Race:1 (474) LEIGHTON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

MUTLIWIN was slow to begin and then shortly after the start bumped with DRAGON KINGDOM which shifted out.
DURHAM STAR jumped only fairly.
KEEN UNITY was slow to begin and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, DARCI LEGEND was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, MULTIWIN brushed the running rail when crowded for room by DURHAM STAR which raced tight to the inside of SHADOW RUNNER which shifted in when being steadied to allow MASTER OF ALL to cross. In this incident, SHADOW RUNNER made contact with DURHAM STAR, resulting in SHADOW RUNNER becoming unbalanced.
KOKUSHI MUSOU was caught wide and without cover in the early stages and passing the 800 Metres was allowed to stride forward to race in the lead.
Approaching the 500 Metres, MULTIWIN was steadied when racing tight to the inside of DARCI LEGEND.
Over the final 125 Metres, KOKUSHI MUSOU was inclined to lay out under pressure, resulting in DIVINE ERA being taken out slightly.
M L Yeung pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 100(2) in that he failed to ride DRAGON KINGDOM, 6th placegetter, out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. For this breach of the Rule, M L Yeung was fined a sum of $25,000.
When questioned regarding his riding in the Straight, L Hewitson (DURHAM STAR) stated that near the 200 Metres he shifted to the inside of JOY IN JOY to secure clear running. He said near the 100 Metres he commenced to shift his mount to the outside of KOKUSHI MUSOU and DIVINE ERA to obtain clear running, however, as he did so, those runners shifted out which resulted in him having to direct DURHAM STAR to the outside of DIVINE ERA near the 50 Metres to secure clear running. L Hewitson added that whilst a run had opened to the inside of KOKUSHI MUSOU when that runner shifted out, he had committed to the outside prior to the shift of KOKUSHI MUSOU and therefore he continued to shift his mount out.
A veterinary inspection of JOY IN JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SON PAK FU and DIVINE ERA were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (475) BOWRINGTON HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1000 m

STRIVE FOR GLORY was withdrawn on 6.3.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ENCORE. Before being allowed to race again, STRIVE FOR GLORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
UNIVERSAL CROWN and KOWLOON EAST STAR jumped awkwardly.
On jumping, CALL ME LU was bumped by BOOMING WELL which shifted in. A short distance later, CALL ME LU was again bumped by BOOMING WELL which was taken in by SMART FOLKS.
Shortly after the start, U W BROTHER and TREASURE OF FIELD bumped.
ENCORE raced wide and without cover from the 700 Metres.
Near the 600 Metres, BOOMING WELL, which was inclined to race keenly, was steadied to avoid the heels of TRONIC MIGHTY (C Y Ho) which shifted in when not quite clear. C Y Ho was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground.
Making the Home Turn, DAY DAY RICH raced tight to the inside of TRONIC MIGHTY for a short distance.
RAGING BLAZE was held up making the Home Turn.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on DAY DAY RICH at the request of Trainer T P Yung. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DAY DAY RICH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of UNIVERSAL CROWN immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in its trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
DAY DAY RICH, KOWLOON EAST STAR and RAGING BLAZE were sent for sampling.
<9/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> UNIVERSAL CROWN, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in its trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. UNIVERSAL CROWN 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 left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, UNIVERSAL CROWN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:3 (476) CANAL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

HELENE WISDOM STAR shifted out at the start, resulting in FEARLESS FIRE being taken out onto BIG TWO and BIG TWO then making contact with PRESIDENT’S CHOICE.
PROUD DRAGON was crowded soon after the start by WIND N GRASS which shifted in.
From the outside barrier, YOUNG VICTORY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From wide barriers, PASSING FASHION and PERFECT ROCK were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
THETA HEDGE raced wide and without cover in the early stages before being allowed to stride forward to obtain a position outside the lead approaching the 1000 Metres.
SAMARKAND was left racing wide and without cover between the 1000 Metres and the 600 Metres.
Near the 600 Metres, PROUD DRAGON lay in and away from PRESIDENT’S CHOICE, resulting in PERFECT ROCK being steadied when crowded by PROUD DRAGON.
Passing the 600 Metres, EIGHTEEN PALMS was awkwardly placed close to SAMARKAND, shifted in and as a result bumped HELENE WISDOM STAR.
After the 150 Metres, PERFECT ROCK was inclined to lay out under pressure, resulting in its rider, M L Yeung, having to stop riding and straighten.
Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards viewed the patrol films to ascertain if there was sufficient grounds for a protest/objection by EIGHTEEN PALMS, 3rd placegetter, against HELENE WISDOM STAR, 2nd placegetter, due to the two horses making contact near the 125 Metres. It was established that near the 125 Metres, HELENE WISDOM STAR shifted to the outside of THETA HEDGE to obtain clear running and in doing so brushed EIGHTEEN PALMS. It was further established that over the concluding stages, HELENE WISDOM STAR raced tight to the inside of EIGHTEEN PALMS which shifted in slightly, resulting in HELENE WISDOM STAR having to be corrected by its rider, C Y Ho, to prevent it from shifting in and crowding THETA HEDGE. When the Stewards were satisfied that there was not sufficient grounds for a protest/objection and that HELENE WISDOM STAR had raced tight to the inside of EIGHTEEN PALMS over the concluding stages, weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.
After the race, K Teetan (PROUD DRAGON) reported that his mount hung in, particularly when placed under pressure in the Straight and could offer no additional explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse. A veterinary inspection of PROUD DRAGON 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 lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, PROUD DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Also after the race, L Hewitson (BIG TWO) stated that his intention was to obtain cover from an inside barrier. He said BIG TWO jumped well tonight and when the pace of the event in the early stages was not quick, the horse was able to lead. He added that, in his opinion, BIG TWO would be better suited if able to be ridden with cover.
A veterinary inspection of SAMARKAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
EIGHTEEN PALMS, YOUNG VICTORY and HELENE WISDOM STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (477) CANAL HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1650 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that STURDY RUBY had blood at its mouth. STURDY RUBY was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
IRON WILL was badly crowded on jumping between SUNNY BABY which was taken out by BABY and KING OF THE COURT which shifted in abruptly. In this incident, IRON WILL and SUNNY BABY bumped heavily, resulting in both runners becoming unbalanced. SUNNY BABY and IRON WILL were then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Soon after the start, COPARTNER ERA shifted in and bumped STURDY RUBY.
After travelling a short distance, LONDON LUCKYSTAR shifted out and made contact with KUNG FU TEA, resulting in KUNG FU TEA shifting out and crowding ALL JOYFUL which was then steadied and shifted in behind KUNG FU TEA.
BABY raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 900 Metres was steadied to avoid COPARTNER FIONN, resulting in BABY being taken into a three wide position without cover. BABY was then ridden forward from the 800 Metres.
COPARTNER ERA lay in when placed under pressure near the 300 Metres and as a result shifted in behind LONDON LUCKYSTAR. COPARTNER ERA then continued to lay in and proved reluctant to shift to the outside of LONDON LUCKYSTAR until near the 100 Metres where it was able to be placed under full pressure.
Near the 200 Metres, STURDY RUBY raced in restricted room to the inside of KUNG FU TEA which was inclined to lay in before KUNG FU TEA was corrected by its rider, L Ferraris. KUNG FU TEA then continued to lay in for the remainder of the event.
After the race, C L Chau (LONDON LUCKYSTAR) reported that his mount travelled comfortably behind the leaders in the early stages and after initially responding to his riding in the early part of the Straight did not finish the race off as well as expected over the final 150 Metres. A veterinary inspection of LONDON LUCKYSTAR immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LONDON LUCKYSTAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, ODE TO JOY was noted to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
LONDON LUCKYSTAR, KING OF THE COURT and KUNG FU TEA were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (478) THE CRAIGENGOWER CRICKET CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

FOREVER FRIENDS was fractious in the barriers prior to the start being effected which resulted in SIGHT HERO, which was positioned in the adjacent stall, then also becoming fractious as the start was effected. As a consequence, SIGHT HERO reared at the start and lost ground.
CASA SACRED jumped awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with the right side of its barrier.
DIAMOND FOREVER jumped awkwardly, shifted out and bumped EAGLE RUN.
From the outside barriers, SUNNY AND GOLD and ABOVE ALL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
E UNIVERSE raced keenly throughout the early and middle stages.
Due to the moderate pace in the middle stages, DIAMOND FOREVER, which was having its first race start tonight, travelled keenly and near the 900 Metres and again near the 700 Metres got its head up when being checked to avoid the heels of WIND SPEEDER. SIGHT HERO, which was following, was steadied to avoid the heels of DIAMOND FOREVER at the 700 Metres.
CASA SACRED raced keenly in the middle stages.
SUNNY AND GOLD also raced keenly in the middle stages and passing the 800 Metres shifted out when being restrained from the heels of TIMESTORM.
Passing the 400 Metres, FOREVER FRIENDS lay out towards the heels of DIAMOND FOREVER and as a consequence was steadied. CASA SACRED, which was following, was steadied to avoid FOREVER FRIENDS.
SUPER VINCE lay out over the final 100 Metres.
Near the 50 Metres, SIGHT HERO shifted out and brushed SUNNY AND GOLD.
EAGLE RUN raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding SUPER VINCE racing in a more forward position tonight, K Teetan stated that in his pre-race discussions with Trainer F C Lor, they had identified a lack of speed in the race and for this reason he was given the option to go forward. He added that with CALL ME TEDDY, an expected on-pace runner, positioned to his outside, he anticipated that this may also result in SUPER VINCE being assisted in obtaining a forward position. He said when SUPER VINCE commenced well tonight, he elected to take up a forward position but settled closer to the pace than he had anticipated, particularly with the race in the early stages being run below standard.
After the race, C L Chau (DIAMOND FOREVER) reported that his mount made the Home Turn awkwardly and blundered soon after straightening.
Also after the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that FOREVER FRIENDS was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, FOREVER FRIENDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SIGHT HERO immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer’ which had previously been reported.
SIGHT HERO, SUPER VINCE and E UNIVERSE were sent for sampling.
<9/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that FOREVER FRIENDS was lame in its left front leg. FOREVER FRIENDS was again examined by the Veterinary Surgeon at the stables of Trainer C Fownes this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have sustained an injury to the left front fetlock. As previously advised, FOREVER FRIENDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

Race:6 (479) PERCIVAL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

TIANCHI MONSTER was crowded soon after the start by SUPER OASIS which shifted out.
RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE was slow to begin.
ROUND THE EARTH jumped awkwardly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barriers, ESCAPE ROUTE and ROCKET SPADE were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 500 Metres, SAVVY KINGMAN was steadied to avoid the heels of COMET SPLENDIDO (C L Chau) which shifted in when not quite clear. C L Chau was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground.
COMET SPLENDIDO raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
After the race, K C Leung (MEANINGFUL STAR) advised that his instructions were to obtain a handy position with cover, but when caught wide in the early stages he was obliged to allow MEANINGFUL STAR to stride forward whereby it settled outside the lead and raced in a more forward position than intended.
A veterinary inspection of ROCKET SPADE and ROUND THE EARTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ROCKET SPADE, PEGASUS GENERAL and SATIRICAL GLORY were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (480) RUSSELL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

On arrival at the Start, L Ferraris expressed concern regarding the action of YO BEAUTY. YO BEAUTY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. A veterinary inspection of YO BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GOODBAN BANBANBANG was slow to begin.
HUMBLE STAR jumped awkwardly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
EXCELLENT PEERS raced wide and without cover after the 1000 Metres.
BUNDLE OF CHARM was caught wide in the early stages and when being steadied to obtain cover behind EXCELLENT PEERS near the 900 Metres was inclined to over-race.
SAVVY DELIGHT raced keenly in the middle stages.
Near the 500 Metres, BRAVE STAR was steadied away from YO BEAUTY.
SOLID IMPACT was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and near the 400 Metres was bumped by GOLDEN WARSTEED which shifted out when making the turn awkwardly.
After the race, L Hewitson (CAPE BRETON) reported that he had been given specific instructions to take up a forward position from barrier 6, however, he felt the reason for the horse not performing, in his view, was that it was not comfortable having its first race start on the Happy Valley circuit and made the Home Turn awkwardly.
After the race, STORMTROUPER was noted to have sustained a minor laceration to the left hind leg.
A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT PEERS and BUNDLE OF CHARM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BRAVE STAR and GUMMY GUMMY were sent for sampling.
<9/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> YO BEAUTY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. YO BEAUTY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, YO BEAUTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:8 (481) RUSSELL HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

TRADER shifted out at the start and crowded GOLD GOLD BABY, resulting in GOLD GOLD BABY being taken out and bumping WINNING ICEY.
NAMJONG SINGS jumped only fairly.
From a wide barrier, SHINING GEM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
HEROIC MASTER lost its right front plate at the 900 Metres.
M F Poon (HERO STAR) 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 BEAUTY GLORY, resulting in that horse being taken in onto TRADER, causing TRADER to be unnecessarily crowded and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. M F Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 29 March 2023 and to expire on Monday, 3 April 2023 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. In this incident, ROMAN TURBO, which was following TRADER, was steadied to avoid that horse and shifted out, causing WINNING ICEY to be awkwardly placed on the heels of RED DESERT. HEROIC MASTER, which was following WINNING ICEY and racing keenly, was steadied to avoid that horse. NAMJONG SINGS was also steadied away from the heels of TRADER. After this incident, WINNING ICEY was then obliged to race wide and without cover for the remainder of the event.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of GOLD GOLD BABY, Trainer K W Lui stated that at its last start on 1 February 2023, GOLD GOLD BABY was unsuited by the moderate pace and after receiving interference near the 1000 Metres made a respiratory noise which he attributed to GOLD GOLD BABY not having an uninterrupted run. He said tonight GOLD GOLD BABY was suited by the strong early pace which allowed it to relax during the running of the race and provided it with the opportunity to finish the race off strongly.
A veterinary inspection of HEROIC MASTER and ROMAN TURBO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WINNING ICEY, GOLD GOLD BABY and XPONENTIAL were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (482) WONG NAI CHUNG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1000 m

After being loaded into the barriers, POWER KOEPP became fractious and reared. POWER KOEPP was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, POWER KOEPP will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
CARROLL STREET jumped only fairly and shortly after the start was crowded between ROCK YA HEART and HARMONY AND RICH which was taken out by POWER KOEPP.
Shortly after the start, TORONADO PHANTOM was steadied when racing tight to the inside of KEEP YOU WARM which shifted in after being bumped by SPECIAL M.
Near the 800 Metres, KEEP YOU WARM was steadied away from WE THE SOUTH when that runner shifted in before being corrected by its rider.
POWER KOEPP raced keenly throughout the middle stages and for some distance near the 700 Metres was awkwardly placed behind HARMONY AND RICH.
Near the 200 Metres, HANDSOME BO BO raced tight between WE THE SOUTH and WHIZZ KID which shifted in before being corrected.
Approaching the 50 Metres, TORONADO PHANTOM was shifted to the inside of HANDSOME BO BO to continue into clear running.
KEEP YOU WARM raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
A veterinary inspection of ASTROLOGER, CARROLL STREET and GRATEFUL HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ROCK YA HEART, HANDSOME BO BO and HARMONY AND RICH were sent for sampling.