JIMSON THE DRAGON began very awkwardly and lost ground. PROMISE KEPT began only fairly. MULTIMAX shifted out at the start and bumped ROYAL CHOCOLATE. Shortly after the start, DEMONS ROCK was crowded for room between GOLDEN GENERAL which began awkwardly and FLYING MONKEY which shifted out. After this, DEMONS ROCK was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, ROMAN ODYSSEY was steadied away from the heels of GREAT SON (N Callan) which shifted in when not properly clear. N Callan was reprimanded. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, PROMISE KEPT was crowded for room inside JIMSON THE DRAGON which was taken in by KEEP GOING which got its head on the side and lay in despite the efforts of its rider. After racing in restricted room inside ROMAN ODYSSEY near the 600 Metres, MULTIMAX became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped ROMAN ODYSSEY. Rounding the Home Turn, JIMSON THE DRAGON was checked away from the heels of FLYING MONKEY after being awkwardly placed behind that horse for some distance. After improving into tight running inside NICE FANDANGO approaching the 100 Metres, MULTIMAX raced in restricted room inside that horse for the remainder of the race. Passing the winning post, GREAT SON was checked away from the heels of ROMAN ODYSSEY (M Chadwick) which shifted in under pressure. M Chadwick was advised that whilst the worst of the interference was after the conclusion of the race, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Throughout the race, FLYING MONKEY travelled wide and without cover. H T Mo (GOLDEN GENERAL) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. After the race, it was noted that PROMISE KEPT had blood at its right nostril. An endoscopic examination of PROMISE KEPT confirmed the horse to be a bleeder. A veterinary inspection of MULTIMAX and NASHASHUK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GREAT SON, ROMAN ODYSSEY and FLYING MONKEY were sent for sampling.

PERFECT TO PLAY lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently began only fairly. JOY AVENUE and NICK KICK bumped at the start. JOY AVENUE then became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room between NICE KICK and KING PRINT which shifted out. From wide barriers, AMAZING and MY FAMILY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1150 Metres, JOLLY CONVERGENCE and THE SHOW bumped. Then passing the 1100 Metres, NICE KICK was awkwardly placed outside THE SHOW when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. JOY AVENUE, which was following, got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICE KICK in consequence. Then for the majority of the race, NICK KICK travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 500 Metres, JOLLY CONVERGENCE was steadied when unable to improve between FLYING GODSPELL which shifted out marginally and NICE KICK which improved quickly around JOLLY CONVERGENCE. Passing the 250 Metres, AFTER ME was shifted in away from the heels of MR WISEGUY to obtain clear running. A veterinary inspection of NICE KICK and AFTER ME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING GODSPELL and THE SHOW were sent for sampling.

On entering the track, LOOK ERAS became fractious, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K H Chan, being dislodged without incident. On arrival at the Start, LOOK ERAS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. GALAXY EMPEROR began awkwardly, shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of GOUTEN OF GARO. PRECIOUS SWEETIE lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began only fairly. After this, despite being ridden along, PRECIOUS SWEETIE failed to muster speed. LOOK ERAS shifted out at the start and bumped GUNNAR. From wide barriers, EVERBRAVE, MEGA RED and WINNING WAYS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 700 Metres, GUNNAR was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 650 Metres, PRECIOUS SWEETIE got its head on the side and shifted in away from EVERBRAVE which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OVERSUBSCRIBED, resulting in PRECIOUS SWEETIE being awkwardly placed outside the heels of GALAXY EMPEROR. Near the 450 Metres, WINNING WAYS raced tight outside OVERSUBSCRIBED which shifted out. GALAXY EMPEROR was held up for clear running from near the 250 Metres until after the 200 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the outside of FIRE BALL and GOUTEN OF GARO. Then near the 100 Metres, GALAXY EMPEROR again had difficulty obtaining clear running when awkwardly placed behind WE THE SOUTH. GALAXY EMPEROR was then shifted to the inside of WE THE SOUTH and over the concluding stages raced tight inside that horse. Because of these factors, GALAXY EMPEROR was not able to be tested. Passing the 200 Metres, PRECIOUS SWEETIE raced in restricted room when improving into tight running between GUNNAR and OVERSUBSCRIBED. Close to the finishing line, WINNING WAYS shifted in and brushed OVERSUBSCRIBED. When questioned regarding the performance of FIRE BALL, J Moreira stated that he was instructed to lead if possible, however, if the riders of other runners were intent on leading, he should take a trailing position behind those horses. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages and was able to obtain a position outside GOUTEN OF GARO. He said after crossing GOUTEN OF GARO approaching the 800 Metres, LOOK ERAS and HAPPY GOOD GUYS were being hard ridden to his outside and he believed that he would have had to ride FIRE BALL along for some distance to prevent those horses from crossing FIRE BALL. He said as it was explained to him that it was acceptable to obtain a trailing position, he felt that it was in the best interests of FIRE BALL to obtain a trailing position behind LOOK ERAS rather than continue to ride his mount along and then not be able to finish off the race. He said making the turn after the 600 Metres FIRE BALL lay out towards the heels of HAPPY GOOD GUYS. He said after being awkwardly placed behind LOOK ERAS after the 400 Metres, he shifted FIRE BALL to the inside of that horse at the entrance to the Straight with a view to obtaining a run inside LOOK ERAS, however, prior to being able to establish this position, that horse shifted in, requiring him to direct FIRE BALL to the outside of LOOK ERAS passing the 200 Metres. He added FIRE BALL did not immediately respond to his riding, however, over the concluding stages stayed on satisfactorily. He said he formed the view that FIRE BALL’s disappointing performance could be attributed to its immaturity as the horse was only having its first race start this evening. A veterinary inspection of FIRE BALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of EVERBRAVE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of LOOK ERAS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. FIRE BALL, HAPPY GOOD GUYS and WINNING WAYS were sent for sampling.

MANAGEMENT STAR was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, HARRIET JET was bumped PRETTY BAUHINIA which was taken out by ELECTRIC LIGHTNING. After this, from wide barriers, PRETTY BAUHINIA and HARRIER JET were shifted across behind runners. Also from the outside barrier, TUNG WAH GLORY was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. At the 800 Metres, HARRIET JET improved quickly behind CHARITY WINGS, resulting in HARRIET JET being checked away from the heels of that horse and shifting in, causing crowding to TUNG WAH GLORY. At the 600 Metres, MANAGEMENT STAR was bumped and then raced tight outside MISTER MONTE (G van Niekerk) which improved to the outside of LIGHTNING STEED. G van Niekerk was severely reprimanded and told that he must exercise appropriate care when shifting ground so as not to hamper other runners. He was also told to ensure that when racing tight with other runners, his elbow does not extend unnecessarily away from his body. When questioned regarding his riding of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING, Apprentice K H Chan stated that as the horse was carrying a very light weight, he was asked to obtain a forward position on the horse and lead if possible. He said if the rider of another horse was intent on leading, then it was available to him to take a sit, however, it was preferable for the horse to lead outright in tonight’s race. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount positively in the early stages to clear runners to his inside and after crossing MISTER MONTE he established somewhat a margin over LIGHTNING STEED which was racing on the rail and therefore he elected after the 1300 Metres to allow his mount to cross LIGHTNING STEED into the lead. He said after being vigorously ridden in the early stages, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING travelled keenly after the 1200 Metres as he attempted to steady the tempo. He said he was reluctant to steady ELECTRIC LIGHTNING too hard as he wished to ensure that he did not ease the tempo too dramatically and cause interference to runners behind and to ensure that other runners were not able to improve around ELECTRIC LIGHTNING and engage that horse in a speed battle. After being advised of the particularly quick section after the 1200 Metres, Apprentice Chan stated that whilst he was aware that the race was being run at a good tempo, he did not realize that it was being run quite as fast as it was and had he been aware of this he would have made more of an effort to steady the tempo than he did. Apprentice Chan was advised that his explanation would be reported and that as an apprentice jockey who has now ridden in a considerable number of races both in Hong Kong and overseas, he should be aware of the tempo that he is setting on horses and rate them such that they can finish off their race as best as they are able. A veterinary inspection of CHARITY WINGS, MISTER MONTE and MANAGEMENT STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PLAY WISE and HEAVENLY THOUGHT were sent for sampling.

SURREALISM began awkwardly and lost ground and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of VIGOR FAME which shifted out. When being steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover, BIG BANG BONG was crowded for room shortly after the start between GAYSON and PICKEN which shifted in. After travelling a short distance, NAMJONG PLUS and TOP SCORE raced tight. NAMJONG PLUS then became unbalanced when bumped by TOP SCORE which shifted out. Near the 1400 Metres, TOP SCORE was steadied away from the heels of EPIC which shifted in. Near the 450 Metres, BIG BANG BONG and GAYSON raced tight as BIG BANG BONG attempted to shift out from behind NAMJONG PLUS. In the early part of the Straight, GAYSON lay in under pressure. When questioned regarding his riding of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT, T H So stated that it was initially thought that CHUNG WAH SPIRIT should be ridden along in the early stages from the outside barrier to obtain a forward position, however, given the makeup of the field, it was felt that there would be a strong possibility that CHUNG WAH SPIRIT would be left racing wide and without cover and racing on the C+3 course, it was considered that it would be in the best interests of the horse to be shifted across behind runners to obtain cover and then be ridden for luck. He said after shifting his mount across behind runners, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT initially got out of its ground, however, after the 1300 Metres improved its position to be racing behind BIG BANG BONG. He said after initially being awkwardly placed behind that horse near the 1200 Metres, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT relaxed and was comfortable racing at the rear of the field. He said he considered improving his position after the 1000 Metres to follow GAYSON, however, as he attempted to save ground rounding the Home Turn, he elected to remain racing behind BIG BANG BONG rather than improving his position to the outside of that horse. He added approaching the 400 Metres he had improved his position to be racing behind BIG BANG BONG and when that horse was steadied and shifted to the inside of NAMJONG PLUS after initially attempting to shift to that horse’s outside, this resulted in CHUNG WAH SPIRIT being awkwardly placed behind BIG BANG BONG. He said when BIG BANG BONG shifted back in, he immediately commenced to ride his mount to improve to that horse’s outside and after balancing up CHUNG WAH SPIRIT in the early part of the Straight, he commenced to ride his mount out vigorously in the Straight and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT finished off the race well. T H So was advised that his riding of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT in the middle stages had come under notice in that he had got too far out of his ground when there was an opportunity to improve his position to follow GAYSON. He was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. When questioned regarding the performance of PICKEN, J Moreira stated that from the wide barrier he was able to obtain a forward position in the early stages as instructed without having to make too much use of the horse. He said he was able to obtain a position outside and sitting off the eventual winner VIGOR FAME and PICKEN travelled strongly in the middle stages. He said PICKEN continued to travel strongly at the 600 Metres and he anticipated that the horse would finish off the race well, however, came under heavy pressure passing the 500 Metres and despite being hard ridden did not respond to his riding. He said he continued to ride PICKEN along rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse did not quicken and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of PICKEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SURREALISM, VIGOR FAME and BIG BANG BONG were sent for sampling.

WONDER WIN began very awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of MEHBOOB, causing that horse to become unbalanced and WONDER WIN to become badly unbalanced and lose ground. VICTORY IN HAND shifted out at the start and bumped CASA DE FORCA. CASA DE FORCA then lost ground when crowded for room between VICTORY IN HAND and WILD WEST WING which was taken in by ALL BEST FRIENDS. From the outside barrier, ALL BEST FRIENDS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After travelling a short distance, THE ABRAXAS was bumped by MEHBOOB which was taken out by FANTASTIC FABIO. THE ABRAXAS then became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped TRAVEL DATUK, causing THE ABRAXAS and TRAVEL DATUK to become unbalanced and TRAVEL DATUK to also lose ground. Near the 750 Metres, FANTASTIC FABIO became unbalanced when awkwardly placed behind GRAND HARBOUR. Near the 250 Metres, Apprentice K H Chan (LORIZ) dropped his whip. Approaching the 100 Metres, WONDER WIN and CASA DE FORCA brushed. Close to the finishing line, THE ABRAXAS raced tight inside WONDER WIN which was taken in by CASA DE FORCA. When questioned regarding his riding of CASA DE FORCA, T Piccone stated that from a wide barrier and racing over 1200 Metres, it was felt that CASA DE FORCA would not have sufficient speed to obtain a forward position and therefore he should shift CASA DE FORCA across behind runners in the early stages and obtain cover. He said after trailing ALL BEST FRIENDS after the 1000 Metres, his mount was out-paced and despite him niggling CASA DE FORCA along, he was not able to maintain his position behind ALL BEST FRIENDS. He said after the 900 Metres the margin between CASA DE FORCA and ALL BEST FRIENDS increased, however, he did not feel that CASA DE FORCA was travelling strongly enough to be able to improve its position and the horse got further out of its ground near the 600 Metres. He added at all stages he was niggling his mount along to have it improve its position and it was not until after the 300 Metres that CASA DE FORCA commenced to close off the race. He said after being placed under pressure in the Straight, CASA DE FORCA finished off the race strongly over the concluding stages. T Piccone was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, it was important to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from getting too far out of their ground so that they do not have too much to do. VICTORY IN HAND and MEHBOOB were sent for sampling.

WARM THE VOICE was withdrawn on 14.1.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, WARM THE VOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. COMFORT LIFE and BEAUTY ICON bumped at the start. After this, COMFORT LIFE was steadied to obtain a position with cover from a wide barrier. SAVVY NINE and RULE THEE were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, RULE THEE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LONDON LUCKYSTAR which was steadied to obtain cover. After the 1300 Metres, TRIUMPHANT HORSE was left racing wide and without cover. After the 900 Metres, MAGNIFICENT commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed behind SOLAR WAI WAI. MAGNIFICENT continued to travel keenly and approaching the 700 Metres shifted out away from behind SOLAR WAI WAI, resulting in TRIUMPHANT HORSE being taken wider. When MAGNIFICENT (H T Mo) was shifted out, ANONYMA improved to be racing to the inside of MAGNIFICENT. MAGNIFICENT and TRIUMPHANT HORSE then raced tight and when MAGNIFICENT did not maintain its positon between SOLAR WAI WAI and TRIUMPHANT HORSE, TRIUMPHANT HORSE then resumed its positon three wide outside SOLAR WAI WAI which resulted in MAGNIFICENT, which was continuing to travel strongly, being taken in and causing ANONYMA to be crowded for some distance. In this incident, SAVVY NINE, which was racing inside ANONYMA, raced tight and became unbalanced. H T Mo was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, this incident resulted from his failure to be assertive and establish his position to the outside of SOLAR WAI WAI. He was told that he must make every endeavour to consolidate his position so as to ensure that he places his mounts in the best position to improve and also to ensure that other horses around him are not adversely affected. At the entrance to the Straight, BEAR AGAIN and SOLAR WAI WAI brushed. Passing the 200 Metres, TRIUMPHANT HORSE was steadied when racing in restricted room between MAGNIFICENT and MONGOLIAN LEGEND which shifted out. A veterinary inspection of MAGNIFICENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAR AGAIN, SOLAR WAI WAI and SAVVY NINE were sent for sampling.

After being loaded into the barriers, ALLIED AGILITY became very fractious, got down on its knees and got its head down under the front gates, resulting in M Chadwick being dislodged. ALLIED AGILITY was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was not suitable to race. Accordingly, ALLIED AGILITY was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, ALLIED AGILITY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THE RUNNER began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped G UNIT. THE WEATHERMAN and MASSIVE POCKET bumped at the start. Then from the outside barriers, THE WEATHERMAN, MASSIVE POCKET and BEAUT BEAUT were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. UNIQUE TREASURE made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly, got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in THE WEATHERMAN and MASSIVE POCKET being hampered and taken wider. At the entrance to the Straight, JUMBO HAPPINESS shifted out and bumped UNIQUE TREASURE. Near the 150 Metres, UNIQUE TREASURE was shifted out away from the heels of JUMBO HAPPINESS which lay out. A veterinary inspection of MASSIVE POCKET, FLYING GENIUS and UNIQUE TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING GENIUS, HONG KONG WIN and G UNIT were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to TEAM FORTUNE was replaced. Also on arrival at the Start, A Badel expressed concern regarding the action of BREEDERS’ STAR. BREEDERS’ STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. BREEDERS’ STAR shifted out at the start and bumped HIGHLY PROACTIVE. HIGHLY PROACTIVE and TEAM FORTUNE were then crowded for room between BREEDERS’ STAR and SHINING ACE which shifted in. COPARTNER SPIRIT bounded in the air as the start was effected and lost ground. COPARTNER SPIRIT was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, MARVEL DRAGON was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, STARLIGHT got its head on the side, lay in and bumped TEAM FORTUNE. Near the 750 Metres, COPARTNER SPIRIT commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BREEDERS’ STAR. Over the concluding stages, TAILOR MADE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MOMENTUM GALAXY and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Close to the finishing line, STARLIGHT shifted in under pressure, requiring its rider, Apprentice K H Chan, to stop riding and straighten his mount. K Teetan (HIGHLY PROACTIVE) was fined the sum of $10,000 for hitting his mount with the whip forward of the shoulder on a number of occasions approaching and passing the 100 Metres. K Teetan was placed on notice that should he offend again in a similar manner in the future, the Stewards would consider increasing the penalty which may include a suspension of his licence to ride in races. When questioned, A Badel (BREEDERS’ STAR) stated that he was not under any specific instructions on how the horse should be ridden, rather he should ride it where it was comfortable. He said after beginning awkwardly and making contact with HIGHLY PROACTIVE, he elected to shift BREEDERS’ STAR in behind MOMENTUM GALAXY in the early stages to obtain a position on the rail. He said he had intended to follow that horse, however, BREEDERS’ STAR was not comfortable in its action and he believed that he would have had to ride the horse aggressively in order to maintain its position. He said near the 900 Metres he was racing to the inside of TAILOR MADE in a position worse than midfield and when TAILOR MADE was taken in by SMILING CITY after the 900 Metres, he was of the opinion that BREEDERS’ STAR was not travelling well enough to maintain its position inside TAILOR MADE without having to be aggressively ridden and therefore he elected to take a trailing position behind TAILOR MADE rather than endeavouring to hold his position inside that horse and be interfered with. He added these factors resulted in BREEDERS’ STAR racing back in the field. HIGHLY PROACTIVE and SHINING ACE were sent for sampling.