Race:1 (700) WANG TAK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1000 m

NATURAL EIGHT shifted in at the start and bumped KING OF SMARTS which in turn was crowded for room outside IDYLLIC WIND.
GOOD SMILE shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in NAMJONG SURPRISE being badly crowded for room out onto SIR JOHN which became unbalanced when bumped heavily by NAMJONG SURPRISE.
From an outside barrier, DANEWIN TIGER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
For some distance after the 900 Metres, WINNING BOY was awkwardly placed inside KING OF SMARTS which got its head on the side and lay in.
B Prebble (SIR JOHN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 700 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ORIENTAL FANTASIA, causing that horse to be unnecessarily hampered when having to be steadied away from the heels of SIR JOHN. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 13 July 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 5 July 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Prebble’s good race riding record during the most recent 2013/2014 and current racing seasons.
Making the first turn after the 600 Metres, IDYLLIC WIND got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of ORIENTAL FANTASIA. CHINA GOOD, which was following, shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence, resulting in WINNING BOY racing tight inside KING OF SMARTS.
Rounding the Home Turn, KING OF SMARTS was bumped on the hindquarters by WINNING BOY which shifted out. Then at the entrance to the Straight, WINNING BOY was hampered when crowded by KING OF SMARTS which shifted in when unbalanced.
Near the 250 Metres, WINNING BOY raced tight inside KING OF SMARTS.
For the majority of the race, ALWAYS WONDERFUL and GOOD SMILE travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, Z Purton stated that despite being ridden along, NATURAL EIGHT did not have sufficient early speed over the 1000 Metres of tonight’s race. He said rather than racing unnecessarily wide, he steadied his mount after the 700 Metres to obtain a positon closer to the rail. He said after shifting in to a three wide position behind KING OF SMARTS, he commenced to ride his mount along, however, NATURAL EIGHT responded only briefly and then gave ground in the Straight. He added the manner in which NATURAL EIGHT raced tonight indicated to him that the horse is best suited by races further than the 1000 Metres of tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG SURPRISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SIR JOHN and IDYLLIC WIND were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (701) HOLLY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

MASSIVE MOVE was slow to begin.
OCTAL LUCK shifted in at the start and bumped KING’S STEED.
Shortly after the start, SENSIBLE CHOICE shifted out and bumped SUCCESSFUL LEADER.
For some distance after the start, OCTAL LUCK raced in restricted room between KING’S STEED and JOYEUX (Z Purton) which shifted in. In this incident, KING’S STEED became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by OCTAL LUCK approaching the 1000 Metres. Z Purton was advised that he must make every effort to ensure that runners to his inside have comfortable racing room.
From wide barriers, PERI PERI SAFFRON and CONFUCIUS SPIRIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 900 Metres, PERI PERI SAFFRON got its head up when momentarily crowded for room inside SUCCESSFUL LEADER which got its head on the side and shifted in when racing tight to the inside of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT. After this, PERI PERI SAFFRON continued to race with its head up when reluctant to improve into tight running inside SUCCESSFUL LEADER.
D Whyte (PEARL WIN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 850 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CONFUCIUS SPIRIT, resulting in that horse being taken in onto SUCCESSFUL LEADER which as a result was unnecessarily crowded for room and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 13 July 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 5 July 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Whyte’s good race riding record during the current racing season.
KING’S STEED got its head on the side and shifted out making the turn after the 600 Metres, resulting in HAYHAY being bumped and racing tight inside SPURS ON.
Approaching the 500 Metres, PERI PERI SAFFRON was checked when crowded for room inside CONFUCIUS SPIRIT which at this time improved of its own accord to be racing inside the heels of OCTAL LUCK which, after initially getting its head on the side and shifting out marginally, then shifted back in. Whilst the check to PERI PERI SAFFRON was one of some significance, the Stewards were satisfied that no rider error was involved in this incident and accordingly no further action was taken.
Shortly after entering the Straight, OCTAL LUCK was hampered when improving into tight running between HAYHAY and SENSIBLE CHOICE which shifted in slightly.
Near the 250 Metres, SPURS ON was brushed by MASSIVE MOVE which shifted out to obtain clear running.
Throughout the race, SPURS ON travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
A veterinary inspection of OCTAL LUCK and SPURS ON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
JOYEUX and MASSIVE MOVE were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (702) GREEN LANE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 2200 m

BEST SHOW was withdrawn on 15.6.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot). As previously advised, BEST SHOW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.
SYSTEM OVERLOAD was slow to begin.
FULL GLORY and AMBITIOUS CHAMPION bumped at the start.
In the early stages, JAEGER BOMB was left racing wide and near the 1800 Metres was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Near the 1700 Metres, SYSTEM OVERLOAD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VANILLA.
Rounding the Home Turn, SYSTEM OVERLOAD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VANILLA.
A veterinary inspection of JAEGER BOMB immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ENSURING and SUNNY YING were sent for sampling.
<18/6/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that FULL GLORY was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, FULL GLORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that SYSTEM OVERLOAD was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SYSTEM OVERLOAD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:4 (703) HAWTHORN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

MR RIGHT began only fairly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between PEACE COMBINATION which began awkwardly and OCEAN ROAR which shifted out.
Also shortly after the start, CHIN CHUN was crowded for room between HAPPY HOMING and PEACE COMBINATION which shifted out. In this incident, HAPPY HOMING became unbalanced when bumped heavily by CHIN CHUN.
From wide barriers, ST YAZIN, HIGHLAND DRAGON and ALL TIMES LUCKY were taken back in the early stages.
Near the 650 Metres, PEACE COMBINATION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OCEAN ROAR.
Passing the 650 Metres, MR RIGHT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEACE COMBINATION and then made the first turn awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in HAPPY HOMING being bumped and taken wider.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, RUGBY DIAMOND shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PEACE COMBINATION.
After the 500 Metres, MR RIGHT got its head on the side and lay out. Then near the 450 Metres, MR RIGHT became unbalanced when bumped by CHIN CHUN which shifted to the outside of RUGBY DIAMOND.
Passing the 400 Metres, ALL TIMES LUCKY blundered when racing close to the heels of MR RIGHT. ALL TIMES LUCKY then shifted out, resulting in HAPPY HOMING being taken wider.
At the 300 Metres, PEACE COMBINATION was shifted to the inside of OCEAN ROAR when disappointed for running between that horse and TRENDIFUL where there was insufficient room. After being shifted to the inside of OCEAN ROAR at the 300 Metres, PEACE COMBINATION then raced tight between OCEAN ROAR and FANTASTICO which was being shifted to the outside of CALL ME ACHIEVER. After racing tight between these runners for a short distance, PEACE COMBINATION was then steadied after the 200 Metres when unable to maintain its position.
Throughout the race, TRENDIFUL travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the performance of CHIN CHUN, K Teetan stated that he was able to position the horse in about midfield from barrier 7. He said CHIN CHUN travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages, however, after being placed under pressure prior to and rounding the Home Turn CHIN CHUN was then disappointing in its failure to quicken as it had done at its most recent start when successful. A veterinary inspection of CHIN CHUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of PEACE COMBINATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TRENDIFUL, CALL ME ACHIEVER and FANTASTICO were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (704) TSUI MAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

RISING POWER, which began awkwardly, was crowded for room on jumping between PLAIN BLUE BANNER and COOL BEAN which shifted out after being bumped by ISLAND FLYER which also began awkwardly and shifted ground.
From a wide barrier, MEDIC MASTER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, GREAT TOPLIGHT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAZANDARAN.
In the middle stages, SPARKLING SWORD raced with its head on the side.
In the Straight, GREAT TOPLIGHT got its head on the side and lay in under pressure.
When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been asked to ride COOL BEAN in the first three if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount aggressively in the early stages in an attempt to cross MAZANDARAN to his inside. He said approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion when being crossed by SPARKLING SWORD, he still believed that COOL BEAN may be able to cross MAZANDARAN, however, MIGHTY WONGCHOY, which was shifting in from outside COOL BEAN, showed more early speed than COOL BEAN at this time and was able to shift in to cross COOL BEAN after passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said as MIGHTY WONGCHOY had shifted in to a position one horse outside the leader SPARKLING SWORD, it was no longer available for him to clear MAZANDARAN and therefore he steadied his mount in order to take a trailing position behind that horse. He added however that at this time GREAT TOPLIGHT was able to shift across from a wide draw to establish the position behind MAZANDARAN and this resulted in COOL BEAN being left racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race.
When questioned, T H So stated that rounding the Home Turn it had been his intention to try and shift to the outside to obtain clear running on RISING POWER. He said however that at the entrance to the Straight RISING POWER was positioned to the inside of COOL BEAN and because of this he was not able to continue shifting out without having to unnecessarily steady his mount which would have been detrimental to the horse’s chances. He said as there was considerable room more to the inside, he elected immediately to shift in away from the heels of PLAIN BLUE BANNER and obtain clear running. He said after being shifted in across the heels of initially ISLAND FLYER and then ONE OF A KIND, RISING POWER commenced to finish off the race strongly. He added passing the 100 Metres he was faced with the option of improving to the inside of LIGHTNING PEGASUS or to the outside of that horse where a run existed between LIGHTNING PEGASUS and SPARKLING SWORD. He said as the rider of LIGHTNING PEGASUS was using the whip in the left hand, he felt that it may be a better option to pursue the run to the outside of that horse and inside SPARKLING SWORD in the event LIGHTNING PEGASUS shifted in which would impede his running were he attempt to improve to the inside of that horse. He said near the 50 Metres SPARKLING SWORD shifted in marginally under pressure which resulted in the gap between LIGHTNING PEGASUS and SPARKLING SWORD reducing and for this reason he switched RISING POWER in abruptly away from the heels of LIGHTNING PEGASUS. He added close to the finishing line RISING POWER then raced tight inside LIGHTNING PEGASUS which shifted in. As the Stewards were satisfied that at the time that Jockey So elected to commit to the run to the outside of LIGHTNING PEGASUS, it was reasonable for him to have done so given that there was similar room available to both inside and outside LIGHTNING PEGASUS. As such, no further action was taken.
A veterinary inspection of GREAT TOPLIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
LIGHTNING PEGASUS and SPARKLING SWORD were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (705) BROOM HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

DA VINCI, which was fractious in the barriers, lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between HAYMAKER which shifted in marginally and HAWTHORNE (Apprentice H N Wong) which shifted out abruptly before being corrected by its rider. Apprentice Wong was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances and to react promptly to his mounts shifting ground. Before being allowed to race again, DA VINCI will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
Shortly after the start, ROYAL SPIRIT was shifted out away from the heels of HAYMAKER.
From a wide barrier, ROCKET LET WIN was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Making the first turn after the 1000 Metres, HAYMAKER got its head up when racing keenly.
Near the 900 Metres, EYE ON YOU was left racing wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground.
For some distance after the 800 Metres, HAYMAKER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ELITE SPIRIT.
Shortly after entering the Straight, HAYMAKER got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly, resulting in HO LEE HORSE being inconvenienced.
Near the 50 Metres, ROCKET LET WIN was shifted out away from the heels of ELITE SPIRIT.
Over the concluding stages, ROYAL SPIRIT was held up for clear running when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAWTHORNE.
After the race, M L Yeung stated that ROYAL SPIRIT was awkward in its action and was reluctant to stretch out fully. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL SPIRIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of EYE ON YOU including an endoscopic examination immediately following the race revealed the horse to be a “roarer”.
A veterinary inspection of ELITE SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CAGA FORCE and DA VINCI were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (706) THE HAPPY VALLEY VASE (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 1 1800 m

On arrival at the Start, FAT CHOY HONG KONG, which kicked a rail, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
KABAYAN shifted in at the start, resulting in RAINBOW CHIC being crowded for room outside FLAME HERO.
HARBOUR MASTER raced in restricted room shortly after the start between KABAYAN and GURUS DREAM which got its head on the side and shifted in.
From wide barriers, ROMANTIC TOUCH and PACKING LLAREGYB were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TOP ACT momentarily raced tight inside REGENCY KING which shifted in away from FAT CHOY HONG KONG.
Passing the 1600 Metres, KABAYAN was eased away from the heels of FAT CHOY HONG KONG which shifted in.
KABAYAN was left racing wide and without cover after the 1300 Metres.
Passing the 300 Metres, PACKING LLAREGYB was shifted to the outside of HARBOUR MASTER when disappointed for running to the inside of that horse.
Near the 250 Metres, JAZZY FEELING shifted in after being bumped by RAINBOW CHIC (Z Purton) which shifted to the inside of REGENCY KING after being briefly held up for clear running behind that horse. HARBOUR MASTER, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Approaching the 200 Metres, ROMANTIC TOUCH was shifted to the inside of TOP ACT when disappointed for running between that horse and FAT CHOY HONG KONG.
Passing the 200 Metres, FAY CHOY HONG KONG, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of TOP ACT which shifted out marginally under pressure.
After the 200 Metres, HARBOUR MASTER had some difficulty obtaining clear running.
Passing the 100 Metres, PACKING LLAREGYB was shifted out away from the heels of REGENCY KING which was giving ground.
Over the concluding stages, TOP ACT lay in under pressure.
A veterinary inspection of FAT CHOY HONG KONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
HARBOUR MASTER, RAINBOW CHIC and FLAME HERO were sent for sampling.
<18/6/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that REGENCY KING was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:8 (707) BROOM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

APOLLO CAVALIER was withdrawn on 16.6.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FREE NOVEMBER (M Chadwick). Before being allowed to race again, APOLLO CAVALIER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
BOTH LUCKY began only fairly.
HAPPY SURVEYS began awkwardly and lost ground on jumping.
RUBY COAST began only fairly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between FANTASTIC FEELING and FLYING ELITE, both of which shifted ground.
Shortly after the start, BOTH LUCKY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of FREE NOVEMBER.
From wide barriers, KING DERBY and GREAT RUN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, GREAT RUN travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXPEDITE.
After the 800 Metres, GREAT RUN got its head up when awkwardly placed behind KING DERBY.
Near the 650 Metres, HAPPY SURVEYS raced tight inside OUR FOLKS.
In the early part of the Straight, BOTH LUCKY lay in under pressure and near the 200 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of YO-YO DA.
Near the 250 Metres, HAPPY SURVEYS was shifted out away from the heels of FREE NOVEMBER to continue improving.
Near the 200 Metres, T H So (FLYING ELITE) dropped his right rein.
Near the 50 Metres, RUBY COAST was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FANTASTIC FEELING.
When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he had been instructed to take up a forward position if possible on OUR FOLKS which was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight. He said after beginning well he rode his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to carry out his instructions. He said despite being vigorously ridden for the first 200 Metres of the race, OUR FOLKS did not respond to his riding and rather than improving its position gave ground making the turn near the 1000 Metres. He said on entering the Back Straight he was aware that FANTASTIC FEELING was attempting to shift in in front of OUR FOLKS, however, after riding the horse aggressively until after the 1000 Metres, he did not believe that it was in the best interests of OUR FOLKS to continue riding the horse forward in an attempt to prevent FANTASTIC FEELING from shifting in and therefore that horse was able to obtain a position in front of OUR FOLKS near the 800 Metres. He added after racing behind FANTASTIC FEELING, he had RUBY COAST racing directly to his outside. He said when he was aware that that horse was improving its position in order to shift in in front of OUR FOLKS, he rode his mount along approaching and passing the 700 Metres in an attempt to prevent RUBY COAST from shifting in. He said despite being ridden along at this time OUR FOLKS again did not respond and for this reason RUBY COAST was then able to shift in in front of OUR FOLKS near the 600 Metres which resulted in OUR FOLKS racing much further back in the field than had been intended. He added he placed OUR FOLKS under pressure prior to the Home Turn, however, the horse raced disappointingly. After viewing the videos, the Stewards accepted Apprentice Wong’s evidence and took no further action. A veterinary inspection of OUR FOLKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, T H So expressed concern regarding the action of FLYING ELITE. A veterinary inspection of FLYING ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
THE PRINCE and HAPPY SURVEYS were sent for sampling.