he was instructed to try and obtain inside runs in the Home Straight on SPICY GRILL as the horse has previously raced well when making its final run between horses. He said in viewing videos of the horse’s previous runs, he was also of the opinion that SPICY GRILL seemed to finish off its races best when ridden in this manner. He said near the 500 Metres SPICY GRILL was racing behind KUNG FU TEA and whilst in other circumstances he would have shifted to the outside of that horse approaching the 450 Metres to commence improving his position, he was mindful of his instructions and therefore elected to remain racing behind KUNG FU TEA with a view to improving inside that horse near the 400 Metres. He added that whilst this allowed COPARTNER ERA to improve around SPICY GRILL approaching the 400 Metres, he believed that to have shifted SPICY GRILL to the outside of KUNG FU TEA would not have been in accordance with his instructions.
After the race, FREE FOAL was found to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of LIFELINE VISION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WIN WIN FIGHTER and ROYAL PRIDE were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (229) NEW ZEALAND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

ALLGREEKTOME, which had blood in the mouth in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
ISLAND SURPRISE shifted out on jumping and bumped SUPER DOBBIN.
SUNNY AND GOLD shifted out at the start and bumped GOLD GOLD BABY which was crowded for room inside ALLGREEKTOME. After this, from a wide barrier, GOLD GOLD BABY was shifted across behind runners.
Also from the outside barrier, SIXTH GENERATION was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
After traveling a short distance, HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE (R Moore) became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room between SUNNY AND GOLD and SUPER DOBBIN which after initially shifting out then shifted out further as a result of becoming unbalanced after bumping HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE. After this, HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After the race, R Moore reported that it was intended for HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE to be ridden in a more forward position tonight, however, after being crowded for room shortly after the start, this resulted in the horse racing back in the field.
Passing the 250 Metres, HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE had difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 200 Metres was shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running between SUPER DOBBIN and SUNNY AND GOLD. After the 200 Metres, HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE was checked away from the heels of SUPER DOBBIN when badly held up for clear running behind that horse. HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE was then unable to obtain clear running until passing the 100 Metres.
INFINITE POWER had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200 Metres.
SIXTH GENERATION had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 150 Metres and after being shifted to the outside of INFINITE POWER after the 150 Metres continued to be held up for clear running. SIXTH GENERATION then shifted in passing the 100 Metres to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of INFINITE POWER approaching the 50 Metres.
When questioned, A Hamelin stated that, from barrier 9, he was asked to ride SUNNY AND GOLD in about a midfield position or worse than midfield to ensure that the horse was able to obtain cover. He said it was felt that were SUNNY AND GOLD be ridden along to obtain a forward position in tonight’s race, this may have resulted in the horse racing unnecessarily wide and likely without cover.
A veterinary inspection of GEM OF SOUTH CHINA and SUNNY AND GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SIXTH GENERATION, GOLD GOLD BABY and ALLGREEKTOME were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (230) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 3RD LEG (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

Just prior to the start being effected, CAPTAIN WIN became very fractious and made heavy contact with the inside of its gate, resulting in the horse losing a significant amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, CAPTAIN WIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.
PACKING FAMOUS was steadied in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Also from wide barriers, SETANTA and STORM LEGEND were steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners.
Near the 1550 Metres, AMAZING ONE PLUS and ALL BEAUTY raced very tight as AMAZING ONE PLUS shifted in. ALL BEAUTY was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of RISING FROM ASHES approaching the winning post on the first occasion. PACKING FAMOUS, which was following ALL BEAUTY, got its head up in consequence.
Also approaching the winning post on the first occasion, NIMBLE NIMBUS got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. AMAZING ONE PLUS, which was following NIMBLE NIMBUS, raced close to the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 1200 Metres, NIMBLE NIMBUS again got its head up when racing close to the heels of VIVA HUNTER.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, ALL BEAUTY shifted out marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RISING FROM ASHES. Then near the 1300 Metres, PACKING FAMOUS was steadied away from the heels of ALL BEAUTY which shifted in to resume its position behind RISING FROM ASHES. CAPTAIN WIN, which was following PACKING FAMOUS, commenced to race keenly and shifted out away from the heels of that horse and in doing so bumped STORM LEGEND, causing both horses to become unbalanced. When CAPTAIN WIN shifted out away from the heels of PACKING FAMOUS, this resulted in STORM LEGEND being taken wider. Passing the 1200 Metres, PACKING FAMOUS again got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ALL BEAUTY.
Passing the 850 Metres, STORM LEGEND was taken very wide and without cover by CAPTAIN WIN which shifted out.
Passing the 700 Metres, PACKING FAMOUS raced close to the heels of AMAZING ONE PLUS and approaching the 500 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse.
Near the 450 Metres, CAPTAIN WIN shifted out away from the heels of SETANTA and bumped the hindquarters of STORM LEGEND, resulting in both STORM LEGEND and CAPTAIN WIN becoming unbalanced.
Passing the 300 Metres, NIMBLE NIMBUS was directed to the inside of VIVA HUNTER when disappointed for running outside that horse and inside THE ANOMALY.
ALL BEAUTY was held up for clear running from passing the 300 Metres until near the 150 Metres.
After the 300 Metres, RISING FROM ASHES got its head on the side and lay in under pressure.
Near the 250 Metres, PACKING FAMOUS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NIMBLE NIMBUS when held up for clear running behind that horse.
After the 250 Metres, AMAZING ONE PLUS was shifted to the inside of THE ANOMALY after being disappointed for running between that horse which was giving ground and SETANTA. AMAZING ONE PLUS then shifted to the inside of VIVA HUNTER after the 200 Metres and raced tight outside PACKING FAMOUS. AMAZING ONE PLUS was then directed to the outside of VIVA HUNTER near the 100 Metres. Close to the finishing line, AMAZING ONE PLUS was shifted out away from the heels of VIVA HUNTER, resulting in THE ANOMALY racing tight inside SETANTA.
When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was instructed to position THE ANOMALY in about midfield or behind midfield from barrier 11 as it was felt that horses which had been ridden on the speed in earlier races had not been able to finish their races off. He said THE ANOMALY began very well and he was not able to steady the horse sufficiently to obtain a midfield position and therefore he had no option other than to allow his mount to race closer to the speed than had been intended. He said after passing the winning post on the first occasion THE ANOMALY was left racing wide and without cover in a more forward position than had been anticipated. He added that although the tempo of the race after the 1200 Metres was quite slow, he was reluctant to allow THE ANOMALY to improve forward of VIVA HUNTER and race outside the lead as he believed that he was already racing further forward than the connections of the horse had wished and therefore allowing THE ANOMALY to race outside the lead would have been even more contrary to his instructions.
PACKING FAMOUS, WINNING DRAGON and RED MAJESTY were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (231) LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP (HANDICAP) - 4TH LEG (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

SOLID IMPACT was withdrawn on 6.12.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BEAUTY GLORY (R Moore). Before being allowed to race again, SOLID IMPACT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
BEAUTY GLORY shifted out at the start, resulting in HERE COMES TED being crowded for room inside HAPPY SHARING. In this incident, HAPPY SHARING (H Bowman) became badly unbalanced a short distance later. After the race, H Bowman stated that after becoming badly unbalanced shortly after the start, he had to ride his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said, in his opinion, HAPPY SHARING did not appreciate having to be ridden along in the early stages as the horse then travelled too keenly in the middle stages. He added that after the 600 Metres he allowed XPONENTIAL to cross HAPPY SHARING with a view to assisting his mount in relaxing. He said HAPPY SHARING came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and then did not finish the race off over the concluding stages. He attributed HAPPY SHARING’s failure to close off tonight to the horse racing too keenly in the middle stages. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SHARING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ADIOS also shifted out on jumping and bumped CALIFORNIA VANES.
MR VALIANT began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped NAMJONG SINGS. After this, NAMJONG SINGS and MR VALIANT were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
XPONENTIAL and RED LION bumped at the start.
When being steadied, MR VALIANT and STORMTROUPER, which was also being steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier, bumped near the 1150 Metres.
From the outside barrier, GOLD MARQUIS was steadied on jumping and near the 1100 Metres shifted in and inconvenienced MR VALIANT. GOLD MARQUIS again shifted in after the 900 Metres and inconvenienced MR VALIANT. After this, GOLD MARQUIS travelled very wide and without cover.
Passing the 1000 Metres and again near the 850 Metres, ADIOS got its head up when being steadied. Then passing the 800 Metres, ADIOS shifted out and raced tight inside the heels of XPONENTIAL.
Making the turn after the 550 Metres, MR VALIANT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED LION.
Passing the 500 Metres, NAMJONG SINGS got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of MR VALIANT.
After the 500 Metres, HERE COMES TED became unbalanced when very awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTY GLORY. Then passing the 200 Metres, HERE COMES TED shifted out and raced tight inside MR VALIANT.
J Kah (RED LION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 250 Metres she failed to take sufficient measures to prevent her mount from shifting out when not clear of GOLD MARQUIS, causing GOLD MARQUIS to strike the heels of RED LION and stumble. J Kah was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 11 December 2022 and to expire on Thursday, 15 December 2022 on which day she may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). A veterinary inspection of GOLD MARQUIS immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a wound to the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD MARQUIS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Close to the finishing line, CALIFORNIA VANES raced tight between XPONENTIAL and PLEASANT ENDEAVOR.
Throughout the race, PLEASANT ENDEAVOR travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, R Moore reported that in the Straight BEAUTY GLORY gave ground abruptly and he was not able to offer any reason for the horse’s failure to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ADIOS and RED LION were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (232) UNITED KINGDOM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1800 m

TELECOM FIGHTERS, which sustained an abrasion to the left hock in the saddling stalls, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race.
SAVAQUIN and FA FA bumped on jumping.
SPIRITED EXPRESS lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began awkwardly. Then from a wide barrier, SPIRITED EXPRESS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After travelling a short distance, THE ROCK shifted out and brushed BERLIN TANGO. BERLIN TANGO was then steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail from a wide barrier.
Also in the early stages, CHEERFUL DAYS was steadied to obtain cover.
At the 300 Metres, FLYING QUEST was directed to the inside of SUPERBELLA to obtain clear running.
After the 300 Metres, SO WE JOY got its head on the side and was reluctant to shift to the outside of TELECOM FIGHTERS.
Over the concluding stages, SPIRITED EXPRESS shifted in under pressure and close to the finishing line again shifted in, resulting in BERLIN TANGO racing tight outside SAVAQUIN.
After the race, M F Poon (PACKING AWARD) stated that, from the outside barrier, he shifted his mount across with a view to obtaining cover behind the leaders. He said he steadied PACKING AWARD approaching the winning post on the first occasion, however, he was not able to obtain cover and consequently was left racing three wide and without cover passing the 1200 Metres. He said he rode PACKING AWARD along approaching the 700 Metres with a view to crossing SUPERBELLA and race outside the lead, however, PACKING AWARD was not able to show sufficient speed to clear SUPERBELLA and therefore was required to continue to race wide. He added that despite riding PACKING AWARD along vigorously rounding the Home Turn, the horse gave ground in the early part of the Straight and as he was aware that PACKING AWARD has previously bled, he did not ride it out over the concluding stages given the manner in which the horse gave ground. A veterinary inspection of PACKING AWARD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PACKING AWARD, a winner of its last two starts and which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING AWARD 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 FA FA and FLYING QUEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RISE BRETHREN, SPIRITED EXPRESS and SAVAQUIN were sent for sampling.