Race:1 (379) BOWEN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

When MIRACLES was unable to be loaded into the barriers, the horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, MIRACLES will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.
RAGING BLAZE jumped only fairly.
On jumping, SHENRON shifted in and bumped TRAVEL GLORY.
VIVA A LA jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners.
Soon after the start, HEAVENLY THOUGHT was bumped by SHENRON which shifted out.
WINS ALL went amiss near the 800 Metres and was eased down. When WINS ALL went amiss, FORTUNE HERO, which was following, was steadied to avoid the heels of that horse. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WINS ALL had sustained an injury to the left front fetlock.
Near the 250 Metres, RAGING BLAZE was disappointed for running between LORIZ and YOUNG HORIZON which shifted out slightly. RAGING BLAZE was then shifted to the inside of YOUNG HORIZON in an attempt to secure tight running between YOUNG HORIZON and TRAVEL GLORY. Whilst RAGING BLAZE was improving into this run, it made contact with YOUNG HORIZON and TRAVEL GLORY, resulting in all three runners becoming unbalanced. TRAVEL GLORY was then held up for clear running behind SHENRON which was giving ground before shifting to the outside of that runner near the 50 Metres to obtain clear running.
A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
LORIZ and RAGING BLAZE were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (380) MORRISON HILL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1800 m

DAZZLING FELLOW jumped awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with LOYAL AMBITION.
SUCCESS ALLSTARS was crowded for room on jumping between MOONLUCK which was taken out by BALLISTIC MAN and CABLE SPEED which shifted in.
Shortly after the start, CABLE SPEED was bumped by SMILING FACE which was taken in by FORTUNE PATROL.
From a wide barrier, GLORIOUS LOVER, after jumping only fairly, was shifted across behind runners.
Near the 1700 Metres, DAZZLING FELLOW was briefly crowded between BALLISTIC MAN and LOYAL AMBITION which shifted out slightly.
BALLISTIC MAN raced keenly and got its head up in the early stages.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, FORTUNE TRIPLE was steadied when crowded by CAPLE SPEED (H T Mo) which shifted in when positioned close to the heels of BALLISTIC MAN. H T Mo was advised to exercise more care.
Near the 800 Metres, SMILING FACE shifted out to commence a forward move and raced wide and without cover from that point.
DAZZLING FELLOW was held up making the Home Turn and near the 300 Metres improved into a narrow run between BALLISTIC MAN and SMILING FACE.
Near the 300 Metres, FORTUNE TRIPLE became held up behind LOYAL AMBITION before shifting to that horse’s outside in an attempt to obtain clear running near the 200 Metres. FORTUNE TRIPLE then continued to be held up on the heels of HANG’S CHOICE until near the 100 Metres.
After the 300 Metres, MOONLUCK was held up on the heels of HANG’S CHOICE and passing the 200 Metres raced tight to the inside of BALLISTIC MAN which was inclined to lay in.
Near the 150 Metres, BALLISTIC MAN was steadied away from the heels of DAZZLING FELLOW which shifted in slightly.
REGENCY MASTER was inclined to lay in in the Straight and near the 150 Metres shifted in and brushed CABLE SPEED.
Close to the finishing line, DAZZLING FELLOW lay out under pressure, resulting in its rider, H Bowman, having to stop riding and straighten.
The performance of SUCCESS ALLSTARS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUCCESS ALLSTARS 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 SUCCESS ALLSTARS immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg.
After the race, Apprentice Y L Chung (LOYAL AMBITION) stated that his mount was pressured in the lead by HANG’S CHOICE and as a consequence LOYAL AMBITION gave ground in the Straight and was unable to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of LOYAL AMBITION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Following the race, C L Chau reported that his instructions were to take up a forward position on HANG’S CHOICE tonight as it had previously raced disappointingly when settled towards the rear of the field. Trainer W Y So confirmed the instructions.
LOYAL AMBITION, REGENCY MASTER and DAZZLING FELLOW were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (381) OI KWAN HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1650 m

LUCK STAR was slow to begin and was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
PACKING MONKEYKING shifted in at the start and bumped KUNGFUMASTER PANDA. From a wide barrier, PACKING MONKEYKING was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, IRON WILL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
KUNG FU TEA was also steadied and shifted across behind runners shortly after the start.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY WON was steadied away from the heels of LUCK STAR when being shifted in to obtain cover.
LUCK STAR raced keenly in the early and middle stages and leaving the 800 Metres was shifted out to commence a forward move. Then making the Home Turn, LUCK STAR hung out and made the turn extremely wide. When being corrected by its rider near the 250 Metres, LUCK STAR then shifted in abruptly, resulting in KUNG FU TEA having to be steadied when crowded. The racing manners of LUCK STAR were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCK STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of LUCK STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Near the 500 Metres, PACKING MONKEYKING was eased away from the heels of YOUNG LIFE FOREVER which shifted out.
Near the 150 Metres, VILLA FIONN lay in before being corrected by its rider.
After the race, M F Poon reported that IRON WILL was making a respiratory noise during the running of the event. A veterinary inspection of IRON WILL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Also after the race, C Y Ho (ALL IS GOOD) reported that his mount travelled comfortably in an on-pace position with cover but was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ALL IS GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
E LEGEND and VILLA FIONN were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (382) OI KWAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

BILLIONAIRE SECRET shifted in on jumping and bumped COPARTNER FIONN. Shortly after, COPARTNER FIONN, BILLIONAIRE SECRET and VIVA POPCORN were badly crowded for room between LEGION OF MERIT which was taken out by V CHEVALIERS and PACKING SUCCEEDER which shifted in slightly. In this incident, PACKING SUCCEEDER was bumped on the hindquarters and became unbalanced.
On jumping, VIVA POPCORN was bumped by PACKING SUCCEEDER which shifted in, resulting in VIVA POPCORN then making contact with BILLIONAIRE SECRET.
From the outside barrier, KYRUS UNICORN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SUPER EAGLE got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind CHILL CHIBI.
Due to the slow early pace, LEGION OF MERIT shifted out near the 1100 Metres to commence a forward move and obtained a position in the lead near the 900 Metres.
PACKING SUCCEEDER raced keenly in the middle stages.
Near the 600 Metres, CHILL CHIBI was taken wider when V CHEVALIERS shifted out to improve.
Making the Home Turn, SUPER EAGLE was bumped by COPARTNER FIONN which shifted out.
Near the 400 Metres, BILLIONAIRE SECRET became held up on the heels of FIRE BALL which commenced to give ground. A veterinary inspection of FIRE BALL immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, FIRE BALL will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Near the 300 Metres, CHILL CHIBI was shifted out away from V CHEVALIERS which shifted out before being corrected by its rider. VIVA POPCORN, which was racing to the outside of CHILL CHIBI, shifted out away from that runner.
Near the 50 Metres, COPARTNER FIONN was shifted to the outside of V CHEVALIERS to improve into clear running.
After the race, CHILL CHIBI was found to be lame in its right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, CHILL CHIBI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
PACKING SUCCEEDER, CHILL CHIBI and VIVA POPCORN were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (383) STUBBS HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

ABOVE ALL was withdrawn on 30.1.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (wound to left front leg) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter WOOD ON FIRE. PLENTY PLENTY was withdrawn on 31.1.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter TOP TOP TEA (R Maia). Before being allowed to race again, ABOVE ALL and PLENTY PLENTY will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
HOSS, which was slow to begin, was then crowded for room on jumping between WOOD ON FIRE and KOKUSHI MUSOU, both of which shifted ground. HOSS was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
On jumping, STOICISM was badly hampered when crowded by SOLAR PARTNER which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider.
OUR CLASS ACT jumped awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with the inside of its barrier and lost ground.
MR FUN and TOP TOP TEA bumped at the start.
In the early stages, WOOD ON FIRE was inclined to lay in.
Approaching the 600 Metres, OVERSUBSCRIBED and STOICISM bumped as STOICISM endeavoured to obtain a position with cover behind WOOD ON FIRE.
Making the Home Turn, OVERSUBSCRIBED, which was inclined to lay out, shifted out and brushed STOICISM.
Over the concluding stages, HOSS improved into a narrow run to the inside of SOLAR PARTNER and brushed that runner.
KOKUSHI MUSOU raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
When questioned, H Bowman stated that he was instructed tonight to obtain cover on MR FUN as it had raced too keenly at its last start and was left without a finishing effort. He said, from barrier 4, he immediately took cover behind the leaders, however, MR FUN again travelled keenly throughout the early and middle stages. He said from the 600 Metres, when placed under pressure, MR FUN raced greenly, resented racing inside horses and gave ground under pressure in the Straight. Trainer C S Shum confirmed the instructions issued to Jockey Bowman and indicated that he would give a freshen-up to the horse and experiment with its gear before its next race start. A veterinary inspection of MR FUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MR FUN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MR FUN 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 OVERSUBSCRIBED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HOSS and SOLAR PARTNER were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (384) THE VOLUNTEERS' CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

On jumping, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE was crowded for room between ROCKET SPADE which shifted in and ENSURED which shifted out. In this incident, ENSURED became unbalanced and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
SAMARKAND jumped awkwardly.
TIANCHI MONSTER jumped only fairly.
Near the 1600 Metres, SNAFFLES became awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAVA NAGEELA and then soon after was bumped by ROCKET SPADE which shifted in.
HAVA NAGEELA over-raced in the early stages and for some distance passing the winning post on the first occasion became awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRIME MINISTER.
Rounding the Home Turn, SNAFFLES improved to the outside of TIANCHI MONSTER and approaching the 300 Metres was steadied when TIANCHI MONSTER then shifted out slightly.
Near the 150 Metres, SNAFFLES and HAVA NAGEELA brushed.
HAVA NAGEELA was inclined to lay in under pressure in the Straight and passing the 50 Metres became awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRIME MINISTER which shifted out, resulting in its rider, Z Purton, having to stop riding to avoid the heels of PRIME MINISTER for a short distance.
After the race, S De Sousa (ENSURED) reported that his mount was unsuited by the slow early pace and found it difficult to make up ground from the rear of the field. A veterinary inspection of ENSURED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ESCAPE ROUTE and ROCKET SPADE were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (385) STUBBS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

CORDYCEPS ONE, which was fractious in the barriers, jumped only fairly.
COMPASSION SUPER jumped awkwardly, shifted in and brushed HAPPY TANGO.
SHADOW RUNNER began only fairly and then shortly after was steadied when crowded for room between KING ECCELLENTE and LYRICAL MOTION which shifted in. Then from wide barriers, SHADOW RUNNER and LYRICAL MOTION were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 400 Metres, SHADOW RUNNER was steadied to avoid the heels of CORDYCEPS ONE which shifted out.
Between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres, ACT OF FAITH had difficulty obtaining clear running when endeavouring to improve into a narrow run between HAPPY TANGO and CHARMING STEED.
Inside the 100 Metres, CORDYCEPS ONE had difficulty obtaining clear running between CHARMING STEED and KING ECCELLENTE which was inclined to lay in and away from RIGHTEOUS ARION.
FORTUNE CARRIER was inclined to lay in over the final 100 Metres.
After the race, Z Purton reported that at its last start from a favourable barrier RACING FIGHTER was able to secure a good run throughout the event and finished the race off well. He said tonight from an awkward barrier he was obliged to ride his mount along in the early stages, however, RACING FIGHTER did not show sufficient pace to take up a more forward position and when left racing wide and without cover until near the 600 Metres failed to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of RACING FIGHTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ACT OF FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RIGHTEOUS ARION and COMPASSION SUPER were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (386) TIN LOK HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

EVERYONE’S VICTORY was withdrawn on 31.1.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter EQUALETTA BLITZ (L Hewitson). Before being allowed to race again, EVERYONE’S VICTORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
EQUALETTA BLITZ was slow to begin.
SUGAR SUGAR jumped only fairly, lay out on the Home Turn and approaching the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of the heels of YO BEAUTY.
From wide barriers, BRAVE STAR and LESLIE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
ADIOS lost its right hind plate near the 800 Metres.
A Hamelin (YO BEAUTY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 800 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ADIOS, resulting in that horse being taken across and crowding the running of SUGAR SUGAR which resulted in SUGAR SUGAR being taken in towards the running of COMPASSION SPIRIT which was also unnecessarily crowded, lost its running and was checked. A Hamelin was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 and to expire on Monday, 20 February 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Hamelin’s good race riding record.
The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in as they were of the view that an incident occurred near the 150 Metres which cast doubt on whether HERE COMES TED should be declared the winner. The Stewards found that at this point HERE COMES TED shifted in, taking the running of HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE (K Teetan) which had been placed 3rd. The Stewards found that the interference suffered by HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE had been attributable to HERE COMES TED but could not be satisfied that had the interference not have occurred, HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE would have finished in advance of HERE COMES TED and accordingly declared weighed-in on the Judge’s placings. It should be noted that K Teetan did not lodge a protest/objection.
L Ferraris (HERE COMES TED) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE, resulting in that horse losing its rightful running and being checked and also contributing to HUMBLE STAR, which was racing to the inside of HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE, being badly crowded for room. L Ferraris was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 19 February 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 23 February 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Ferraris’ good race riding record. In this incident COMPASSION SPIRIT (M L Yeung) shifted out and contributed to the crowding to HUMBLE STAR. M L Yeung was advised that in similar circumstances he should stop riding and straighten his mount sooner than he did on this occasion and exercise more care in future.
Over the concluding stages, LESLIE, when finishing the race off well, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAJESTIC KNIGHT.
After the race, ADIOS was reported to have sustained an abrasion to the right hind fetlock.
A veterinary inspection of HARMONY N BLESSED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ADIOS, HERE COMES TED and MAJESTIC KNIGHT were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (387) TIN LOK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

EXCELLENT PEERS jumped awkwardly and shortly after was crowded by BUNDLE OF CHARM which shifted out and away from OUTGATE which also shifted out. EXCELLENT PEERS was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
GOLD GOLD BABY was bumped on jumping by JOLLY RULER which shifted in.
STORMTROUPER began only fairly.
From the outside barrier, WINNING ICEY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, BUNDLE OF CHARM failed to show sufficient speed to obtain a more forward position and after travelling a short distance was shifted across behind runners.
Near the 1000 Metres, STORMTROUPER was inconvenienced when racing tight to the inside of BUNDLE OF CHARM which shifted in before being corrected by its rider.
Making the turn approaching the 1000 Metres, GOLD GOLD BABY was steadied when crowded for room by STORMTROUPER (S De Sousa) which shifted in. S De Sousa was severely reprimanded. In considering penalty, the Stewards established that prior to this incident, STORMTROUPER had raced tight to the inside of BUNDLE OF CHARM when that runner shifted in and this contributed to STORMTROUPER shifting in and causing the interference to GOLD GOLD BABY.
BUNDLE OF CHARM lost its left hind plate passing the 1000 Metres.
JOLLY RULER raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 900 Metres was steadied when momentarily crowded by OUTGATE which shifted in slightly.
Approaching the 600 Metres, STORMTROUPER was steadied away from the heels of GOLDEN LINK when racing keenly.
In the early part of the Straight, STORMTROUPER had difficulty obtaining clear running.
Between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres, GOLDEN LINK was held up for clear running behind JOLLY RULER.
OUTGATE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding ARMOUR EAGLE leading, L Hewitson stated that his instructions were to endeavour to obtain cover but take advantage of his inside barrier. He said soon after jumping he elected to cross SCIENCE PATCH which was drawn directly to his inside with the intention of allowing runners to his outside to cross. He added that he did not pressure his mount to hold the lead, but when runners to his outside did not continue forward as he expected, this resulted in ARMOUR EAGLE leading the event which was not anticipated tonight.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, C Y Ho explained that making the first turn he was obliged to steady his mount when crowded by STORMTROUPER. He said after this GOLD GOLD BABY did not travel comfortably and with the moderate early pace of the race found it difficult to make up ground when placed under pressure in the Home Straight. He added that subsequent to the race GOLD GOLD BABY was making a respiratory noise which he brought to the attention of Trainer K W Lui. A veterinary inspection of GOLD GOLD BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GOLD GOLD BABY 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 OUTGATE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GOLD GOLD BABY, JOLLY RULER and WINNING ICEY were sent for sampling.