Race:1 (483) HAU WONG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

ASIAN ONE shifted out at the start and bumped BEAUTY NOVA which became unbalanced.
YOUNG HORIZON shifted out soon after the start and made contact with SMILING MOON.
Soon after the start, SURE WIN WIN was steadied when crowded for room between ASIAN ONE and MIGHTY STAR which shifted out after being bumped by SPEEDSTAR.
LE PLUS VITE, which jumped only fairly, was checked soon after the start when crowded between ONE STEP AHEAD and HEAVENLY THOUGHT, both of which shifted ground. After this, ONE STEP AHEAD, LE PLUS VITE and HEAVENLY THOUGHT were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HEAVENLY THOUGHT then raced keenly in the middle stages.
Approaching the 400 Metres, TRAVEL GLORY became held up behind TAKE WHAT YOU NEED before shifting to that runner’s inside. When being shifted to the inside, MIGHTY STAR then became held up when awkwardly placed close to TRAVEL GLORY before shifting to that runner’s outside passing the 350 Metres to secure clear running.
Approaching the 350 Metres, YOUNG HORIZON, which had been held up, was disappointed for running between SMILING MOON and PRIDE OF DRAGON and blundered when being steadied away from the heels of SMILING MOON.
For some distance approaching the 300 Metres, HEAVENLY THOUGHT had difficulty obtaining clear running.
SURE WIN WIN experienced some difficulty obtaining clear running near the 200 Metres.
Near the 125 Metres, ONE STEP AHEAD turned its head in towards HEAVENLY THOUGHT and attempted to savage that runner. The racing manners of ONE STEP AHEAD were brought to the attention of Trainer C W Chang.
When questioned, Apprentice Y L Chung (MIGHTY STAR) stated that he was instructed to settle his mount where it was comfortable but had anticipated to take up a more forward position. He said after being bumped soon after the start MIGHTY STAR did not show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position and as a result settled further back in the field than had been intended.
After the race, PRIDE OF DRAGON was noted to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils and also to have sustained a minor laceration to the right hind heel.
SPEEDSTAR and ASIAN ONE were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (484) JUNCTION HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

FLYING GALLOP jumped awkwardly.
WATCH BUDDY jumped only fairly.
EASY SNIP also jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barriers, MOON CATCHER and GLENEALY GENERALS were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 400 Metres, LASER VICTORY improved into running between MODULECONSTRUCTION and RED HARE KING and approaching the 350 Metres was checked when crowded between MODULECONSTRUCTION which shifted out, when inclined to lay out, and RED HARE KING (Apprentice Y L Chung) which shifted in. Apprentice Chung was advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to exercise more care than he did on this occasion. After this incident, Apprentice Chung dropped his left rein for a short distance passing the 300 Metres.
Near the 350 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS was disappointed for running to the inside of FLYING GALLOP which shifted in slightly. Then when placed under pressure over the final 200 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS lay out.
Near the 250 Metres, EASY SNIP was shifted to the inside of LASER VICTORY to continue into clear running.
Near the 200 Metres, STARRY NIGHT was inconvenienced when taken out by RED HARE KING.
Near the 50 Metres, SPEED FAY FAY was shifted to the inside of RED HARE KING to obtain clear running and then raced tight to the inside of RED HARE KING for some distance thereafter.
When questioned, Apprentice Y L Chung reported that RED HARE KING hung out throughout the majority of the event and as a result ran wide making the Home Turn. The racing manners of RED HARE KING were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RED HARE KING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend.
When questioned regarding the performance of LASER VICTORY, Z Purton stated that he was not instructed specifically to lead and was able to take up a comfortable position behind the leaders with cover where his mount travelled satisfactorily. He said after LASER VICTORY received interference near the 350 Metres, it failed to respond to his riding and he had some concerns with its action in the Straight as LASER VICTORY was inclined to shift ground when placed under pressure. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued. He added that after its first start win LASER VICTORY had pleased the stable when it barrier trialed on 28 February 2023 and he had expected the horse to perform well today. He added that in light of the comments made by Jockey Purton, he would now subject LASER VICTORY to a veterinary assessment. A veterinary inspection of LASER VICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LASER VICTORY, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LASER VICTORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LASER VICTORY, HAPPY GOLF and EASY SNIP were sent for sampling.
<13/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> LASER VICTORY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. LASER VICTORY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Richards yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, LASER VICTORY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

Race:3 (485) NAM KOK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SCOTCH TYCOON had sustained a minor laceration to the right hind leg. SCOTCH TYCOON was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
TEAM SPIRIT jumped awkwardly, shifted in, made contact with SHOW RESPECT and became unbalanced, resulting in TEAM SPIRIT then shifting out and bumping the hindquarters of JADE PHOENIX which also became unbalanced.
LEAN MASTER was slow to begin and was then crowded by JUNEAU FLASH which jumped awkwardly and shifted in. Soon after the start, JUNEAU FLASH continued to shift in and bumped RUN RUN COOL.
Near the 200 Metres, NICCONI COUNTY improved into a narrow run to the outside of CALIFORNIA VANES and raced in restricted room to the outside of that runner for some distance thereafter.
When questioned, A Hamelin (TALENTS SUPREMO) stated that after initially being held up behind JUNEAU FLASH near the 400 Metres, he shifted to that runner’s inside to follow LIKE THAT. He said he was then held up behind LIKE THAT between the 300 Metres and the 200 Metres and passing the 200 Metres he shifted to the inside of LIKE THAT in an attempt to secure a narrow run between LIKE THAT and RUN RUN COOL. He added that when endeavouring to improve into this run, LIKE THAT shifted in slightly, resulting in the run becoming tighter and eventually he was required to check his mount approaching the 100 Metres when disappointed for this run. The Stewards advised Jockey Hamelin in similar circumstances he must ensure that there is sufficient racing room for him to improve.
After the race, K Teetan stated that whilst JUNEAU FLASH travelled comfortably in the early stages, when asked for an effort over the final 300 Metres, JUNEAU FLASH failed to respond to his riding and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of JUNEAU FLASH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of JUNEAU FLASH, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUNEAU FLASH 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, Apprentice Y L Chung reported that after being hampered at the start TEAM SPIRIT did not show its usual early pace and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
JUNEAU FLASH, RUN RUN COOL and NICCONI COUNTY were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (486) NGA TSIN WAI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

OWNERS’ PRAISE jumped only fairly and soon after the start was bumped by D STAR which shifted in after being bumped by FAST BUCK.
TIER GOODY shifted out at the start and bumped RED BRICK FIGHTER.
TURIN WARRIOR jumped awkwardly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From a wide barrier, TAILOR MADE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, STRATHPEFFER was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
RED BRICK FIGHTER raced keenly in the middle stages.
Over the final 400 Metres, OWNERS’ PRAISE was badly held up for clear running and as a consequence could not be tested in the Straight.
Near the 350 Metres, TAILOR MADE was shifted to the inside of OWNERS’ PRAISE to continue into clear running. Then near the 150 Metres, TAILOR MADE became held up behind D STAR before shifting to that runner’s outside, but then over the final 100 Metres could not be fully tested when awkwardly placed behind HERO ICON.
Approaching the 150 Metres, OWNERS’ PRAISE endeavoured to obtain a tight run between RED BRICK FIGHTER and FAST BUCK, resulting in OWNERS’ PRAISE and RED BRICK FIGHTER making contact. A short distance later, RED BRICK FIGHTER was steadied when crowded by CHARMANDER (C Y Ho) which shifted in and contributed to the crowding to RED BRICK FIGHTER which had been held up for some distance after the 200 Metres. C Y Ho was advised to exercise more care. Near the 25 Metres, RED BRICK FIGHTER was again steadied to avoid TURIN WARRIOR which shifted in slightly.
Passing the 100 Metres, STRATHPEFFER became held up for clear running before shifting to the outside of TAILOR MADE near the 25 Metres where it was then able to be ridden to the finish.
UPTREND raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
POLYMER GLORIOUS raced very wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
DECRYPT lost its left front plate after the race.
A veterinary inspection of DECRYPT and OWNERS’ PRAISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
OWNERS’ PRAISE, REGENT GLORY and TURIN WARRIOR were sent for sampling.
<13/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> DECRYPT, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. DECRYPT was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P C Ng yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, DECRYPT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:5 (487) THE LOK SIN TONG CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

ROBOT WARRIOR was bumped at the start by BOOM ALLIANCE which shifted in.
KYRUS UNICORN jumped only fairly, was then inclined to lay in and was awkwardly placed close to FUNCTION PATCH.
PALACE PAL and VINCY were slow to begin and were then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1200 Metres, FLYING MOJITO got its head up and raced keenly.
KYRUS UNICORN raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 1000 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FUNCTION PATCH.
PALACE PAL was briefly held up near the 450 Metres.
Passing the 450 Metres, FUNCTION PATCH lay out and away from BOOM ALLIANCE and bumped GOLD TACK.
Approaching the 200 Metres, VINCY was held up behind PAKISTAN FRIEND and was shifted to that runner’s inside to obtain clear running.
A Badel, the rider of WINNING STEPS, was fined $7,500 for using the whip on numerous occasions down the horse’s right shoulder in the Home Straight.
When questioned regarding his riding of GOLD TACK, H Bowman stated that whilst he was not given specific instructions to ride his mount forward, connections were of the opinion that GOLD TACK would naturally take up a forward position. He said in the early stages the pace, in his opinion, was good and this resulted in GOLD TACK settling further back than had been anticipated. He added that throughout the early and middle stages GOLD TACK was unable to obtain cover and when the pace near the 1200 Metres reduced, this resulted in GOLD TACK travelling better at this stage and for this reason he was reluctant to allow his mount to stride forward. He added that his decision to remain racing in a midfield position was also influenced by the fact that he was racing behind and to the outside of the winner WINNING STEPS and he had anticipated that had he made a forward move, this would result in GOLD TACK being taken wider. He further stated that at the 800 Metres when WINNING STEPS shifted out, he was able to obtain cover behind that horse and followed it into the Straight before shifting to its outside where GOLD TACK had clear and unimpeded running to the finish.
A veterinary inspection of FUNCTION PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FLYING MOJITO, WINNING STEPS and GO GO SIXTEEN were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (488) SA PO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

HAPPY HUNK jumped awkwardly and lost ground.
Shortly after the start, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO was hampered when crowded by JAZZ STEED which shifted out.
Near the 300 Metres, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO was shifted to the outside of SPEEDY FORTUNE to obtain clear running.
Approaching the 200 Metres, SPEEDY FORTUNE was shifted to the inside of HONG KONG HALL to secure clear running.
Passing the 200 Metres, CIRCUIT SEVEN turned its head in towards SPEEDY FORTUNE and attempted to savage that runner. As this was the second occasion in recent starts that CIRCUIT SEVEN had offended in a similar way, its racing manners were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CIRCUIT SEVEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial amongst other runners.
After the race, Z Purton (HONG KONG HALL) stated that the horse, which was having its first race start, may not have been suited by the Sha Tin straight and may be better suited racing around a bend. A veterinary inspection of HONG KONG HALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the performance of INNOCONSTRUCTION, M Chadwick stated that after being fractious in the barriers prior to the start being effected, his mount was not suited by the fast early tempo set by CHEVAL VALIANT, particularly when it was left without cover. He added that INNOCONSTRUCTION is still a relatively inexperienced horse and would have been better suited by being able to be ridden in behind other horses. Trainer K W Lui concurred with the views offered by M Chadwick and stated that INNOCONSTRUCTION had pleased the stable leading into today’s race. A veterinary inspection of INNOCONSTRUCTION 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 and to have sustained a minor laceration to the tongue. The performance and barrier manners of INNOCONSTRUCTION were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, INNOCONSTRUCTION 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 HAPPY HUNK and CIRCUIT SEVEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HONG KONG HALL, CHEVAL VALIANT and SPEEDY FORTUNE were sent for sampling.
<13/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> The Veterinary Surgeon reported that COSMO NAVIGATOR was lame in its right front leg after racing. Before being allowed to race again, COSMO NAVIGATOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:7 (489) LUNG KONG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1400 m

From the outside barriers, FANTASTIC TREASURE and ATULLIBIGEAL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 200 Metres, BOURBONAIRE was steadied when crowded by FANTASTIC TREASURE (K C Leung) which shifted to the inside of AMAZING VICTORY to secure clear running. K C Leung was advised to exercise more care.
H Bentley (THE ROCK) 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 THE GOLDEN SCENERY, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily crowded for room and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. H Bentley was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 19 March 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 23 March 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Bentley’s good race riding record.
A veterinary inspection of MR ASCENDENCY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
AMAZING VICTORY, CIRCUIT STELLAR and FANTASTIC TREASURE were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (490) NGA TSIN WAI HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

ULTRA EXPRESS was checked on jumping when crowded between SMILING COLLECTOR and WIDE BLUE YONDER which after bumping heavily with UNIVERSAL HORIZON shifted out.
FAULDS jumped only fairly and then raced tight to the inside of HORSESAIN BOLT for some distance shortly after the start.
STAR OF YUEN LONG, which was fractious in the barriers, jumped awkwardly and then was bumped by CLASSIC POSH which shifted out.
From a wide barrier, NORDIC COMBINED was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1300 Metres, SMILING COLLECTOR was steadied to avoid the heels of HORSESAIN BOLT (M F Poon) which shifted in when not quite clear. M F Poon was advised to exercise more care.
For some distance near the 800 Metres, FIGHTING STAR raced tight to the inside of PUBLICIST when endeavouring to hold its position to the inside of that runner.
Near the 800 Metres, FAULDS was steadied to avoid CLASSIC POSH (Apprentice Y L Chung) which shifted in when not fully clear. Apprentice Chung was advised to exercise more care. After this, CLASSIC POSH raced wide and without cover. The performance of CLASSIC POSH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC POSH 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 CLASSIC POSH immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg.
Over the concluding stages, HORSESAIN BOLT could not be ridden out to the finish when racing tight to the inside of NORDIC COMBINED which shifted in slightly.
After the race, L Ferraris reported that after being crowded in the early stages SMILING COLLECTOR was inclined to race keenly throughout the early and middle stages and for some distance along the Back Straight raced tight to the inside of FAULDS. He added as a result SMILING COLLECTOR found it difficult to make up ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SMILING COLLECTOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding his riding of WIDE BLUE YONDER in the Straight, H Bowman stated that after following UNIVERSAL HORIZON into the Home Straight, he had observed that runner travelling well but having an inclination to lay out. He said for this reason he elected to improve into a narrow run to the inside of UNIVERSAL HORIZON and outside of PUBLICIST. He added that when he placed WIDE BLUE YONDER under pressure, the horse, which was racing in blinkers for the first time, was reluctant to proceed into this run and as a consequence he was unable to fully test his mount between the 250 Metres and the 150 Metres. He added that after shifting to the outside of UNIVERSAL HORIZON near the 150 Metres, WIDE BLUE YONDER finished the race off reasonably well. The Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Bowman were reasonable in the circumstances.
A veterinary inspection of FAULDS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ULTRA EXPRESS 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, ULTRA EXPRESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SMILING COLLECTOR, RUN RUN BUDDY and UNIVERSAL HORIZON were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (491) SOUTH WALL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that THESIS had blood at its mouth. THESIS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
On jumping, SINGAPORE SUNSHINE shifted out and bumped PEGASUS HERO.
ATOMIC BEAUTY, which was leaning on the inside of its gate, was slow to begin.
SETANTA jumped only fairly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From a wide barrier, WIN WIN FIGHTER was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
In the early stages, RED LION over-raced when being steadied to obtain cover behind PEGASUS HERO and for some distance near the 800 Metres was steadied away from the heels of that runner.
PEGASUS HERO raced keenly in the early and middle stages and after being crossed by MASTER TORNADO near the 700 Metres was steadied away from that runner.
MALDIVES raced wide and without cover from the 900 Metres.
Over the concluding stages, THESIS lay in, resulting in its rider, H Bowman, having to stop riding and correct his mount close to the winning post. After the race, H Bowman reported that his mount raced too keenly in the early stages and as a result was left without a finishing effort in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of THESIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, M Chadwick reported that MASTER TORNADO hung in throughout the event, but particularly in the Straight was more severe and as a consequence he was restricted in his ability to fully test MASTER TORNADO. The racing manners of MASTER TORNADO were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER TORNADO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend.
A veterinary inspection of and SETANTA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RED LION and CHIU CHOW SPIRIT were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (492) TAK KU LING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

DREAM PURSUER jumped only fairly and lay in in the Straight.
DIVINE SHINING jumped awkwardly, made contact with the left side of its barrier and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From a wide barrier, PHOENIX LIGHT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, DECISIVE TWELVE was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
When being steadied to obtain cover in the middle stages, SPEEDY MOUSE got its head up when racing ungenerously.
Near the 900 Metres, TATTENHAM got its head up when racing keenly in a position close to the heels of DREAM PURSUER.
HAPPY MISSION hung out in the middle stages.
After the race, L Currie (DIVINE SHINING) reported that his mount lay out in the Straight and proved difficult to ride out.
Also after the race, A Badel reported that despite being vigorously ridden along from the 800 Metres, PHOENIX LIGHT did not respond to his riding and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of PHOENIX LIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of DRAGON’S LUCK immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
GOLDEN EXPRESS and WONDER KIT were sent for sampling.