FAIRY FLOSS shifted out at the start and bumped SPICY REALLY. MONEYMORE began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in CAPTAIN BOSS losing ground when crowded for room inside YEE CHEONG LUCKY which became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by CAPTAIN BOSS. After this, despite being hard ridden, YEE CHEONG LUCKY failed to muster speed and then travelled wide and without cover until near the 700 Metres at which time MONEYMORE was left racing wide and without cover. After travelling a short distance, FLYING EMPEROR and GOOD CHOICE AHEAD were crowded for room between SPICY REALLY and BIG BULLY which shifted in before being taken in further by KEEP GOING which shifted in after racing tight inside MISCHIEVOUS SUNDAE which was awkwardly placed inside GENERAL TRUMP which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, SPICY REALLY became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by FLYING EMPEROR. Approaching the 900 Metres, MISCHIEVOUS SUNDAE momentarily raced in restricted room inside MONEYMORE which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to MISCHIEVOUS SUNDAE. Also approaching the 900 Metres, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD was crowded for room inside BIG BULLY which got its head on the side and shifted in away from the heels of KEEP GOING. GOOD CHOICE AHEAD then made the turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly and brushed the running rail. Rounding the Home Turn, FLYING EMPEROR commenced to give ground and then in the early part of the Straight gave further ground abruptly and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of FLYING EMPEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Having regard to FLYING EMPEROR’s recent racing record, the margins that the horse had been beaten in those races and that FLYING EMPEROR was beaten 35 lengths in this event, the Stewards ruled that it must undergo a series of consecutive satisfactory barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination prior to being permitted to race again. Near the 250 Metres, KEEP GOING was steadied away from the heels of SPICY REALLY which shifted out under pressure. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he was instructed to lead on FAIRY FLOSS. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode FAIRY FLOSS along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said both JIMSON THE DRAGON and ALL BEST FRIENDS maintained their position inside FAIRY FLOSS in the early stages and for this reason he had to ride his mount along for some distance to clear those horses. He said after obtaining the lead near the 900 Metres FAIRY FLOSS, which had blinkers reapplied today, over-raced and would not settle. He said he endeavoured to have the horse race more tractably, however, FAIRY FLOSS continued to travel strongly in the lead which resulted in the pace being faster than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of YEE CHEONG LUCKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ALL BEST FRIENDS and GENERAL TRUMP were sent for sampling.

SKYEY SUPREME and MISSION SMART began awkwardly. COMFORT LIFE began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped NATURAL STORM which was crowded for room inside CARE FREE PRINCE. JOY MASTER began very awkwardly, shifted in and bumped WINNING TOGETHER, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. JOY MASTER was then ridden along for a short distance, however, was subsequently shifted across behind to obtain cover when unable to improve its position. From wide barriers, WINNING TOGETHER and FUN TIMES were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1200 Metres, HAPPY ICHIBAN raced tight inside BEST FOR YOU which was taken in marginally by HINYUEN SWIFTNESS. After the 1100 Metres, BEST FOR YOU travelled keenly and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind HINYUEN SWIFTNESS. After the 1000 Metres, NATURAL STORM travelled keenly when racing behind BEST FOR YOU. Passing the 800 Metres, COMFORT LIFE (M F Poon) became badly unbalanced and lost ground abruptly. M F Poon stated that he was unable to offer any reason for this occurrence other than that the horse may have been galloped on behind. When COMFORT LIFE lost ground, OLD HAVANA, which was following that horse, was checked away from the heels of COMFORT LIFE in consequence passing the 750 Metres. A veterinary inspection of COMFORT LIFE immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor wound to the outside of the right front pastern. Before being allowed to race again, COMFORT LIFE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 700 Metres and again passing the 600 Metres, MISSION SMART was awkwardly placed behind NATURAL STORM. Passing the 350 Metres, SKYEY SUPREME was shifted out away from the heels of COURAGEOUS DRAGON. Approaching the 300 Metres, MISSION SMART was shifted out away from the heels of FUN TIMES. Throughout the race, DESTINE JEWELLERY travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the riding out of HINYUEN SWIFTNESS close to the finishing line did not affect that horse’s finishing position, Apprentice K H Chan was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he rides his mounts out to the best of his ability all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. After the race, M Chadwick reported that WINNING TOGETHER made an abnormal breathing noise during the race. An endoscopic examination of WINNING TOGETHER did not reveal any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DESTINE JEWELLERY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEST FOR YOU and HINYUEN SWIFTNESS were sent for sampling.

JIANGXI STAMINA began awkwardly. DECISIVE ACTION and HEZA BEAUTY were slow to begin. INTERSTELLAR shifted in abruptly at the start, resulting in TAILOR MADE being hampered. Despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages, SUPREME WITNESS was slow to muster speed. SPEEDY MISSILE proved difficult to settle approaching and passing the 1000 Metres. Passing the 700 Metres, YEE CHEONG PEGASUS was left racing wide and without cover. FORTUNE BRILLIANT got its head up near the 550 Metres when being steadied away from the heels of EVAN ALMIGHTY. Passing the 400 Metres. FORTUNE BRILLIANT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EVAN ALMIGHTY when attempting to improve between that horse and SPEEDY MISSILE. Also passing the 400 Metres, SUPREME WITNESS was bumped by DIAMOND KING which improved to the outside of BREEZE OF SPRING. HEZA BEAUTY had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 300 Metres. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of FORTUNE BRILLIANT which he said weakened after travelling satisfactorily throughout the early and middle stages. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of FORTUNE BRILLIANT, informed the Stewards that it was his intention to give the horse a let-up following today’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE BRILLIANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HERO STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YEE CHEONG PEGASUS and BREEZE OF SPRING were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, DEFINING MOMENT kicked out and consequently began only fairly. KING’S MAN was slow to begin. SHINEALOT shifted out at the start, resulting in DRAGON COMMANDER being crowded for room inside CROWN AVENUE. HAPPY ROCKY was steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, KING’S MAN raced tight inside BULLISH GLORY. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, ABOVE and EXALTATION bumped. After the 1400 Metres, GOOD DAYS was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 700 Metres, CHEERFUL STAR got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of DRAGON COMMANDER. DEFINING MOMENT, which was following CHEERFUL STAR, was hampered in consequence. Passing the 700 Metres, GOOD DAYS and EXALTATION bumped as EXALTATION improved to the outside of SHINEALOT as GOOD DAYS improved quickly to its outside. After this, EXALTATION raced in restricted room for some distance and near the 550 Metres was steadied when unable to proceed between GOOD DAYS and SHINEALOT which shifted to the outside of CROWN AVENUE. CHEERFUL STAR was held up for a run rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight and after the 350 Metres was directed to the outside of DRAGON COMMANDER to obtain clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, DEFINING MOMENT was held up for clear running and was shifted in away from the heels of CHEERFUL STAR passing the 300 Metres to obtain a run. A veterinary inspection of DEFINING MOMENT, YOU HAVE MY WORD and MURRAY’S PARTNERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LONDON HALL and ABOVE were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, BRAVE KING became fractious and bumped the outside of its stall, resulting in the horse being slow to begin. UNIQUE TREASURE was tightened for room on jumping between RIGHT HONOURABLE and STAY CHILL, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barrier, FEARLESS FIRE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, UNIQUE TREASURE, which was traveling keenly, got its head up when being shifted in behind SPECIAL STARS which was steadied to obtain cover behind SUPER JUNIOR. After this, UNIQUE TREASURE continued to prove very difficult to settle and passing the 1000 Metres again got its head up when awkwardly placed behind SPECIAL STARS. GRATEFUL HEART made the turn after the 900 Metres awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in ALL IN MIND being steadied away from the heels of that horse near the 850 Metres. GRATEFUL HEART then travelled keenly in the middle stages. For some distance after the 800 Metres, FEARLESS FIRE commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of VICTORIAM which was awkwardly placed behind SPECIAL STARS. VICTORIAM then shifted out away from the heels of SPECIAL STARS approaching the 700 Metres. HERCULES, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. LUCKY PUZZLE commenced to lay out after the 600 Metres and then hung out rounding the Home Turn. Passing the 400 Metres, ALL IN MIND raced in restricted room inside STAR LUCK. Near the 350 Metres, HERCULES was shifted out across the heels of LUCKY PUZZLE to obtain clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, UNIQUE TREASURE was shifted out from behind ALL IN MIND to obtain clear running. At the 250 Metres, UNIQUE TREASURE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ALL IN MIND. Passing the 150 Metres, HERCULES was awkwardly placed outside the heels of VICTORIAM which shifted out under pressure. Passing the 100 Metres, HERCULES was shifted to the inside of VICTORIAM and then close to the finishing line was shifted in away from the heels of RIGHT HONOURABLE. Approaching the 100 Metres, GRATEFUL HEART shifted out and bumped STAR LUCK, causing both horses to become unbalanced and GRATEFUL HEART to shift in and inconvenience GOOD BEAUTY. Throughout the race, STAR LUCK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Moreira stated that after discussing race tactics with connections in the Parade Ring, it was agreed, from a wide barrier, to ride VICTORIAM in about a midfield position if possible. He said because of the circumstances of the race he had to position VICTORIAM slightly further back in the field than had been anticipated and he was able to obtain cover behind SPECIAL STARS near the 900 Metres just worse than midfield. He said VICTORIAM over-raced in the middle stages and he had to shift his mount away from the heels of SPECIAL STARS, however, remained racing with cover. He said he shifted VICTORIAM to the outside of LUCKY PUZZLE rounding the Home Turn and the horse commenced to improve into the race, however, at the 300 Metres became unbalanced in its action and then did not finish off the race as strongly as he anticipated. He said he continued to ride his mount along all the way to the end of the race, however, he was not happy with the action of VICTORIAM over the concluding stages. He added VICTORIAM pulled up very quickly after the race and again did not feel comfortable in its action when returning to the unsaddling area. Mr K W Lui, the trainer of VICTORIAM, stated that he had no preconceived idea on how VICTORIAM should be ridden prior to speaking to Jockey Moreira about the matter in the Parade Ring. He said after discussing race tactics with Jockey Moreira, it was felt that too much use of VICTORIAM may have to be made in the early stages to cross from a wide barrier which would compromise the horse’s ability to finish off the race. He said it was therefore decided that it would be best for VICTORIAM to obtain a midfield position with cover if possible. A veterinary inspection of VICTORIAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORIAM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BRAVE KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORIAM, GOOD BEAUTY and STAR LUCK were sent for sampling.

Just prior to the start being effected, ROMAN IMPERO became fractious and lifted its front feet off the ground as the gates opened and consequently began only fairly. ROMAN IMPERO was then taken out on jumping by TREASURE CHEST which shifted out, resulting in KING DRAGON, which also began only fairly, being bumped and losing ground. After this, ROMAN IMPERO was ridden along to obtain a forward position and subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Shortly after the start, ARDENODE shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of WONDER EXPRESS. After travelling a short distance, WONDER EXPRESS was steadied to obtain cover when racing wide. After the 1200 Metres, DRAGON BOLT commenced to prove very difficult to settle and for a considerable distance after the 1100 Metres was checked away from the heels of CASIMIRO. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, TREASURE CHEST raced tight inside CIRCUIT HASSLER. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, V CHEVALIERS was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running and then after the 150 Metres was shifted to the outside of WONDER EXPRESS after being disappointed for running between that horse and ARDENODE. For the majority of the race, KING DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON BOLT and THE ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CASIMIRO and JUNEAU PARK were sent for sampling.

PLAYA DEL PUENTE began awkwardly. BEAUTY LEGACY was crowded for room on jumping between GOLDEN SIXTY which shifted in abruptly and WORLD FAMOUS which shifted out marginally. In this incident, WORLD FAMOUS became unbalanced due to contact on its hindquarters from BEAUTY LEGACY. From wide barriers, ENJOYING and MORE THAN THIS were steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance after the 1300 Metres, BEAUTY LEGACY proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of PRIVATE SECRETARY. GOLDEN SIXTY was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 250 Metres raced in restricted room when improving into tight running between CHAMPION’S WAY and MORE THAN THIS. PRIVATE SECRETARY was held up for clear running after the 300 Metres. BEAUTY LEGACY was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY LEGACY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN SIXTY and CHAMPION’S WAY were sent for sampling.

EASY GO EASY WIN was withdrawn on 22.2.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, EASY GO EASY WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HELENE CHARISMA was slow to begin. CHEFANO became unbalanced and lost ground on jumping when badly crowded for room between HELENE LEADINGSTAR and SUPER OASIS which got its head on the side and shifted out away from ENRICHMENT which also shifted out on jumping. In this incident, SUPER OASIS and in particular HELENE LEADINGSTAR also became badly unbalanced as a result of contact on the hindquarters from CHEFANO. From the outside barriers, GLORIOUS ARTIST and TIANCHI MONSTER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early part of the Straight, GLORIOUS ARTIST raced tight inside HELENE CHARISMA which got its head on the side and shifted in away from GLORIOUS DRAGON. Then near the 350 Metres, GLORIOUS ARTIST was steadied when disappointed for running inside HELENE CHARISMA which continued to lay in when racing tight inside GLORIOUS DRAGON. After the 400 Metres, AMAZING BEATS and ENRICHMENT raced tight. GLORIOUS DRAGON was held up for clear running from passing the 300 Metres until approaching the 200 Metres. HELENE CHARISMA was held up for clear running passing the 300 Metres. In the Straight, COLUMBUS COUNTY lay in under pressure, proved difficult to ride and passing the 200 Metres shifted in, resulting in AMAZING BEATS racing tight to its inside. COLUMBUS COUNTY continued to lay in and near the 150 Metres bumped AMAZING BEATS. Then over the concluding stages, AMAZING BEATS raced tight inside COLUMBUS COUNTY which continued to lay in away from SUPER OASIS. Close to the finishing line, AMAZING BEATS, COLUMBUS COUNTY and SUPER OASIS all raced tight. Over the concluding stages, HELENE CHARISMA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER OASIS and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. AMAZING BEATS and COLUMBUS COUNTY were sent for sampling.

LOOKING GOOD was withdrawn on 21.2.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (colic) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FLYING ON THE TURF (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, LOOKING GOOD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GAMEPLAYER TIMES was crowded for room on jumping between HIGH RISE SOLDIER and SEATTLE CHOICE, both of which shifted ground. SUNSHINE WARRIOR shifted in at the start and bumped SALTO OLIMPICO. FLYING ON THE TURF shifted in at the start and bumped UNICORNBABY which in turn shifted in and made contact with CHARIZARD which became unbalanced and in turn shifted in and brushed the hindquarters of FOLLOW ME which also became unbalanced. After this, FOLLOW ME and CHARIZARD were steadied to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, HANG’S DECISION was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For some distance passing the 1000 Metres, HOME MADE proved very difficult to settle and making the turn near the 900 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED (H Bowman) which shifted in when not properly clear. H Bowman was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. Passing the 900 Metres, CHARIZARD, which was racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE WARRIOR. After the 900 Metres, UNICORNBABY was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, HOME MADE and SUNSHINE WARRIOR raced tight as HOME MADE, which was continuing to travel keenly, attempted to shift out away from the heels of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED. This resulted in HOME MADE being awkwardly placed behind TAKE WHAT YOU NEED for some distance approaching the 600 Metres due to SUNSHINE WARRIOR maintaining its position outside HOME MADE. In this incident, SUNSHINE WARRIOR became unbalanced due to pressure on its hindquarters from HOME MADE. CHARIZARD, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE WARRIOR approaching the 600 Metres. FOLLOW ME, which was following CHARIZARD, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 350 Metres, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was held up for clear running when racing in restricted room between HIGH RISE SOLDIER and FLYING ON THE TURF. A veterinary inspection of CHARIZARD 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 SUNSHINE WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY GENERALS immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY GENERALS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SEATTLE CHOICE and TAKE WHAT YOU NEED were sent for sampling.

SUPER FAST shifted in at the start and made contact with the hindquarters of TOP MILITARY. LIGHT MY DAY and MONICA bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, ENZEMBLE raced tight between GO BALLISTIC and MR ALDAN which was racing tight inside the heels of COBY BA. After this, GO BALLISTIC and MR ALDAN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1400 Metres, SMART PATCH was steadied away from the heels of ENZEMBLE (G van Niekerk) which shifted in when not properly clear. G van Niekerk was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Passing the 900 Metres, COBY BA was left racing wide and without cover. SUPER ELEGANCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOP MILITARY passing the 500 Metres. SUPER FAST was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight until near the 300 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, COBY BA shifted out and bumped ENZEMBLE. SMART PATCH was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 300 Metres. The performance of ARCATRAZ and LIGHT MY DAY, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ARCATRAZ and LIGHT MY DAY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, A Badel stated that he was not given any specific instructions on how to ride SMART PATCH due to having drawn awkwardly in barrier 9. He said SMART PATCH began well but he did not believe that the horse would show sufficient pace to be able to clear MONICA which was drawn immediately to his inside and then horses which were drawn inside MONICA and which were being ridden to obtain a forward position. He said he therefore elected to shift SMART PATCH across with a view to following MONICA in the run. He said after being hampered near the 1400 Metres SMART PATCH was required to race further back in the field than he had anticipated. He added however that he was of the belief that had he have ridden SMART PATCH along in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a prominent position, due to the circumstances of the race, the horse may have been left racing wide and possibly without cover. MR ALDAN and MONICA were sent for sampling.