GUERDON HELMET shifted out at the start and bumped KWAICHUNG BROTHERS, causing both horses to become unbalanced. GUERDON HELMET and SOLAR BILLION then raced tight for some distance between KWAICHUNG BROTHERS and GOLDEN CANNON, both of which shifted ground. This resulted in SOLAR BILLION losing ground and GOLDEN CANNON becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by SOLAR BILLION. SKY GEM shifted in at the start and bumped KEEP WINNING. Both KEEP WINNING and SKY GEM were then steadied to obtain cover. Also from a wide barrier, WONDERFUL TIGER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1300 Metres, MONEY MARSHAL commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of ASSOCIATION FANS after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. This resulted in GOLDEN CANNON being inconvenienced when taken wider after shifting out away from the heels of MONEY MARSHAL. After this, GOLDEN CANNON was steadied to obtain cover behind MONEY MARSHAL. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, GUERDON HELMET was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1300 Metres was ridden along to obtain a position outside the lead. As GUERDON HELMET was improving around CALLING THE SHOTS passing the 1200 Metres, CALLING THE SHOTS was taken in marginally, resulting in ASSOCIATION FANS being crowded for room. SOLAR BILLION travelled keenly approaching and passing the 1300 Metres. Passing the 1000 Metres, WONDERFUL TIGER commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of SOLAR BILLION. After this, WONDERFUL TIGER continued to prove difficult to settle when travelling without cover and near the 700 Metres was restrained to shift in and obtain cover behind SOLAR BILLION. Approaching the 500 Metres, CALLING THE SHOTS got its head up when travelling close to the heels of GUERDON HELMET. CALLING THE SHOTS then shifted out away from the heels of GUERDON HELMET near the 500 Metres and raced tight inside MONEY MARSHAL. Near the 250 Metres, CALLING THE SHOTS was crowded for room between KEEP GOING and MONEY MARSHAL (M Chadwick) which, despite the efforts of its rider, got its head on the side and lay in. After this, CALLING THE SHOTS remained racing tight inside MONEY MARSHAL which continued to lay in. M Chadwick was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that MONEY MARSHAL was proving difficult to ride, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing inconvenience to other runners. Close to the finishing line, CALLING THE SHOTS was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MONEY MARSHAL and consequently was not ridden out all the way to the end of the race. In the Straight, SKY GEM raced with its head on the side and lay in under pressure. H W Lai (SOLAR BILLION) was warned against the practice of using the whip on a horse out of contention. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOLDEN CANNON had sustained minor wounds to the left front fetlock and right front cannon. A veterinary inspection of SKY GEM, WONDERFUL TIGER, KWAICHUNG BROTHERS and GUERDON HELMET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY HOUR and KEEP WINNING were sent for sampling. <19/12/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>GUERDON HELMET, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. GUERDON HELMET was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man 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, GUERDON HELMET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

MELBOURNE HALL shifted out at the start and bumped SACRED TIMING. ABSOLUCOOL shifted in at the start and bumped WILD WEST WING which became badly unbalanced, shifted in abruptly and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of WINNING WAYS, causing that horse to also become badly unbalanced. WILD WEST WING was then steadied after travelling a short distance when crowded for room between WINNING WAYS which shifted out when unbalanced and ABSOLUCOOL which got its head on the side and shifted in away from HAPPY GOOD GUYS which on jumping made contact with ARES. After travelling a short distance, JOY N FUN LEGEND and CEREFINO were crowded for room between ARES and PRAWN YEAH YEAH which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Approaching the 800 Metres, ARES was awkwardly placed behind FLYING GENIUS. Near the 700 Metres, HAPPY GOOD GUYS got its head up when travelling keenly and briefly racing in restricted room inside FLYING GENIUS. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, WINNING WAYS lost ground when crowded for room between PRAWN YEAH YEAH and MELBOURNE HALL which commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of HAPPY GOOD GUYS which was being steadied to obtain cover behind FLYING GENIUS. CEREFINO, which was following WINNING WAYS, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, WILD WEST WING was taken out by ABSOLUCOOL which shifted out away from the heels of CEREFINO to obtain clear running. Passing the 250 Metres, MELBOURNE HALL got its head on the side and lay in towards HAPPY GOOD GUYS. MELBOURNE HALL was then awkwardly placed between HAPPY GOOD GUYS and WINNING WAYS which shifted in approaching the 200 Metres. This resulted in MELBOURNE HALL not being able to be tested during this stage of the race. CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN, which was following MELBOURNE HALL, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. ABSOLUCOOL lay in under pressure over the final 150 Metres. ARES, FLYING GENIUS and WINNING WAYS were sent for sampling.

After being placed in the barriers, DREAM WARRIORS (K Teetan) became fractious and then as the start was effected was slow to begin and then lost further ground when crowded for room between BEST ALLIANCE and ORIENTAL ELITE which shifted out. K Teetan stated that because of these incidents he was obliged to ride DREAM WARRIORS towards the rear of the field when it had been intended for the horse to race in a forward position from the wide barrier. KANBEKI MOLLY began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in GOOD RUNNERS WAY being crowded for room inside LIGHTNING STEED. RULETHEROOST began only fairly and then was crowded for room between ALL YOU KNOW and LITTLE THUNDER which shifted in. Passing the 1400 Metres, PLAY WISE was eased away from the heels of THUNDER STOMP which raced tight inside KANBEKI MOLLY. Passing the 1000 Metres, ORIENTAL ELITE commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of PLAY WISE for some distance. Near the 250 Metres, PHENOMENAL momentarily raced tight inside LITTLE THUNDER. Passing the 150 Metres, DREAM WARRIORS, which was commencing to close off the race, was crowded for room between KANBEKI MOLLY which, when giving ground, shifted out away from ORIENTAL ELITE and PLAY WISE (M F Poon) which shifted in before being corrected. When DREAM WARRIORS was crowded for room, it shifted in and bumped KANBEKI MOLLY, causing that horse to be taken in towards the heels of ORIENTAL ELITE, resulting in both KANBEKI MOLLY and DREAM WARRIORS losing ground when checked. M F Poon was reprimanded and advised that whilst there were a number of circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he had allowed PLAY WISE to shift in, albeit marginally, before correcting his mount. He was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PLAY WISE had sustained a cut to the right hind coronet. Passing the 100 Metres, BEST ALLIANCE raced in restricted room outside LITTLE THUNDER and inside the heels of RULETHEROOST. RULETHEROOST lost its right hind plate over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the winning performance of LIGHTNING STEED tonight compared to its last start, Mr C Fownes, the trainer of LIGHTNING STEED, stated that prior to its most recent start he had barrier trialed the horse over 1700 Metres at Happy Valley and he had been satisfied with the performance of the horse in the trial. He said he therefore decided to race LIGHTNING STEED over 1650 Metres for the first time at Happy Valley on 4 December 2019. He said as LIGHTNING STEED had shown good pace in races over a shorter distance, it was intended for the horse to lead at its most recent start, however, after being slow to begin it was required to race towards the rear of the field and then over-raced and travelled wide and without cover. He said because of these circumstances the horse was not able to finish off the race. He added by being able to race in a forward position tonight as had been hoped last start, LIGHTNING STEED was able to perform much better. A veterinary inspection of ALL YOU KNOW and KANBEKI MOLLY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GOOD RUNNERS WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. RULETHEROOST, LIGHTNING STEED and THUNDER STOMP were sent for sampling.

HOME MADE was crowded for room on jumping between TOTAL POWER and CALIFORNIA TURBO, both of which shifted ground. BALLISTIC KING shifted out at the start and bumped RED DESERT. After this, RED DESERT and LONDON LUCKYSTAR were shifted across behind runners from the outside barriers. RIGHT HONOURABLE was also steadied in the early stages from a wide barrier. Making the first turn after the 1100 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR raced tight outside PRANCE DRAGON. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, PRANCE DRAGON travelled keenly. Making the turn near the 950 Metres, HOME MADE shifted out and bumped CALIFORNIA TURBO. BALLISTIC KING travelled wide and without cover until passing the 700 Metres at which stage ROMAN IMPERO was left racing without cover. Passing the 300 Metres, HARD PROMISE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PRANCE DRAGON. Also passing the 300 Metres, HAPPY WARRIOR was disappointed for running between HARD PROMISE and FEARLESS FIRE which shifted in away from the heels of BALLISTIC KING. TOTAL POWER, which was following HAPPY WARRIOR, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. HAPPY WARRIOR was then held up for clear running behind FEARLESS FIRE near the 200 Metres and then after passing the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of FEARLESS FIRE after being disappointed for running to the outside of that horse and inside TOTAL POWER which was racing tight inside HOME MADE. At this stage, FEARLESS FIRE was shifted to the outside of BALLISTIC KING after being disappointed for running between that horse and PRANCE DRAGON. Over the concluding stages, FEARLESS FIRE lay out under pressure and proved difficult to ride. K Teetan was spoken to regarding using the whip on CALIFORNIA TURBO forward of the saddle. K Teetan was told that whilst he had only used the whip in this manner on a limited number of occasions, nonetheless he had previously been penalized for using the whip with more frequency forward of the saddle. He was placed on notice that he must be cognizant of his use of the whip other than behind the saddle. A veterinary inspection of PRANCE DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant finding, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. BALLISTIC KING, CALIFORNIA TURBO and RED DESERT were sent for sampling.

When being transported to Happy Valley, HAPPY FAMILY lost its left front plate. HAPPY FAMILY was replated, examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. Just prior to the start being effected, HAPPY FAMILY became very fractious, turned its head to the left and consequently lost ground. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY FAMILY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. JOYFUL MOMENTS began awkwardly and then shifted out shortly after the start and bumped DIVINE UNICORN. DIAMOND PEGASUS shifted out at the start and bumped TANG FLEMING which was crowded for room inside MY ALLY which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by TANG FLEMING. A short distance after this, DIAMOND PEGASUS and TANG FLEMING were crowded for room between HAPPY TIME and MY ALLY which shifted in marginally. This resulted in both DIAMOND PEGASUS and TANG FLEMING losing ground and being shifted across behind runners near the 1100 Metres. Passing the 1100 Metres, DIVINE UNICORN raced in restricted room between JOYFUL MOMENTS and MONKEY JEWELLERY which raced tight inside JADE THEATRE. Then making the turn after the 1100 Metres, MONKEY JEWELLERY shifted out to relieve the tightening to DIVINE UNICORN and bumped JADE THEATRE. After the 900 Metres, DIVINE UNICORN raced tight inside DIAMOND PEGASUS which, when racing greenly, got its head on the side and shifted in away from MY ALLY. Then near the 800 Metres, DIVINE UNICORN was checked when crowded for room inside DIAMOND PEGASUS which shifted in abruptly away from MY ALLY. HIGHLY PROACTIVE travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres. Near the 550 Metres, MY ALLY was taken wider by JADE THEATRE which shifted out away from the heels of BREEDERS’ STAR. Rounding the Home Turn, SILVER FIG raced close to the heels of MONKEY JEWELLERY and passing the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of that horse. At the entrance to the Straight, JADE THEATRE raced tight between MY ALLY and BREEDERS’ STAR which made the turn awkwardly. This resulted in JADE THEATRE making contact with MY ALLY. Then near the 250 Metres, JADE THEATRE was checked when crowded for room between MY ALLY which shifted in marginally and BREEDERS’ STAR which was taken out slightly by MONKEY JEWELLERY. In this incident, JADE THEATRE made contact with the hindquarters of BREEDERS’ STAR, causing that horse to become unbalanced. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error associated with this incident, no further action was necessary. Passing the 300 Metres, JOYFUL MOMENTS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY TIME. Approaching the 200 Metres, DIVINE UNICORN was shifted out away from the heels of SILVER FIG. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that HAPPY FAMILY had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of JADE THEATRE and HAPPY TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HIGHLY PROACTIVE and MONKEY JEWELLERY were sent for sampling.

MY POWER was withdrawn on 17.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left front tendon) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PLAY TO WIN (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, MY POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAUTY ANGEL began only fairly and then a short distance after the start lost ground when checked away from the heels of TAKINGUFURTHER which shifted out after being bumped by REGENCY POET. HAPPY ALUMNI and PROMISE KEPT began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, SPLIT OF A SECOND was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover from the outside barrier, PLAY TO WIN got its head up on a number of occasions. For some distance passing the 1100 Metres, HAPPY ALUMNI got its head up and raced ungenerously and then was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PROMISE KEPT passing the 1000 Metres. Then after the 800 Metres, HAPPY ALUMNI again got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind SUNNY DRAGON. After the 1000 Metres, SUNNY DRAGON travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, PROMISE KEPT raced tight inside HAPPY ALUMNI which lay in. Passing the 500 Metres, HAPPY ALUMNI got its head up and lost ground when awkwardly placed behind SUNNY DRAGON. At the entrance to the Straight, TAKINGUFURTHER was awkwardly placed behind MASTER GALAXY and then after the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of SHOUSON to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, PLAY TO WIN was shifted out away from the heels of HAPPY ALUMNI. PLAY TO WIN was then shifted in away the heels of REGENCY POET after the 200 Metres and then was shifted in further to the inside of HAPPY ALUMNI approaching the 100 Metres to continue improving. Approaching the 50 Metres, SUPER WINNER was awkwardly placed inside FOCUS. Throughout the race, SHOUSON and MASTER GALAXY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of SPLIT OF A SECOND in the early part of the Straight, M F Poon stated that after shifting his mount to the outside of TAKINGUFURTHER and SHOUSON rounding the Home Turn, he balanced up SPLIT OF A SECOND in the early part of the Straight whilst continuing to ride it vigorously hands and heels and slapping the horse down the shoulder with the whip. He said he continued to ride in this manner in the early part of the Straight as SPLIT OF A SECOND was finishing off the race strongly and approaching the 100 Metres he commenced to use the whip in the backhand manner. He added SPLIT OF A SECOND then closed off the race over the concluding stages. M F Poon was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he uses the appropriate amount of vigour on his mounts at the earliest available opportunity. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY POET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY ALUMNI, FOCUS and SPLIT OF A SECOND were sent for sampling.

JOLLY GENE, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 17.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind). Before being allowed to race again, JOLLY GENE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was started, GIFT OF LIFELINE lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. A short distance after the start, TRAVEL FIRST, HAR HAR HEART and PERFECT PAIR were all hampered when taken out by LOOKING GOOD (G van Niekerk) which shifted out. ACCLAIMED LIGHT and ENZEMBLE, which were being shifted across to obtain cover from wide barriers, were hampered in consequence. JOLLY HONOUR was shifted out to relieve the tightening to ENZEMBLE, causing CHAMP PATROL, which was also being shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier to obtain cover, to be hampered. G van Niekerk was told to ensure that he is aware of his mounts shifting ground so as to prevent causing interference to other runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAR HAR HEART was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PERFECT PAIR when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. TRAVEL FIRST travelled wide and without cover until near the 900 Metres. Near the 900 Metres, ENZEMBLE was bumped by HAR HAR HEART which shifted out abruptly away from the heels of PERFECT PAIR. ENZEMBLE then commenced to travel keenly and was allowed to improve its position after the 800 Metres, however, travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Near the 450 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE and PERFECT PAIR raced tight. Passing the 300 Metres, PERFECT PAIR got its head on the side, shifted in and inconvenienced GIFT OF LIFELINE. Passing the 150 Metres, LOOKING GOOD and ENZEMBLE were crowded for room between JOLLY HONOUR and ACCLAIMED LIGHT which, when improving to the outside of TRAVEL FIRST, was taken out by that horse. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY HONOUR, GIFT OF LIFELINE and LOOKING GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GIFT OF LIFELINE, BEAR AGAIN and PARTY TOGETHER were sent for sampling.

FAIRY TWINS was withdrawn on 17.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left front medial sesamoid) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FLYING SWORD. Before being allowed to race again, FAIRY TWINS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, G van Niekerk expressed concern regarding the action of COMFORT LIFE. Acting on advice from the Veterinary Officer that COMFORT LIFE was lame in the left hind leg, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, COMFORT LIFE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER WISE began only fairly and then was bumped by VERY RICH MAN which shifted in. From wide barriers, AMBITIOUS HEART and MR PICASSO were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn, PLANET STAR travelled keenly and was shifted out away from the heels of HINCHINLOVE, resulting in AMBITIOUS HEART being taken wider. SUPER WISE made the turn awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of VERY RICH MAN. Near the 150 Metres, PERFECT GLORY shifted in and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VERY RICH MAN. Then after the 100 Metres, PERFECT GLORY was steadied away from the heels of FLYING SWORD (N Callan) which shifted in under pressure. N Callan was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. When questioned, K Teetan stated that it was anticipated that tonight’s race would be run at a fast tempo and as there were a number of horses that were drawn more favourably than PLANET STAR that had shown good speed, it was thought that the horse would not have sufficient speed to be able to cross those horses and he was therefore asked to take up a position in advance of midfield. He said PLANET STAR did not begin well and he felt that if he had ridden his mount along, PLANET STAR may have been left racing wide and without cover and therefore he elected to obtain a trailing position behind HINCHINLOVE which he felt would be shifted across with PERFECT GLORY and obtain a midfield position. He said however HINCHINLOVE was steadied to obtain cover behind PERFECT GLORY and this resulted in PLANET STAR racing much further back in the field than had been intended. Trainer P O’Sullivan confirmed the instructions and stated that he was of the view PLANET STAR had lost some of its early speed and he felt that too much use would have to be made of the horse were it to be ridden aggressively to lead or race outside the leader. He added it was not intended for PLANET STAR to race as far back in the field as it did tonight, however this was due to the manner in which the horse began. A veterinary inspection of HINCHINLOVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING STAR and FLYING SWORD were sent for sampling.

TORNADO TWIST began only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. LOBO’S LEGEND shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER TURBO. UGLY WARRIOR was crowded for room on jumping between MULTIMILLION and STRONGER which shifted out. After this, UGLY WARRIOR was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. From the outside barriers, SEVEN HEAVENS, HIGH FIVE and LOVING A BOOM were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TELECOM PUMA failed to muster speed. Passing the 1000 Metres, SEVEN HEAVENS commenced to travel keenly and shifted out when being checked away from the heels of UGLY WARRIOR which was steadied to obtain cover behind TELECOM PUMA. Then near the 950 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of TELECOM PUMA and subsequently travelled wide and without cover. SEVEN HEAVENS was unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY KING when unable to improve between that horse and UGLY WARRIOR. SEVEN HEAVENS then continued to be held up for clear running and after the 150 Metres was again steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY KING when that horse was taken in by LOVING A BOOM. Consequently, SEVEN HEAVENS was not able to be properly tested. Passing the 200 Metres, UGLY WARRIOR was shifted out away from the heels of SPEEDY KING. Over the concluding stages, LOVING A BOOM got its head on the side and lay in, requiring its rider having to correct his mount close to the finishing line. After the race, M Chadwick reported that STRONGER travelled too keenly in the run. He said when BIG PARTY improved to the outside of STRONGER rounding the Home Turn, his mount came under immediate pressure and then did not finish off the race. He said, in his opinion, the disappointing performance of STRONGER, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley tonight, could be attributed to the fact that the horse would not relax through the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY KING 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 HIGH FIVE and STRONGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BIG PARTY and TORNADO TWIST were sent for sampling.