Race:1 (11) YI O HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

Whilst being attempted to be placed into the barriers, THETA HEDGE reared over, dislodging its rider, M F Poon. Acting on veterinary advice that THETA HEDGE was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, THETA HEDGE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, M F Poon was examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements.
VALHALLA jumped only fairly and then was crowded between HUNKY DORY and VAMOS, both of which shifted ground.
EASY TWO jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
GOODMANSHIP and MULTIMORE bumped shortly after the start.
From the outside barrier, FINGERS CROSSED was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 400 Metres, GOODMANSHIP shifted out to improve and as a result made contact with HUNKY DORY.
For a short distance near the 250 Metres, TSUEN WAN GLORY lay in and was held up behind GOODMANSHIP.
Approaching the 200 Metres, VALHALLA was disappointed for running to the inside of MULTIMORE and then was shifted to the outside of MULTIMORE and VAMOS to secure clear running at the 150 Metres.
When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on VAMOS, H Bowman stated that he had anticipated, prior to the withdrawal of THETA HEDGE, to take up a position with cover behind the leaders. He said when THETA HEDGE, a noted leader, was withdrawn from the event and VAMOS jumped well, he allowed his mount to stride forward to race outside MULTIMORE. He said entering the Back Straight passing the 1000 Metres, he contemplated allowing VAMOS to stride forward and lead on the rail, but when MULTIMORE held its position and he was satisfied that the pace of the event was being run at a good tempo, he elected to remain racing in advance and to the outside of MULTIMORE. He added that throughout the middle stages he was reluctant to restrain his mount and come back behind MULTIMORE as VAMOS had settled well in this position and for this reason his mount continued to maintain an advantage over MULTIMORE. He said from the 450 Metres when MULTIMORE improved to his inside, he held his mount together until entering the Home Straight where he then placed it under full pressure. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Bowman were reasonable in the circumstances.
A veterinary inspection of FINGERS CROSSED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of GOODMANSHIP immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GOODMANSHIP will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
VALHALLA and VAMOS were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (12) TUNG CHUNG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

KASA PAPA reared as the start was effected and lost ground.
D STAR was slow to begin.
NICE BIRDIE (Z Purton) jumped only fairly and then was crowded shortly after by PROSECCO which shifted in and away from DRAGON STAR. After the race, Z Purton reported that it was his intention to be more forward on his mount, but after being crowded at the start, NICE BIRDIE was obliged to settle further back in the field than anticipated. He added that as a result of settling back in the field, NICE BIRDIE found it difficult to make up ground, particularly as it is one-paced. A veterinary inspection of NICE BIRDIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
From the outside barrier, WIN WIN FIGHTER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 500 Metres, KASA PAPA was held up behind PROSECCO.
After the race, M Chadwick (PROSECCO) reported that after his mount was crossed by DURHAM STAR in the middle stages, he was unable to proceed forward for some distance thereafter. He said once into clear running entering the Home Straight, PROSECCO took some time to respond to his riding, but worked home to the finish in a satisfactory manner. A veterinary inspection of PROSECCO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding his riding in the Home Straight, K C Leung (WIN WIN FIGHTER) stated that after the 300 Metres he attempted to shift his mount to the outside of D STAR to secure clear running. He said WIN WIN FIGHTER lay in as he attempted to do so and did not quicken and as a consequence he was unable to establish running to the outside. He added that near the 200 Metres KASA PAPA improved quickly to his outside and when he received a call from its rider, C L Chau, he was unable to continue to endeavour to shift out. He said as a consequence he was obliged to remain racing behind D STAR and then looked to shift to the inside of that runner and STURDY RUBY, but was unable to do so when FEARLESS FIRE was still positioned to his inside. He further added that as a consequence WIN WIN FIGHTER was held up for clear running over the final 100 Metres and could not be fully tested to the finish. The Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Leung were reasonable in the circumstances.
A veterinary inspection of FEARLESS FIRE and FORTUNE PRESIDENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
D STAR and DRAGON STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (13) TAI O HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

DENFIELD jumped awkwardly and then was badly crowded for room between H Z TOURBILLON and SUPER EAGLE which shifted in abruptly. A short distance later, H Z TOURBILLON was then steadied when crowded by MEGA BONUS which shifted out abruptly before being corrected by its rider, A Atzeni.
DAILY TROPHY and CHARMING STEED bumped at the start.
Near the 900 Metres, DAILY TROPHY ran in behind DENFIELD despite the efforts of its rider and as a consequence crowded SNOWALOT for a short distance.
Passing the 200 Metres, L Ferraris (SUPER EAGLE) momentarily dropped his right rein.
Approaching the 150 Metres, LUCKY ARCHANGEL was steadied when disappointed for clear running between GOLDEN LUCK and MEGA BONUS which shifted in. Near the 100 Metres, LUCKY ARCHANGEL was then shifted to the outside of MEGA BONUS in an attempt to secure clear running, but was again disappointed between MEGA BONUS and SUPER EAGLE and as a consequence could not be fully tested to the finish of the event.
After the race, L Hewitson (SNOWALOT) reported that after settling towards the rear of the field, his mount failed to travel strongly at any stage of the event. He added that whilst SNOWALOT had some difficulty obtaining clear running making the Home Turn when positioned behind H Z TOURBILLON, it was still somewhat disappointing in the manner in which it finished the race off. A veterinary inspection of SNOWALOT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Also after the race, it was noted that DAILY TROPHY had lost its right hind plate.
A veterinary inspection of CHARMING STEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DENFIELD, MEGA BONUS and SUPER EAGLE were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (14) TAI O HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

Whilst in the holding stables, HAPPY SOUL was found to have sustained an abrasion to the left hind cannon. HAPPY SOUL was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
HIGH PERCENTAGE jumped only fairly and then was crowded for room between LUCKY GOR and SIGHT HERO, both of which shifted ground.
SHINKANSEN and HAPPY SOUL bumped at the start and then were shifted across behind runners in the early stages from wide barriers.
SPICY SO SMART (Apprentice Y L Chung) jumped awkwardly. Apprentice Chung reported that shortly after the start his mount attempted to buck and as a consequence lost some ground. A veterinary inspection of SPICY SO SMART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SPICY SO SMART will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial utilising raceday gear.
Near the 550 Metres, WIND SPEEDER and HIGH PERCENTAGE bumped.
Near the 400 Metres, HIGH PERCENTAGE commenced to shift to the outside of TRAVEL GOLF. A short distance later, TRAVEL GOLF then shifted out, resulting in HIGH PERCENTAGE shifting out further and hampering WIND SPEEDER (K Teetan) which was taken wider. After the race, K Teetan reported that after this incident his mount failed to respond to his riding.
After the 300 Metres, SIGHT HERO lay in and proved reluctant to shift to the outside of HIGH PERCENTAGE for some distance thereafter. Then over the concluding stages, HIGH PERCENTAGE and SIGHT HERO raced tight between TRAVEL GOLF and EXUBERANT which lay in.
After the race, L Ferraris (LUCKY GOR) reported that his mount raced keenly in the lead and as a consequence did not finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY GOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of HAPPY SOUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TRAVEL GOLF, JOY COMING and EXUBERANT were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (15) NGONG PING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

HK DRAGON jumped awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its barrier.
Approaching the 1500 Metres, PERFECT TEAM was steadied when crowded by PEGASUS GENERAL (M L Yeung) which shifted in before being corrected by its rider. M L Yeung was advised to exercise more care.
Approaching the 500 Metres, HK DRAGON, which raced keenly, was steadied away from the heels of HAMERON.
L Ferraris (HAMERON) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of RED MAJESTY, resulting in RED MAJESTY being taken in onto the running of CALIFORNIA VOCE, causing CALIFORNIA VOCE to be checked. L Ferraris was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record.
EIGHTEEN PALMS lay in under pressure in the Home Straight.
After the race, M Chadwick (LOYAL BABY) stated that his mount jumped awkwardly and lost ground at the start and therefore settled further back than intended. He could offer no further explanation for the disappointing performance of his mount. A veterinary inspection of LOYAL BABY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LOYAL BABY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned regarding his riding of CHRYSOS making the Home Turn and the reasons his mount shifted out, L Currie stated that after holding the lead, CHRYSOS commenced to lay out making the Home Turn. He said when he commenced to ride CHRYSOS along, it shifted out, resulting in a run being presented to his inside. He added that when he became aware that a runner had improved to his inside after the 300 Metres, he was obligated to remain racing one-off the rail to avoid causing interference. A veterinary inspection of CHRYSOS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of PEGASUS GENERAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SPLENDID LIVING, HAMERON and RED MAJESTY were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (16) SHA LO WAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

G ONE EXCELLENT and SUPER COMMANDER bumped at the start.
STARRY NIGHT and PACHISI were slow to begin.
ACE TALENT hung out in the middle stages.
CIRCUIT SEVEN raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
After the race, L Ferraris (SUPER COMMANDER) advised that his mount did not show its usual early speed and was unable to lead. He said SUPER COMMANDER did not travel comfortably in the race and finished the race off only fairly although he could not fully test his mount for a short distance near the 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of SUPER COMMANDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPER COMMANDER, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER COMMANDER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Also after the race, K Teetan (SERGEANT PEPPER) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SERGEANT PEPPER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of PACHISI immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of ACE TALENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GORGEOUS VITALITY, KOWLOON EAST STAR and CIRCUIT SEVEN were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (17) CHEK LAP KOK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

CALIFORNIA DEEPLY jumped awkwardly and lost ground.
Shortly after the start, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of ATOMIC FORCE, resulting in ATOMIC FORCE becoming unbalanced.
From the outside barrier, PARTY WARRIOR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Over the final 50 Metres, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS could not be ridden out to the finish when held up for clear running behind ATOMIC FORCE.
AMAZING ROCKY raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
After the race, B Avdulla (MAGNIAC) reported that his mount hung out in the middle stages.
Also after the race, Apprentice Y L Chung (SUPER AXIOM) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SUPER AXIOM immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer”.
HEROIC MASTER, HARMONY N BLESSED and HUMBLE STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (18) MUI WO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

Whilst proceeding to the Start, ALLGREEKTOME was kicked by a lead pony and sustained a wound to the left hind leg. Acting on veterinary advice that ALLGREEKTOME was not suitable to race, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, ALLGREEKTOME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SUPERB CAPITALIST jumped awkwardly and lost ground.
EXCELLENT PEERS jumped only fairly and was then crowded by PACKING BOLE which shifted in abruptly.
REWARD SMILE and BRILLIANT WAY bumped shortly after the start.
From the outside barriers, SUGAR SUGAR and LUCKY GOLD were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
PACKING BOLE raced keenly in the early and middle stages.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, SUPERB CAPITALIST, which was racing keenly, shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of EXCELLENT PEERS, resulting in SUPERB CAPITALIST crowding the running of BRILLIANT WAY when that runner was racing tight to the inside of REWARD SMILE (L Currie). The Stewards found that the principal reason for the interference was due to the racing manners of SUPERB CAPITALIST, however, L Currie was advised in similar circumstances to exercise more care.
Near the 800 Metres, BRILLIANT WAY was steadied when momentarily crowded by SUPERB CAPITALIST (Apprentice Y L Chung) which was steadied and shifted in before being corrected by its rider. Apprentice Chung was advised to exercise more care. In this incident, REWARD SMILE, which was following SUPERB CAPITALIST and was racing keenly, was checked to avoid that horse. SUPERB CAPITALIST continued to race keenly when obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
SUGAR SUGAR lay out on the Home Turn.
Near the 250 Metres, EXCELLENT PEERS shifted out and away from PACKING BOLE, resulting in SUPERB CAPITALIST having to be eased.
After the race, K C Leung (PACKING BOLE) could offer no excuse for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of PACKING BOLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PACKING BOLE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PACKING BOLE 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 REWARD SMILE and ONE FOR ALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ONE FOR ALL, XPONENTIAL and SUGAR SUGAR were sent for sampling.