CHARITY GRAND was withdrawn on 16.3.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter YOUNG EMPIRE (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, CHARITY GRAND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Trainer P F Yiu was fined the sum of $10,000 for breaching Trainers’ Handbook Regulation 41 in that he entered CHEER WIN (V347) for a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday, 15 March 2019 when that horse was the second Standby Declared Starter for this race. After being saddled, BLINK OF A SECOND reared up and slipped over. BLINK OF A SECOND was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in its left hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, BLINK OF A SECOND was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, BLINK OF A SECOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When the tongue tie could not be applied to FLYING VICTORY (Z Purton) in the saddling area, the horse then proceeded to the Start where another attempt was made to apply the tongue tie. When attempting to have the tongue tie applied, FLYING VICTORY became fractious behind the barriers. Acting on advice that the tongue tie could not be applied, the Stewards approved for that horse to race without that gear. After the race, Z Purton stated that FLYING VICTORY did not make any abnormal breathing noises without the tongue tie applied. He further stated that whilst his mount raced greenly throughout the event, it had travelled similarly in its barrier trials leading up to today’s race and he was not surprised by this. He said whilst FLYING VICTORY became stirred up as the tongue tie was attempted to be applied to the horse, it settled by the time the race began and therefore he did not use this as an excuse for its disappointing performance. He added FLYING VICTORY did not change lead leg in the race but was disappointing in its failure to close off. A veterinary inspection of FLYING VICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. SKY GEM began only fairly and then was steadied away from the heels of GENERAL TRUMP which shifted out after being bumped by BUDDIES. SPEEDY DRAGON shifted in at the start and bumped CAPTAIN FANTASTIC. In this incident, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC lost its left hind plate. CHICKEN DANCE, which was leaning against the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SUN FOXHUNTER shifted out at the start and bumped MR CROISSANT, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. From the outside barrier, FLYING VICTORY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. FLYING VICTORY raced very greenly during the event and shifted ground on a number of occasions. In the early stages, GENERAL TRUMP got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover. Approaching the 900 Metres, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when momentarily crowded for room between GALLANT LEGACY and BUDDIES which shifted in away from MR CROISSANT. Near the 650 Metres, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC shifted in of its own accord and brushed the running rail. Approaching the 500 Metres, SKY GEM commenced to travel keenly and when being checked away from the heels of CAPTAIN FANTASTIC which was giving ground, clipped the heels of that horse and stumbled. After the 500 Metres, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC was eased down. A veterinary inspection of CAPTAIN FANTASTIC immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils and was distressed. Passing the 350 Metres, SPEEDY DRAGON was steadied when disappointed for running between SPEEDY OPTIMIST and MR CROISSANT, both of which shifted ground. Passing the 250 Metres, FLYING VICTORY, which continued to race greenly, was steadied away from the heels of GENERAL TRUMP when tightened for room between that horse and BUDDIES, both of which shifted ground. When being ridden out passing the 200 Metres, CHICKEN DANCE shifted ground on a number of occasions. Passing the 200 Metres, BUDDIES was momentarily held up for clear running when awkwardly placed behind SPEEDY DRAGON. Over the concluding stages, GALLANT LEGACY had some difficulty obtaining clear running inside YOUNG EMPIRE and behind LORIZ. For the majority of the race, MR CROISSANT travelled wide and without cover. MR CROISSANT and CHICKEN DANCE were sent for sampling.

GRATWICK began awkwardly. KA YING LEGEND shifted in at the start, resulting in STORM SOLDIER being bumped and crowded for room outside LOOKING GOOD which also became unbalanced when bumped by STORM SOLDIER. After this incident, both LOOKING GOOD and STORM SOLIDER were shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, JENERATOR became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room between BRIGHT KID which shifted out marginally and DAN CONTROL (Z Purton) which shifted in. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in future. From the outside barrier, ROMAN IMPERO was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being hard ridden for a considerable distance in the early stages, KA YING LEGEND was slow to muster speed and subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Approaching the 1000 Metres, JENERATOR was momentarily crowded for room between BRIGHT KID and WAR ROOM which shifted in away from AEROHAPPINESS. Passing the 900 Metres, AEROHAPPINESS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of KA YING LEGEND which was steadied. AEROHAPPINESS was again awkwardly placed behind KA YING LEGEND approaching the 700 Metres. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, BRIGHT KID momentarily raced in restricted room inside KA YING LEGEND which shifted in. GRATWICK lost its right front plate approaching the 600 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, WAR ROOM shifted in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CALIFORNIA TURBO which also shifted out marginally. Also passing the 400 Metres, KA YING LEGEND momentarily raced in restricted room inside AEROHAPPINESS. Close to the finishing, KA YING LEGEND got its head on the side and shifted out. Because of this, the rider of KA YING LEGEND stopped riding and straightened his mount. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AEROHAPPINESS, J Moreira stated that after being able to obtain cover behind KA YING LEGEND near the 900 Metres, AEROHAPPINESS was awkwardly placed behind that horse which did not maintain its forward position. He said he shifted AEROPHAPPINESS to the outside of KA YING LEGEND prior to the 500 Metres which was earlier than he would normally do, however, as he formed the view that the horse is one-paced, he did not wish for it to be left flat-footed if he remained racing behind KA YING LEGEND until on straightening. He said AEROHAPPINESS initially quickened, however, came under pressure after the 200 Metres and was again disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of AEROHAPPINESS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, AEROHAPPINESS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of KA YING LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of GRATWICK immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. AEROHAPPINESS, DAN CONTROL and CALIFORNIA TURBO were sent for sampling.

YICHUN BLITZ was withdrawn on 16.3.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left fore limb infection) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WINWIN THIRTYTHREE (G van Niekerk). Before being allowed to race again, YICHUN BLITZ will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EMERALD SPUR was checked and TRUST ME badly crowded for room on jumping between MULTIMAX (C Williams) which shifted out and BINGO which was taken in by VALIANT DREAM (H N Wong). Both C Williams and H N Wong were advised that in similar circumstances they would be expected to make more of an effort to straighten their mounts sooner than they did on this occasion. From wide barriers, YEE CHEONG LUCKY, DIAMOND BRILLIANT, CHARIZARD and SUPER RED DRAGON were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Despite being hard ridden for a considerable distance in the early stages, REGENCY DARLING failed to muster speed and consequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. EMERALD SPUR made the turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly. TRUST ME had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, BINGO was momentarily awkwardly placed behind VALIANT DREAM. BINGO then raced in restricted room between VALIANT DREAM and SUPREME PLUS after the 200 Metres and bumped SUPREME PLUS near the 150 Metres. After this, SUPREME PLUS was not able to obtain clear running until passing the 100 Metres and then near the 50 Metres was again unable to obtain clear running behind FRESH POWER. Because of this, SUPREME PLUS was not able to be properly tested over the final 150 Metres. When questioned, S de Sousa stated that it was intended for MERIDIAN GENIUS, which was stepping up to 1200 Metres for the first time today, to obtain a position behind the leaders. He said MERIDIAN GENIUS did not travel well in the early stages and, despite riding his mount along, it was not travelling well enough to prevent BINGO from shifting in front of MERIDIAN GENIUS near the 850 Metres. He said whilst it was available to him to continue to ride MERIDIAN GENIUS along at this time, he felt it was in the best interests of the horse to have it balanced up rather than continue to pressure it to obtain a position where it was not comfortable. He said after obtaining a position behind BINGO which was further back in the field than had been intended, MERIDIAN GENIUS was reluctant to maintain its position behind that horse. He said he had to ride MERIDIAN GENIUS along for a considerable distance approaching and passing the 700 Metres as it was reluctant to continue to race behind BINGO. He added it was not until after entering the Straight that he was able to shift his mount out and MERIDIAN GENIUS then finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of TRUST ME immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, TRUST ME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHARIZARD and MERIDIAN GENIUS were sent for sampling.

ROMANTIC CHEF was withdrawn on 16.3.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WINNING CONTROLLER. Before being allowed to race again, ROMANTIC CHEF will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MANAGEMENT STAR was very slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, MANAGEMENT STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. CIRCUIT THREE was slow to begin. DELIGHT EXPRESS began only fairly. SOCCER MASTER lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently began only fairly. HEALTHY TREASURE began awkwardly. SPLENDOUR AND GOLD was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. For some distance in the early stages, DASHING DART got its head up when racing keenly. The Stewards opened and immediately adjourned an inquiry into the reason for DELIGHT EXPRESS stumbling badly approaching the 900 Metres which resulted in its rider, Apprentice C Wong, being dislodged. When Apprentice Wong was dislodged, SOCCER MASTER was unable to avoid that rider and was severely checked. CIRCUIT THREE was also checked and shifted out to avoid the incident whilst SPLENDOUR AND GOLD was inconvenienced. A veterinary inspection of DELIGHT EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SOCCER MASTER immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained slight abrasions to the right hind cannon and the left hind fetlock. Rounding the Home Turn, SPLENDOUR AND GOLD was taken wider by DASHING DART which shifted to the outside of FLASH FAMOUS. Throughout the race, CHAPARRAL STAR travelled wide and without cover. The performance of HEALTHY TREASURE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HEALTHY TREASURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Stewards opened an inquiry into W M Lai’s riding of WINNING CONTROLLER, particularly from near the 1100 Metres. W M Lai stated that he was instructed to obtain a forward position on WINNING CONTROLLER as it was believed that there was not much pace in the race. He said he was instructed to lead if possible, however, if the rider of another horse was intent on leading, he should allow that horse to lead and obtain a position in 2nd or 3rd. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode WINNING CONTROLLER positively in the early stages, however, COOLCELEB showed more early speed than WINNING CONTROLLER and he followed that horse over and positioned himself to the outside of that horse after the 1000 Metres. He said from this point he raced about a half length behind COOLCELEB. He said after the 900 Metres he allowed WINNING CONTROLLER to improve its position to be racing on terms with COOLCELEB and when that horse came under pressure passing the 600 Metres, he then allowed WINNING CONTROLLER to improve its position further in advance of COOLCELEB. Mr C H Yip, the trainer of WINNING CONTROLLER, stated that he was unable to identify a natural leader in the race and he felt that there was an opportunity for WINNING CONTROLLER to be able to take up a forward position as the horse had previously raced well in these circumstances. He confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Lai to attempt to lead on WINNING CONTROLLER, however, if another horse showed more speed than WINNING CONTROLLER, he should take a sit off that horse. He said he felt that WINNING CONTROLLER would race well today as he anticipated that the horse would be able to take up a forward position in what he expected to be only a moderately run race. He said accordingly he advised the owner that he considered the horse to be a good chance of winning or placing in today’s race. Having regard to the fast sectionals between the 1200 Metres and the 400 Metres, the Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a time and date to be fixed to allow them to consider the evidence. R Bayliss (COOLCELEB) stated that in the early stages COOLCELEB was able to dictate the terms of the race and the race was being run at a reasonable tempo. He said however that when WINNING CONTROLLER improved its position to race on terms with COOLCELEB near the 900 Metres, the tempo of the race quickened appreciably as COOLCELEB travelled more keenly in the lead due to WINNING CONTROLLER improving its position. He said these circumstances resulted in the race being run at a very fast tempo in the middle stages. A veterinary inspection of HEALTHY TREASURE and EMPIRE STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MARQULA immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg and have sustained cuts into the right and left hind cannons. Before being allowed to race again, MARQULA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPLENDOUR AND GOLD and DASHING DART were sent for sampling. <18/3/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SOCCER MASTER was found to have sustained slight abrasions to the right hind cannon and the left hind fetlock. SOCCER MASTER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SOCCER MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. <24/3/2019 Adjourned Inquiry – 17 March 2019 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 4 (500)>The Steward today concluded their inquiry into the reason for Apprentice C Wong being dislodged from DELIGHT EXPRESS approaching the 900 Metres. Evidence was today taken from Apprentice Wong and the videos of the incident were reviewed. Apprentice Wong agreed that he had failed to take sufficient measures to prevent DELIGHT EXPRESS racing close to the heels of MARQULA which resulted in DELIGHT EXPRESS clipping the heels of that horse approaching the 900 Metres. He said at this time MARQULA lost some ground which resulted in him being awkwardly placed behind that horse. He added however that he should have steadied his mount sufficiently in the lead up to this incident to ensure that he was not placed too close to the heels of the horse in front. Apprentice Wong was advised that he must leave adequate distance between his mount and the horses in front in similar circumstances to ensure that there is room to adapt to the changing circumstances of a race.

VOYAGE STAR shifted out at the start and bumped SMART ROCKET. From wide barriers, TOUCH OF LUCK and SAM’S LOVE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900 Metres, DESTIN was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching and passing the 100 Metres, SIMPLE ELEGANT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SMART ROCKET which shifted in under pressure. Near the 75 Metres, VIVA COUNCIL raced tight inside SIMPLE ELEGANT. After the race, it was noted that VOYAGE STAR was making an abnormal respiratory noise when coming off the track. An endoscopic examination of VOYAGE STAR did not reveal any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TOUCH OF LUCK and CARE FREE PRINCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CRAIG’S STAR and CHAIRMAN LO were sent for sampling.

DYNAMIC EAGLE began awkwardly. JOLLY HONOUR was crowded for room on jumping between CLASSIC BEAUTY and RULE THEE which shifted out. GLORIOUS DRAGON got its head up on jumping and then was crowded for room shortly after the start between CLASSIC BEAUTY and MONGOLIAN LEGEND, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, JOLLY HONOUR, GLORIOUS DRAGON, MONGOLIAN LEGEND and CHEERFUL GIGGLES were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HEAVENLY THOUGHT was also steadied in the early stages to obtain a position with cover. Passing the 1500 Metres, GLORIOUS DRAGON got its head up when awkwardly placed behind JOLLY HONOUR. After the 1500 Metres, GRAND CHANCELLOR was left racing wide and without cover and then passing the 1200 Metres was allowed to stride into a more prominent position, however, continued to race wide and without cover and consequently gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of GRAND CHANCELLOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VINCY, GOOD OMEN and CLASSIC BEAUTY were sent for sampling.

Following Apprentice C Wong being ruled as not suitable to fulfil his engagement on UGLY WARRIOR in this race, the Stewards received an application from Mr T K Chung, the syndicate manager of the Just Fantastic Syndicate, the owner of UGLY WARRIOR for that horse to be ridden by a jockey who was not eligible to claim a weight allowance; or for that horse to be withdrawn from the race. The Stewards denied the application for UGLY WARRIOR to be withdrawn from the race and, acting under the provisions of Stewards’ Instruction 17(4), ruled that that horse must be ridden by a jockey with a claiming allowance as there was no apprentice jockey available to ride the horse. Accordingly, H N Wong was substituted as the rider of UGLY WARRIOR. As the start was effected, ASSIMILATE turned its head to the right and consequently was slow to begin. KING OF HEARTS lost its left front plate on jumping. When being steadied after the 1100 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR got its head up and travelled keenly. At the 1050 Metres, WATER DIVINER shifted in and bumped FULL OF BEAUTY. After the 900 Metres, LEAN PERFECTION was left racing wide and without cover. In the Straight, STIMULATION lay in under pressure. When questioned, T H So stated that it was intended for MR LUMIERES to be positioned behind the leaders. He said however that as the start was effected MR LUMIERES became fractious and kicked out of the back gates with both hind legs which resulted in the horse beginning awkwardly, losing ground and causing MR LUMIERES to race further back in the field than had been planned. When questioned, M F Poon stated that after steadying FLAT HEAVEN to allow WAY MAY FRIEND to cross his mount near the 900 Metres and obtain cover, FLAT HEAVEN commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was severely checked away from the heels of WAH MAY FRIEND for a considerable distance. He said near the 650 Metres FLAT HEAVEN became badly unbalanced when having to be severely checked away from the heels of WAH MAY FRIEND which resulted in FLAT HEAVEN losing ground. He said because of the manner in which FLAT HEAVEN travelled for the majority of the race, the horse was then not able to finish off the race. When FLAT HEAVEN was checked near the 650 Metres, that horse shifted out and hampered STIMULATION. SUPER HOPPY which was following STIMULATION, shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence and then raced tight between STIMULATION and FORTUNE BOOTH until near the 600 Metres at which stage SUPER HOPPY was checked when unable to maintain its position inside FORTUNE BOOTH which continued to hold its line. Also when FLAT HEAVEN was checked, MR LUMIERES became badly unbalanced in consequence when being checked away from the heels of that horse, causing MR LUMIERES to lose ground. ASSIMILATE, which was following MR LUMIERES, was checked out away from the heels of that horse in consequence after the 650 Metres, resulting in KING OF HEARTS being taken wider. A veterinary inspection of FLAT HEAVEN immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained minor lacerations to both front fetlocks and the inside of the right hind cannon. A veterinary inspection of WAH MAY FRIEND immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, WAH MAY FRIEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FULL OF BEAUTY and WATER DIVINER were sent for sampling.

SUNNY SPEED began only fairly. Shortly after the start, GOLD CHEST became badly unbalanced when crowded for room between DARK DREAM and TIANCHI MONSTER which shifted out after being bumped by ENRICHMENT. In this incident, both TIANCHI MONSTER and DARK DREAM also became badly unbalanced. From a wide barrier, HO HO KHAN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, DARK DREAM was left racing wide and without cover. For a considerable distance in the middle stages, SUNNY SPEED travelled keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind HARMONY VICTORY. HARMONY VICTORY and HO HO KHAN had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. After improving into tight running between HARMONY VICTORY and MR SO AND SO, SUNNY SPEED got its head on the side and shifted in near the 400 Metres and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of HARMONY VICTORY. RED WARRIOR was held up for a run from passing the 300 Metres until near the 150 Metres at which stage the horse was shifted to the outside of HARMONY VICTORY to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, GOLD CHEST shifted out and bumped ENRICHMENT. Approaching the 100 Metres, KA YING STAR raced tight inside MISSION TYCOON which was taken in by HARMONY VICTORY which, after improving into tight running inside DARK DREAM, was then taken in by that horse. When questioned, J Moreira stated that, from the outside barrier, he was asked to ride WAIKUKU behind runners in the early stages and obtain cover. He said it was hoped that WAIKUKU would be able to improve its position after the 700 Metres before shifting out at the top of the Straight to obtain clear running. He said in accordance with his instructions he shifted WAIKUKU across behind runners in the early stages and passing the 1600 Metres was racing towards the rear of the field. He said passing the 1200 Metres WAIKUKU was trailing RED WARRIOR which was racing behind GOLD CHEST. He said he commenced to become concerned with the margin between RED WARRIOR and WAIKUKU after the 1100 Metres as WAIKUKU was no longer able to maintain its position behind that horse which near the 1000 Metres shifted to the inside of GOLD CHEST to follow HO HO KHAN. He said he commenced to ride his mount along prior to the 1000 Metres to make up ground as a sizeable margin had developed between WAIKUKU and the runners in front. He said despite riding his mount along, WAIKUKU did not respond and he had to continuously ride it along from the 1000 Metres until after the 800 Metres at which stage WAIKUKU commenced to respond to his riding. He said approaching the 700 Metres he was positioned behind GOLD CHEST and elected to shift out away from behind that horse and followed ENRICHMENT. He said ENRICHMENT was not travelling as well as he anticipated and that horse was not able to follow the eventual winner FURORE into the race after the 600 Metres. He added as ENRICHMENT was not able to maintain its position, he elected to shift to the outside of ENRICHMENT near the 550 Metres which was earlier than was ideal as that horse was under heavy pressure. He said after shifting WAIKUKU to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn, the horse then finished off the race strongly. He said he was at a loss to explain why WAIKUKU did not respond to his riding prior to the 1000 Metres which resulted in the horse being detached from the main body of the field and further back than should have been the case. When questioned, K Teetan stated that, from a wide barrier, he was asked to shift HELENE LEADINGSTAR across behind runners in the early stages and ride the horse quietly at the rear of the field. He said after the 1400 Metres he was racing behind WAIKUKU and decided to trail that horse as he expected that WAIKUKU would take him into the race. He said WAIKUKU was not able to maintain its position behind RED WARRIOR after the 1100 Metres and he considered his options at this time as WAIKUKU was becoming detached from the main body of the field. He said although it was available for him to shift to the inside of WAIKUKU, he was reluctant to do this as he anticipated that there would be horses that would commence to give ground later in the race and he did not want to get caught behind them. He said he also felt that shifting to the outside of WAIKUKU would result in HELENE LEADINGSTAR having to cover unnecessary ground after the 900 Metres, therefore he elected to continue to race behind WAIKUKU in the hope that that horse would be able to improve its position and take him in to the race. He added when WAIKUKU commenced to improve after the 700 Metres, he continued to follow that horse and rounding the Home Turn attempted to shift directly to its outside, however, HELENE LEADINGSTAR got its head on the side and lay in and was reluctant to shift to the outside of WAIKUKU. He said it was not until near the 300 Metres that he was able to shift HELENE LEADINGSTAR to the outside of runners to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of MISSION TYCOON, KA YING STAR and ENRICHMENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FURORE and WAIKUKU were sent for sampling.

DEFINING MOMENT and WINNING ENDEAVOUR began only fairly. PLANET STAR shifted out at the start and bumped PERFECT BUDDY. RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE began only fairly and then was crowded for room between HAPPY FORCE and SUPER STAR which shifted out. In this incident, HAPPY FORCE was bumped on the hindquarters by RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE. In the early stages, SUPER STAR, from a wide barrier, was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also from the wide barrier, CIRCUIT HASSLER was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover and when racing very wide after the 1200 Metres was further steadied to obtain a trailing position behind FLYING MURTY near the 1000 Metres. XIANG YIN travelled keenly after the 800 Metres. INVINCIBLE MISSILE was left racing wide and without cover until near the 700 Metres. After the 700 Metres, GOOD FOR YOU was taken into a position wide and without cover by PERFECT BUDDY which shifted out from behind FLYING BONUS. Passing the 400 Metres, UNCLE STEVE was steadied when disappointed for running between XIANG YIN and FLYING BONUS (C Y Ho) which shifted in. When being shifted to the outside of FLYING BONUS after the 400 Metres, UNCLE STEVE struck the heels of that horse which became badly unbalanced. C Y Ho reported that when FLYING BONUS became badly unbalanced, he commenced to ease the horse down as he was unaware of the reason for it becoming unbalanced. He said it was not until after the 200 Metres that he was satisfied that FLYING BONUS had no issue and therefore he recommenced riding the horse out. Close to the finishing line, UNCLE STEVE was steadied away from the heels of SUPER STAR (S de Sousa) which shifted in when not properly clear. S de Sousa was reprimanded and advised that he would be expected to straighten his mounts in these circumstances rather than continue to allow them to shift in under pressure. Because of this incident, UNCLE STEVE was unable to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of FLYING BONUS and PLANET STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER STAR and INVINCIBLE MISSILE were sent for sampling.

KINGSFIELD was withdrawn on 16.3.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ENCOURAGING (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, KINGSFIELD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, ROYAL PERFORMER stood flat-footed and then began very awkwardly. Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL PERFORMER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. TORNADO TWIST began only fairly and then was steadied away from the heels of PRECIOUSSHIP which shifted out. From a wide barrier, LOBO’S LEGEND was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ENCOURAGING lost its right front plate in the early stages. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, TORNADO TWIST got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CHEFANO. KING OPIE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. TORNADO TWIST had difficulty obtaining clear running from after the 400 Metres until approaching the 300 Metres. For the majority of the race, HINCHINLOVE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Mr C S Shum, the trainer of REGENCY BO BO, stated that in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race, REGENCY BO BO had been ridden behind the lead and the horse finished off the trial strongly. He said, from the outside barrier, he instructed M F Poon not to restrain REGENCY BO BO but also not to ride the horse aggressively and attempt to obtain a position with cover in as a forward position as possible. He said he was concerned by the failure of horses in earlier races to finish off when ridden in a forward position and he felt that REGENCY BO BO would have had to do too much work from barrier 14 to obtain the lead and therefore would not be able to finish off its race. He said he anticipated today’s race would be run at a good tempo as there were a number of horses which had previously travelled in a prominent position and he felt that this may allow REGENCY BO BO the opportunity to obtain cover. He said unfortunately the horse did not settle and consequently was not able to obtain cover, however, REGENCY BO BO, in the circumstances, still ran a satisfactory race. M F Poon stated that in accordance with his instructions he allowed REGENCY BO BO to shift across in the early stages with other runners, however, he did not ride his mount along as he was specifically instructed not to do so. He said REGENCY BO BO travelled keenly in the early stages and because of the makeup of the field in the early and middle stages REGENCY BO BO was left racing wide and without covert throughout. When questioned regarding his riding of PRECIOUSSHIP, particularly rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, C Schofield stated that he was instructed to ensure that PRECIOUSSHIP began well from its inside barrier and to obtain a forward position behind the leaders if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he ensured that PRECIOUSSHIP began well and he was able to take up a good position behind KING OPIE, a horse he considered to be a strong chance in the race. He said PRECIOUSSHIP commenced to travel keenly after the 1100 Metres and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind KING OPIE. He said PRECIOUSSHIP then travelled more comfortably in the middle stages and he urged his mount forward after the 800 Metres to ensure that he remained racing on the back of KING OPIE. He said he was aware that GOLD WIN was racing in advance of KING OPIE and had come under heavy pressure prior to the 600 Metres. He said because of the manner in which GOLD WIN had come under pressure, he was also aware that KING OPIE was endeavouring to shift to the outside of that horse and he elected to follow KING OPIE forward as he anticipated that that horse would quicken well. He said whilst it was available for him to shift to the inside of KING OPIE, he was reluctant to do this having in mind that GOLD WIN would likely lose ground given that it had been ridden along for some distance. He said he felt that if he shifted PRECIOUSSHIP to the inside of KING OPIE, the horse would not be able to sprint well enough to be able to improve to that horse’s inside before GOLD WIN commenced to give ground and this would not be in the best interests of PRECIOUSSHIP. He added when shifted to the outside of GOLD WIN in the early part of the Straight, KING OPIE did not quicken as he anticipated and because of this he was awkwardly placed behind that horse. He said passing the 400 Metres it was no longer available for him to shift to the inside of KING OPIE as TORNADO TWIST had improved its position quickly to the inside of PRECIOUSSHIP and had he have shifted in, he would have caused interference to that horse. He said for this reason he was obliged to continue following KING OPIE in the hope that that horse may be able to present a run for PRECIOUSSHIP, however, when KING OPIE was only one-paced in the Straight, it resulted in PRECIOUSSHIP being badly held up until near the 200 Metres. He further stated that he was able to place PRECIOUSSHIP under pressure after the 200 Metres, however, he was not able to fully obtain clear running until over the concluding stages. The Stewards, in electing not to proceed further with the matter, formed the view that it was reasonable for C Schofield to continue to follow KING OPIE given that horse’s form and prominent position in betting today and the manner in which GOLD WIN, which was racing in advance of KING OPIE, was under heavy pressure from prior to the 600 Metres. The Stewards also accepted that after not shifting to the inside of KING OPIE, TORNADO TWIST improved its position quickly to that horse’s inside, the result being that PRECIOUSSHIP was then not able to shift to the inside of KING OPIE without causing a degree of interference to that horse. However, C Schofield was advised that his riding of PRECIOUSSHIP rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight had come under notice and he was told to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner that they are able to obtain clear running at the earliest available opportunity. A veterinary inspection of PRECIOUSSHIP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. After the race, Z Purton reported that SOLAR PATCH did not feel comfortable in its action and did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SOLAR PATCH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of STAR SHINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ENCOURAGING and TORNADO TWIST were sent for sampling.