As the start was effected, SUPERB MOVE lowered its head and as a consequence H Bowman became badly unbalanced, resulting in SUPERB MOVE jumping awkwardly and losing ground. Near the 1500 Metres, SUPERB MOVE raced tight to the inside of SMART BEAUTY before SMART BEAUTY was corrected by its rider, B Avdulla. MILLENNIUM FALCON raced keenly outside the lead in the early stages and near the 900 Metres was allowed to stride forward and assume the lead. Near the 250 Metres, SMART BEAUTY raced tight between SUPERB MOVE and HUNKY DORY (A Atzeni) which shifted out and away from MILLENNIUM FALCON before being corrected by its rider. A veterinary inspection of SHENZHOU TWELVE and HUNKY DORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPERB MOVE and DOUBLE SHOW were sent for sampling.

Shortly after the start, RIGHT HONOURABLE was taken out by PERFECT ROCK and as a result made contact with BROTHER PEARL. From a wide barrier, REGENCY HAPPY STAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1500 Metres, BRILLIANT EIGHT got its head up and then raced keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind FAITHFUL TRINITY. Passing the 150 Metres, Z Purton (RIGHT HONOURABLE) dropped his left rein for a number of strides before being regathered. H T Mo (BRILLIANT EIGHT) was reminded of his obligations not to use the whip on a horse which is out of contention or not responding to the whip. After the race, Z Purton (RIGHT HONOURABLE) could offer no excuse for his mount performing below expectation. A veterinary inspection of RIGHT HONOURABLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BROTHER PEARL and BRILLIANT EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RIGHT HONOURABLE, MEDIC ELITE and EAGLE RUN were sent for sampling.

TURQUOISE ALPHA was withdrawn on 26.9.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, TURQUOISE ALPHA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WONDER YEARS was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, AI ONE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Between the 550 Metres and the 400 Metres, RIGHT AS RAIN was held up and unable to improve when positioned behind NICE BIRDIE. After the race, L Ferraris (WONDER YEARS) reported that his mount hung out from the 600 Metres and as a consequence made the Home Turn wide. A veterinary inspection of WONDER YEARS and NICE BIRDIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT ELITE 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, CIRCUIT ELITE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RIGHT AS RAIN, HAPPY ANGEL and WIN WIN FIGHTER were sent for sampling.

SUNNY STAR jumped awkwardly. Shortly after the start, NATURAL STORM shifted in and bumped PEGASUS GENERAL. When the pace steadied near the 1400 Metres, PERFECT TEAM commenced to race keenly and as a result was shifted to the outside of BEAUTYVERSE to start a forward move, resulting in SUNNY STAR being taken wider. When being shifted to the outside of BEAUTYVERSE, BEAUTYVERSE also commenced to race keenly and was then checked away from PEGASUS GENERAL and shifted out, resulting in PERFECT TEAM and SUNNY STAR being taken wider near the 1300 Metres. Approaching the 250 Metres, TURIN MASCOT became held up for clear running between PERFECT TEAM and SUNNY STAR and did not obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres where it improved into a narrow run to the inside of SUNNY STAR. As a result, TURIN MASCOT made contact with PERFECT TEAM close to the finishing line. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on MAJESTIC VICTORY in the early stages, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that with the perceived lack of early pace in the event, he was instructed to lead on his mount. He said after holding the lead in the early stages, MAJESTIC VICTORY, which is not a noted leader, dropped the bit and as a result the tempo of the event eased. He added that he was reluctant to encourage his mount to hold a stronger pace as MAJESTIC VICTORY was travelling comfortably. He said when PERFECT TEAM improved to his outside, he was content to allow that horse to cross MAJESTIC VICTORY whereby he was able to obtain cover. After the race, B Avdulla (BEAUTYVERSE) reported that his mount was not suited by the slow early pace of the event which resulted in his mount having to make a forward move in the early stages. He said as a result of this move and BEAUTYVERSE racing first up tonight, the horse was not able to finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTYVERSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, L Hewitson (S J TOURBILLON) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of S J TOURBILLON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TURIN MASCOT, MAJESTIC VICTORY and SUNNY STAR were sent for sampling.

BEAU GOSSE was withdrawn on 26.9.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CELTIC TIMES (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, BEAU GOSSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FORTUNE PRESIDENT jumped only fairly and then was crowded by CELTIC TIMES which shifted out. On jumping, FLYING SILVER and CONCERTO raced tight between MULTIWIN and AMAZING BOY which shifted out. FEARLESS FIRE shifted in at the start and bumped SPANGLE FORTUNE. From a wide barrier, MAXIMIZE HEART was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, KASA PAPA was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages and then raced keenly in the middle stages. WINNING DATA raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Near the 200 Metres, AMAZING BOY improved into a narrow run between MULTIWIN and SPANGLE FORTUNE and a short distance later was accidently struck over the nose by the whip of K C Leung (SPANGLE FORTUNE). K Teetan (WINNING DATA) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CONCERTO, resulting in CONCERTO being taken out, crowding the running of FLYING SILVER which was checked and also contributed to FEARLESS FIRE being crowded to the inside of M UNICORN (H Bentley) which also shifted in slightly. K Teetan was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 18 October 2023 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. H Bentley was reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in, contributing to FEARLESS FIRE being crowded for room. For a short distance approaching the 200 Metres, KASA PAPA was held up for clear running behind CELTIC TIMES. Near the 100 Metres, MULTIWIN, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded by AMAZING BOY which, after being bumped by SPANGLE FORTUNE (K C Leung) when that runner shifted in, then shifted in and away from SPANGLE FORTUNE. K C Leung was advised to exercise more care. FEARLESS FIRE was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the race. K Teetan was fined the sum of $5,000 for raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder in the Home Straight. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that MULTIWIN had sustained a wound to the left stifle. A veterinary inspection of FLYING SILVER and FORTUNE PRESIDENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CELTIC TIMES, M UNICORN and WINNING DATA were sent for sampling.

On jumping, BAYVIEW STAR shifted out and made contact with SEA SAPPHIRE, resulting in both runners becoming unbalanced. SEA SAPPHIRE then raced tight to the inside of OVERSUBSCRIBED for a short distance thereafter. VANQUISHER jumped awkwardly and then from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, TELECOM SPEED was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LUCKY GOR raced keenly in the middle stages. Approaching the 500 Metres, BAYVIEW STAR shifted to the outside of MAYHEM and as a result made contact with TELECOM SPEED, taking that runner wider. MAYHEM was held up making the Home Turn and again near the 300 Metres was held up when positioned behind ACT OF FAITH and did not obtain clear running until the 250 Metres when it shifted to the inside of ACT OF FAITH. MEGA BONUS raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection of MEGA BONUS and BAYVIEW STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SEA SAPPHIRE immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of VANQUISHER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, VANQUISHER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY GOR and AWESOME TREASURE were sent for sampling.

E BROTHER was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, E BROTHER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLYING ON THE TURF jumped awkwardly and then was crowded between BABY CRYSTAL and KOKUSHI MUSOU which also jumped awkwardly and shifted in. TOGEPI shifted out at the start and bumped ROUND THE GLOBE. From a wide barrier, NINJA DERBY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barriers, TIMESTORM and GOOD BOY were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. NINJA DERBY raced keenly in the early stages. Approaching the 1000 Metres, BABY CRYSTAL was steadied to avoid ROUND THE GLOBE (A Badel) which shifted in when not clear. A Badel was severely reprimanded. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, GOOD BOY commenced to race keenly and shifted out when being steadied away from JUNEAU FLASH. Over the final 100 Metres, TOGEPI was held up for clear running behind LUCKY ARCHANGEL and could not be fully ridden out to the finish of the event. After the race, Z Purton (LUCKY ARCHANGEL) reported that with blinkers on for the first time tonight, he was instructed by Trainer F C Lor to take up a forward position from a wide barrier. Mr Lor confirmed that with blinkers on tonight and having regard to the pattern of racing, he instructed Jockey Purton to take up a forward position. A veterinary inspection of NINJA DERBY and FLYING ON THE TURF immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TIMESTORM immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. BABY CRYSTAL, LUCKY ARCHANGEL and ROUND THE GLOBE were sent for sampling.

TOMODACHI KOKOROE and SOLID IMPACT bumped at the start and as a result SOLID IMPACT shifted out, resulting in WINNER METHOD being taken out and making contact with HOSS. From wide barriers, A AMERIC TE SPECSO and ATOMIC FORCE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, HAPPY GOLF was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages and got its head up and raced keenly when being steadied. Near the 150 Metres, A AMERIC TE SPECSO was checked and shifted in abruptly to avoid SOLID IMPACT when that runner was being eased down and as a result crowded the running of WINNER METHOD. When questioned regarding the performance of WONDER KIT, C Y Ho stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily throughout the early and middle stages, but when placed under pressure in the Home Straight responded only fairly and after changing lead in the early part of the Home Straight did not finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of WONDER KIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, H Bowman (SOLID IMPACT) stated that near the 200 Metres he was concerned that something had gone amiss with his mount and for this reason he retired it from the event. Trainer D J Hall advised that SOLID IMPACT had pleased him leading into the race and had pulled up well following its last start on 20 September 2023. He could offer no explanation for the views expressed by Jockey Bowman. A veterinary inspection of SOLID IMPACT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOLID IMPACT, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOLID IMPACT 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, Z Purton (HOSS) stated that his mount would derive benefit from tonight’s performance. A veterinary inspection of HOSS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WINNER METHOD and A AMERIC TE SPECSO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SOLID IMPACT, O’LINER and LUCKY EIGHT were sent for sampling.

REWARD SMILE jumped only fairly. SWEET BRIAR jumped awkwardly, shifted out and crowded SEIZING THE MOMENT. From wide barriers, FAMILY FOLKS and SIXTH GENERATION were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, AMAZING ACE shifted out slightly and made contact with SOLAR PARTNER which became unbalanced when racing tight to the inside of STREET SCREAM. LIGHTNING BOLT, which was following STREET SCREAM, was steadied as a consequence. After the 800 Metres, STREET SCREAM was obliged to race wide and without cover. In the middle stages, SOLAR PARTNER raced keenly. Near the 200 Metres, SWEET BRIAR shifted out and away from REWARD SMILE. After the race, K Teetan (SEIZING THE MOMENT) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SEIZING THE MOMENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR PARTNER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY SCHOLARS immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY SCHOLARS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SWEET BRIAR, LIGHTNING BOLT and REWARD SMILE were sent for sampling.