Race:1 (531) HAP MUN BAY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

SMART FOLKS, which brushed a rail with its right hind limb on entering the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
On arrival at the Start, it was noted that ON EXCEL STAR had blood at its mouth. ON EXCEL STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.
ZACIAN was slow to begin.
ON EXCEL STAR jumped only fairly and shortly after the start was then hampered when crowded by ACA POWER which shifted out.
Shortly after the start, COMPULSORY, which jumped only fairly, was steadied when crowded between MEDIC ELITE and DRAGON KINGDOM which shifted out. In this incident, COMPULSORY made contact with the hindquarter of MEDIC ELITE, resulting in MEDIC ELITE becoming unbalanced.
From the outside barrier, TOUCH FAITH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
H Bentley (APEX TOP) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 700 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ON EXCEL STAR, resulting in that horse being checked and taken in onto ACA POWER, causing ACA POWER to be unnecessarily crowded. H Bentley was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 15 April 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 20 April 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.
Approaching the 400 Metres, DASHING GENIUS was held up behind DRAGON KINGDOM.
MEDIC ELITE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection of MEDIC ELITE immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea and a continuous displacement of the soft palate. Before being allowed to race again, MEDIC ELITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, H N Wong (ON EXCEL STAR) reported that, in his opinion, his mount did not appreciate racing on tonight’s All Weather surface. A veterinary inspection of ON EXCEL STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
Also after the race, K Teetan reported that DRAGON KINGDOM was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event and as a result did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON KINGDOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ACA POWER, ZACIAN and SMART FOLKS were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (532) PUI O HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

STORMTROUPER jumped only fairly and then soon after bumped with HAPPY TANGO which shifted in.
LUCKY BANNER shifted out at the start, bumped THE BEST HERO and became unbalanced.
COOL BLUE was hampered on jumping when crowded by SWEET DIAMOND which jumped awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in DARCI LEGEND, which was slow to begin, being crowded by COOL BLUE onto SUMMIT CHEERS.
COOL BLUE lost its right front plate in the early stages.
Near the 350 Metres, COOL BLUE became held up behind STORMTROUPER for a short distance before shifting to that runner’s outside to secure clear running.
AWESOME TREASURE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection of AWESOME TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, S De Sousa (STORMTROUPER) stated that his mount did not travel well at any stage of the event and was under pressure a long way from the finish. A veterinary inspection of STORMTROUPER immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
When questioned regarding his riding in the Straight, C Y Ho (DARCI LEGEND) stated that after settling back in the field, his mount commenced to respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight. He added that when making good ground inside the 200 Metres, he initially endeavoured to secure clear running between HANDSOME REBEL and SWEET DIAMOND, however, when those runners shifted ground slightly, he was disappointed for this run and as a result was obliged to check to avoid the heels of HANDSOME REBEL. He stated that he then shifted to the outside of HANDSOME REBEL whereby he was able to place his mount under pressure and DARCI LEGEND found the line well.
HAPPY TANGO, LUCKY BANNER and I GIVE were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (533) CHEUNG SHA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1800 m

SUPERB DADDY and SPEED FORCE jumped only fairly.
On jumping EL VALIENTE was crowded by LUCKY VICTOR which jumped awkwardly and shifted out. EL VALIENTE was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Shortly after the start, SURE WIN WIN was hampered when crowded between GOLD COMET and WAH MAY LUCK, both of which shifted ground.
In the early stages, LE PLUS VITE commenced to race keenly after being crossed by GREEN LASER. Near the 1500 Metres, LE PLUS VITE then shifted out and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of GREEN LASER, resulting in TURF BRILLIANT being hampered and taken wider.
LUCKY VICTOR raced wide and without cover until near the 1000 Metres and subsequently finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY VICTOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LUCKY VICTOR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY VICTOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the 600 Metres, EL VALIENTE became unbalanced when crowded for room between SPEED FORCE and SUPERB DADDY (V Borges) which shifted out when positioned behind LUCKY VICTOR as that runner commenced to give ground. V Borges was reprimanded and advised that he should ensure that he is clear to shift ground in similar circumstances. In this incident, EL VALIENTE made contact with the hindquarters of SPEED FORCE, resulting in SPEED FORCE becoming unbalanced. DAILY BEAUTY, which was following, was steadied and shifted to the outside to avoid SPEED FORCE.
Near the 500 Metres, SPEED FORCE was steadied when racing tight to the inside of LE PLUS VITE which was commencing to give ground.
Near the 400 Metres, EL VALIENTE was checked when crowded for room between LE PLUS VITE, which had been giving ground and after brushing with SPEED FORCE shifted in slightly, and GOLD COMET (H Bentley) which shifted out to improve. H Bentley was severely reprimanded.
Between the 400 Metres and the 200 Metres, SURE WIN WIN had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 150 Metres was shifted to the outside of GOLD COMET to secure clear running.
After the race, K Teetan (WAH MAY LUCK) stated that whilst his mount was able to lead, it was pressured in the lead at various stages of the event and as a result was not able to finish the race off as expected. A veterinary inspection of WAH MAY LUCK immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of SUPERB DADDY 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.
SPEED FORCE and COLOURFUL BARON were sent for sampling.
<30/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> The Veterinary Surgeon reported that SPEED FORCE was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SPEED FORCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:4 (534) PUI O HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

EIGHT TRIGRAMS, which proved very difficult to load and held up the start, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial before being allowed to race again.
EIGHT TRIGRAMS jumped awkwardly and shortly afterwards was bumped on the hindquarters by THE MULTIPLIER which shifted out.
CROWN OF STAR was slow to begin.
EVERYONE’S VICTORY jumped awkwardly and lost ground and then was hampered when crowded by KEEN UNITY which was taken out by COLOURFUL PRINCE. EVERYONE’S VICTORY was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
CALIFORNIA CONCORD and MAGIC SUPREME bumped soon after the start.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, THE MULTIPLIER failed to show sufficient pace to take up a more forward position.
HURRY HURRY RICH raced keenly in the early stages.
Near the 700 Metres, KEEN UNITY was steadied when crowded between CROWN OF STAR which shifted out slightly and THE MULTIPLIER (L Currie) which shifted in. L Currie was advised to exercise care.
Over the concluding stages, THE MULTIPLIER was shifted to the inside of CALIFORNIA CONCORD to continue into clear running when CALIFORNIA CONCORD shifted out slightly.
When questioned regarding his riding of EVERYONE’S VICTORY rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, H Bowman stated that after following CROWN OF STAR throughout the middle stages, he was also positioned to the inside of THE MULTIPLIER and as a result was unable to improve. He said when he felt CROWN OF STAR shift away from the rail slightly, he elected to endeavour to improve to that runner’s inside near the 500 Metres, however, when CROWN OF STAR did not shift sufficiently to provide him with clear running, he became held up behind and to the inside of that runner. He added that during this section of the race his vision was impeded due to the kickback and although a run had developed to the outside of CROWN OF STAR and to the inside of THE MULTIPLIER which shifted out, he was unable to shift out as he was positioned too close to the heels of CROWN OF STAR and as a result EVERYONE’S VICTORY was held up for clear running until approaching the 300 Metres. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Bowman were reasonable in the circumstances.
A veterinary inspection of CALL ME TEDDY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SHINING FORTUNE and MAGIC SUPREME were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (535) KIU TSUI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

Whilst in the saddling stalls, FOREVER GLORIOUS had its left hind plate re-adjusted. FOREVER GLORIOUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
PRESIDENT’S CHOICE jumped only fairly and then was crowded for room between KILLER INSTINCT and FOREVER GLORIOUS which shifted out.
HELENE ALLIBOR jumped awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its barrier.
EMERGING was slow to begin and then was bumped by HIGH CLOUD which was taken in by BRILLIANT PIONEER as that runner jumped awkwardly and shifted in. EMERGING was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From a wide barrier, FORTUNE PRESIDENT was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1600 Metres, BRILLIANT PIONEER, which was racing keenly and being steadied to obtain cover, got its head up when positioned close to HELENE ALLIBOR.
Near the 1400 Metres, ASIAN ONE was hampered when crowded for room by KILLER INSTINCT which shifted in when racing tight to the inside of AMAZING TEENS when that runner shifted in.
KILLER INSTINCT was held up for clear running on the Home Turn.
Between the 450 Metres and the 350 Metres, FOREVER GLORIOUS was held up for clear running.
Approaching the 400 Metres, FORTUNE PRESIDENT was steadied and shifted to the outside of BRILLIANT PIONEER to obtain clear running.
AMAZING TEENS raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
When questioned regarding his riding of EMERGING, S De Sousa stated that after following PRESIDENT’S CHOICE in the middle stages, when that runner did not improve, he was held up for clear running between the 700 Metres and the 500 Metres. He added that on straightening he commenced to place his mount under pressure, but during this section of the race his visibility was impaired due to the kickback and near the 300 Metres he was obliged to check his mount when disappointed for running between SAMARKAND and STAR OF GLORY. He added that because of his reduced visibility, he was not comfortable to improve into the tight run between SAMARKAND and STAR OF GLORY and for this reason he was obliged to check EMERGING and shift to the outside of STAR OF GLORY whereby his mount secured clear running.
After the race, Apprentice Y L Chung (SAMARKAND) reported that, in his opinion, his mount was not comfortable on the All Weather Track. A veterinary inspection of SAMARKAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of RED BRICK FIGHTER and FORTUNE PRESIDENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ASIAN ONE and AMAZING TEENS were sent for sampling.
<30/3/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> RED BRICK FIGHTER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. RED BRICK FIGHTER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D J Hall 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, RED BRICK FIGHTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:6 (536) SILVERMINE BAY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

VIVA HUNTER jumped awkwardly and lost ground.
YES WE CAN also jumped awkwardly, shifted out and brushed SO WE JOY.
HAVA NAGEELA jumped only fairly and then raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1200 Metres was steadied away from SKYEY SUPREME.
Between the 400 Metres and the 300 Metres, SO WE JOY had difficulty securing clear running.
A veterinary inspection of ROMANTIC COMBO and ROYAL BOMB immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HAVA NAGEELA and MALDIVES were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (537) TONG FUK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

On jumping, HUMBLE STAR was checked when crowded between HIGH RISE SOLDIER and GUMMY GUMMY which was taken out by CZARSON which in turn was crowded by SUPER KING which shifted out and away from MAN STAR which also shifted out. In this incident, HUMBLE STAR blundered.
COBHFIELD jumped awkwardly.
THE ROCK jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, RED DESERT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages and over-raced when being steadied to obtain cover.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, COBHFIELD became unbalanced when crowded between THE ROCK and LIGHTNING BOLT (H Bowman) which shifted in. H Bowman was reprimanded.
RED DESERT was briefly held up making the Home Turn behind CZARSON.
For a short distance after the 400 Metres, MAN STAR was held up behind SUPER KING before shifting to that runner’s inside to secure clear running. MAN STAR then became held up behind CALIFORNIA VANES approaching the 300 Metres and did not obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres.
A veterinary inspection of HUMBLE STAR and CALIFORNIA VANES immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in both horses’ tracheas. Before being allowed to race again, HUMBLE STAR and CALIFORNIA VANES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of MAN STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
YOUTHFUL DEAL and GUMMY GUMMY were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (538) TUNG WAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

POWER KOEPP and SUPER WIN DRAGON bumped at the start.
GOKO WIN jumped awkwardly, shifted out and bumped COMPUTER PATCH. GOKO WIN was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From a wide barrier, TORONADO PHANTOM was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 700 Metres, ADIOS was steadied when momentarily crowded by HARMONY AND RICH which, after shifting in and away from NERVOUS WITNESS (L Currie), was then taken in slightly by that runner. L Currie was advised to exercise more care. In this incident, GOKO WIN, which was following ADIOS, was steadied to avoid that runner, shifted out and bumped with STOLTZ.
When questioned regarding the performance of NERVOUS WITNESS, L Currie reported that his mount was obliged to race very wide and without cover due to it not showing sufficient pace to cross runners to its inside, however, in his opinion, NERVOUS WITNESS still raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of NERVOUS WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of NERVOUS WITNESS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NERVOUS WITNESS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, K C Leung (KA YING MASTER) reported that with the strong pace set in the early stages and his mount being positioned in the lead, it was unable to sustain its run to the finish and as a consequence gave ground when placed under pressure in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of KA YING MASTER immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of TORONADO PHANTOM and POWER KOEPP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ADIOS and GOKO WIN were sent for sampling.