OH BRAVO and BLAZING BEAT bumped at the start. BLAZING BEAT then shifted out and bumped SUPER FAST. Passing the 1100 Metres, FAIRY FLOSS travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LONDON LUCKYSTAR. Then approaching and passing the 700 Metres, FAIRY FLOSS commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when racing close to the heels of LADY FIRST. After the 300 Metres, TOYCOON shifted out under pressure, resulting in BLAZING BEAT being crowded for room and taken out onto SUPER FAST which was racing tight inside OH BRAVO. This resulted in BLAZING BEAT bumping the hindquarters of SUPER FAST, causing BLAZING BEAT to be hampered. LONDON LUCKYSTAR, which was following, was shifted in away from the heels of BLAZING BEAT in consequence. Over the concluding stages, GAMEPLAYER TIMES got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he was instructed to ride SUPER FAST positively in the early stages and obtain a forward position. He said if possible, from the outside barrier, he was asked to try and lead, however, if another horse was intent on leading, then it was acceptable for him to take a trailing position. He said after beginning only fairly he rode SUPER FAST along for a considerable distance in the early stages in an attempt to clear runners to his inside. He said, despite being ridden along, SUPER FAST was slow to muster speed and passing the winning post on the first occasion was left racing in a three wide position and without cover. He said he allowed SUPER FAST to remain racing outside the leaders rounding the turn with a view to improving his position forward of BLAZING BEAT along the Back Straight. He said he felt he was able to do this because the tempo at the relevant time, in his opinion, was not fast. He said making the turn near the 1200 Metres he observed BLAZING BEAT travelling strongly between SUPER FAST and TOYCOON, however, due to the tempo, he believed that there was an option to improve into the lead, accordingly he urged his mount forward after the 1200 Metres. He said, despite being ridden along, SUPER FAST was unable to show sufficient speed to cross BLAZING BEAT and this resulted in SUPER FAST travelling wide and without cover throughout the race. He added that the horse was carrying top weight in today’s race and this may have contributed to SUPER FAST not being able to show the necessary speed to cross runners to its inside. When questioned, A Badel stated that approaching the 1200 Metres OH BRAVO became unbalanced when having to be steadied away from the heels of EL JEFE. He said as the tempo of the race at this time was not strong, he elected to shift to the outside of EL JEFE as he was aware that SUPER FAST was racing in a three wide position without cover outside the lead and he felt that it was the best option to allow his mount to improve its position to follow SUPER FAST if possible rather than having to restrain away from the heels of EL JEFE. He said as he was improving his position, EL JEFE shifted out from behind LADY FIRST into a three wide position which resulted in OH BRAVO being taken out to a four wide position without cover. He added as he had already commenced to improve his position, he elected to continue forward of EL JEFE rather than restrain his mount behind that horse which resulted in OH BRAVO then racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. When questioned regarding the performance of FAIRY FLOSS, J Moreira stated that, in his opinion, the circumstances of the race provided the reason for the horse not being able to close off. He said making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion he had to steady away from the heels of LONDON LUCKYSTAR which was being steadied. He said this resulted in FAIRY FLOSS racing further back in the field than he had hoped. He said at various times in the middle stages FAIRY FLOSS travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to heels. He added that rounding the Home Turn when he attempted to gain momentum on FAIRY FLOSS, he again had to steady away from the heels of runners in front which meant that FAIRY FLOSS was not able to quicken as he would have liked. He said after obtaining clear running on FAIRY FLOSS near the 300 Metres, his mount finished off the race satisfactorily in his opinion given the manner in which the race had been run. A veterinary inspection of FAIRY FLOSS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of EL JEFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAIRY FLOSS, GAMEPLAYER TIMES and TOYCOON were sent for sampling.

KOWLOON EAST STAR shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in MASTER AQUA being hampered when crowded for room inside SPARTAN MISSILE which shifted out after being brushed by MASTER AQUA. CIRCUIT SEVEN shifted out at the start and hampered CORDYCEPS SIX. Shortly after the start, G ONE EXCELLENT shifted out and inconvenienced FOXHUNTER WAY. KOWLOON EAST STAR lost its right front plate shortly after the start. Passing the 950 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX raced tight outside CIRCUIT SEVEN which shifted out. Passing the 700 Metres, FOXHUNTER WAY was checked and lost ground when crowded for room between GLENEALY GENERALS and G ONE EXCELLENT which was taken out by CORDYCEPS SIX which in turn was taken out by SPARTAN MISSILE which, when being crossed by CARRY THE DIAMOND, got is head on the side and shifted out. As the Stewards were satisfied that the rider of SPARTAN MISSILE was making every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting out and rather it was a case of SPARTAN MISSILE racing greenly at this time and laying out, no further action was taken. Passing the 500 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX raced tight outside the heels of MASTER AQUA which itself was racing tight outside EIGHT TRIGRAMS. Approaching the 300 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX was steadied and directed in a number of horses to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX shifted out and brushed EIGHT TRIGRAMS. Passing the 100 Metres, MASTER AQUA was steadied when tightened for room between CARRY THE DIAMOND (M Chadwick) which shifted in under pressure and EIGHT TRIGRAMS which shifted out marginally. M Chadwick was told that whilst the shift from EIGHT TRIGRAMS had contributed to this crowding, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 50 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLENEALY GENERALS, J Moreira stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages when racing behind CIRCUIT SEVEN. He said after shifting to the inside of that horse approaching the 400 Metres, GLENEALY GENERALS was able to obtain clear running, however, when placed under pressure after the 400 Metres did not respond to his riding and after this was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing run. A veterinary inspection GLENEALY GENERALS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of GLENEALY GENERALS, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY GENERALS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MASTER AQUA and CIRCUIT SEVEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLENEALY GENERALS, CORDYCEPS SIX and SMART IDEA were sent for sampling.

SINCERE BOY was withdrawn on 18.9.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, SINCERE BOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CROWN AVENUE shifted out at the start and hampered LUCKY PUZZLE. From a wide barrier, AMAZING BOY was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages and lost its left front plate. Despite being vigorously ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CROWN AVENUE failed to muster speed. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TURF BRILLIANT momentarily raced in restricted room between MISTER MONTE which shifted out and EL VALIENTE which was racing tight inside APOLAR WARRIOR. Making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion, APOLAR WARRIOR was bumped by ALL BEST FRIENDS which was racing tight inside ZELUS. EL VALIENTE, which was racing inside APOLAR WARRIOR, was inconvenienced in consequence. Near the 1450 Metres, ZELUS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY VICTOR (M L Yeung) which shifted in when not properly clear. M L Yeung was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. T Piccone (ZELUS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of APOLAR WARRIOR, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of EL VALIENTE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, T Piccone was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 6 October 2021 and to expire on Monday, 11 October 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, RUBY STARS, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed behind LUCKY VICTOR. Near the 750 Metres, AMAZING BOY raced tight outside TURF BRILLIANT which shifted out marginally. Throughout the race, LUCKY PUZZLE travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that after being checked near the 1400 Metres, EL VALIENTE travelled satisfactorily and after coming under pressure prior to the Home Turn finished off the race only fairly. He added that he had ridden EL VALIENTE in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race and that trial was good, however, he felt that the horse may improve on today’s race. A veterinary inspection of EL VALIENTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MISTER MONTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EL VALIENTE, APOLAR WARRIOR and CROWN AVENUE were sent for sampling.

LUCKY MARYKNOLL shifted out at the start and bumped MOON PEAKS. MEGA BONUS shifted in on jumping and bumped TOUCH FAITH. DAILY BEAUTY was steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start. HAPPY TIME began only fairly and then was steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, TREASURE OF FIELD was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1100 Metres, HAPPY DAILY, which was travelling keenly when being steadied to obtain cover, was brushed and taken wider by MOON PEAKS which shifted out marginally. This resulted in HAPPY DAILY shifting out and bumping MY ECSTATIC which was crowded for room inside TOUCH FAITH. After brushing HAPPY DAILY, MOON PEAKS then shifted out after the 1100 Metres which resulted in HAPPY DAILY, which was continuing to travel keenly, being taken out further onto MY ECSTATIC which was badly hampered after being bumped by HAPPY DAILY. When MY ECSTATIC was taken out, KING OF THE COURT, which was racing outside that horse, was inconvenienced in consequence. Passing the 700 Metres, MEGA BONUS became unbalanced when crowded for room between HONEY BEE which shifted in marginally and TOUCH FAITH which got its head on the side and made the turn awkwardly. In this incident, MEGA BONUS bumped the hindquarters of HONEY BEE which shifted in further, resulting in MEGA BONUS being further crowded for room and losing ground. Passing the 250 Metres, HAPPY DAILY was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of TOUCH FAITH which was giving ground. Throughout the race, HONEY BEE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. The performance of HONEY BEE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HONEY BEE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HONEY BEE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, H Bentley stated that he was instructed to obtain a midfield position with cover on MEGA BONUS. He said after beginning well there were a considerable number of horses positioned to his inside and he felt that he would have had to restrain MEGA BONUS to obtain a position as instructed. He said he then allowed MEGA BONUS to take up a forward position in the hope of being able to cross runners to his inside, however, MEGA BONUS was required to travel wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of TOUCH FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY MARYKNOLL, HAPPY TIME and KING OF THE COURT were sent for sampling.

ROBOT WARRIOR began only fairly. COPARTNER ERA shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced SUPER ELEGANCE. After this, COPARTNER ERA and SUPER ELEGANCE were steadied to obtain cover. PARTY EVERYDAY shifted out at the start and bumped FREE FOAL. Shortly after the start, DRAGON COMMANDER shifted in and brushed CHEERFUL LEADER. Approaching the 1000 Metres, COPARTNER ERA and DRAGON COMMANDER raced tight. After the 1000 Metres, HAPPY WIN WIN was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 900 Metres, SUPER ELEGANCE was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 800 Metres, PARTY EVERYDAY became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of SPEED FAY FAY. Passing the 400 Metres, FREE FOAL shifted out marginally. PARTY EVERYDAY, which was racing inside FREE FOAL and behind SPEED FAY FAY, attempted to shift out with FREE FOAL. When FREE FOAL was corrected by its rider, this resulted in the horse shifting in marginally and bumping PARTY EVERYDAY, causing FREE FOAL to become unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters and PARTY EVERYDAY to be hampered. Passing the 200 Metres, ROBOT WARRIOR shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of TAILOR MADE. Approaching the 100 Metres, CHEERFUL LEADER raced tight outside the heels of TAILOR MADE which shifted out marginally under pressure. PARTY EVERYDAY raced with its head on the side and lay out over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FREE FOAL, M Chadwick stated that he had ridden the horse in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, the horse had performed only fairly in that trial albeit it was conducted on the All Weather Track. He said in today’s race FREE FOAL was able to obtain a forward position in the early stages without having to be used up to do so. He said when SPEED FAY FAY was showing speed outside FREE FOAL to lead the race, he allowed that horse to cross FREE FOAL passing the 1000 Metres. He said he placed FREE FOAL under pressure rounding the Home Turn and the horse initially stayed on satisfactorily, however, FREE FOAL gave ground over the concluding stages and he attributed to the horse’s condition giving out. He added he was of the opinion that FREE FOAL would improve from the race. A veterinary inspection of FREE FOAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON COMMANDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DECISIVE ACTION and SPEED FAY FAY were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, EMERALD SPUR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. Also on arrival at the Start, L Ferraris expressed concern regarding the action of ENCOURAGED. A veterinary examination of ENCOURAGED found that horse to be lame in its left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, ENCOURAGED was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, ENCOURAGED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SWIFT SPIRIT began only fairly and then was bumped on jumping by TELECOM ELITE which shifted in. From wide barriers, EMERALD SPUR, THE JOLLY and PRESIDENT’S CHOICE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, SUNNY BABY was steadied away from the heels of FLYING VICTORY which in turn was racing tight inside COUNTRY BOY (A Badel) which shifted in. A short distance after this, FLYING VICTORY was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of COUNTRY BOY which again shifted in. A Badel was advised to ensure that he exercises more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 1000 Metres, NOBLE STEED became unbalanced when crowded for room inside BEAUTY SPIRIT which got its head on the side and lay in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TELECOM ELITE. EMERALD SPUR, which was following, BEAUTY SPIRIT, was inconvenienced in consequence. Near the 750 Metres, TELECOM ELITE commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of SUNNY BABY. BEAUTY SPIRIT, which was following TELECOM ELITE, was hampered and shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. THE JOLLY was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of SWIFT SPIRIT to obtain clear running. Approaching the 100 Metres, FLYING VICTORY momentarily raced tight between KUNG FU TEA and COUNTRY BOY. After the 1000 Metres, KUNG FU TEA was left racing wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BEAUTY SPIRIT, J Moreira stated that he was instructed to ride the horse positively in the early stages and it was envisaged that BEAUTY SPIRIT may be able to obtain a position behind the leaders. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along for some distance in the early stages, however, BEAUTY SPIRIT did not show any early speed and, despite being ridden along, got back in the field. He said he had to continually ride his mount along approaching and passing the 1200 Metres in an endeavour to have BEAUTY SPIRIT be as handy as possible, however, the horse would not respond to his riding and because of this raced much further back in the field than had been intended. He added BEAUTY SPIRIT travelled only fairly in the middle stages and after briefly being awkwardly placed outside the heels of TELECOM ELITE rounding the Home Turn the horse did not respond to his riding in the Straight and was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He said BEAUTY SPIRIT was fine during and after the race and he therefore was not able to offer any reason for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BEAUTY SPIRIT, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY SPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of EMERALD SPUR, FLYING VICTORY and SWIFT SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY SPIRIT, SOLAR POWER and SUNNY BABY were sent for sampling.

CALIFORNIA TEN was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. From the outside barrier, ENTRUSTED was steadied in the early stages to obtain over. GREEN LASER was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Passing the 1300 Metres, LEAP OF FAITH was shifted in away from the heels of SOULMATE (M L Yeung) which shifted ground when not properly clear. M L Yeung was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. MR ALDAN got its head on the side and made the Home Turn very awkwardly. Passing the 400 Metres, LEAP OF FAITH was disappointed for running between SOULMATE and ENZEMBLE which, after shifting out marginally, then shifted back in. As the Stewards were of the opinion that LEAP OF FAITH had not established clear running between SOULMATE and ENZEMBLE, no further action was taken. LEAP OF FAITH then continued to race in restricted room between SOULMATE and ENZEMBLE when attempting to improve into running which did not fully exist and this resulted in LEAP OF FAITH being eased passing the 250 Metres when unable to continue attempting to improve between ENZEMBLE and SOULMATE, both of which shifted a minimal amount of ground. A veterinary inspection of LEAP OF FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Approaching the 300 Metres, ARTHUR’S KINGDOM got its head on the side and lay in and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ABOVE. Close to the finishing line, ARTHUR’S KINGDOM was shifted out away from the heels of MR ALDAN which shifted out. After the race, C Y Ho reported that ARTHUR’S KINGDOM continued to lay in and proved very difficult to ride close to the finishing line. The Veterinary Officer reported that CALIFORNIA TEN (Apprentice C L Chau) was found to be marked following the race which he considered to be graded as mild. Apprentice Chau was find the sum of $10,000. LEAP OF FAITH, ENTRUSTED and ENZEMBLE were sent for sampling.

When proceeding to the Start, L Ferraris was dislodged from THE HULK at about the 1400 Metre mark and then proceeded riderless up the 1800 Metre chute. After being led back to the Start, THE HULK was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was sound and accordingly was suitable to race. After the race, L Ferraris reported that after shifting THE HULK across behind runners in the early stages, the horse was reluctant to stretch out and after riding his mount along for a short distance to see whether THE HULK would respond, he eased the horse down passing the 900 Metres when it did not respond. A veterinary inspection of THE HULK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, THE HULK which tailed out throughout the race, will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STAR OF GLORY began only fairly and then shifted out towards the heels of JADE PHOENIX. EQUALETTA BLITZ began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was bumped by NAMJONG SINGS which shifted in. From wide barriers, COPARTNER AMBITION and BABY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain cover behind ELIGERE, EQUALETTA BLITZ was awkwardly placed outside the heels of that horse passing the 1100 Metres. Near the 950 Metres, BABY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STAR OF GLORY. CALIFORNIA CIBLE made the first turn near the 900 Metres awkwardly and shifted out. Passing the 600 Metres, JADE PHOENIX was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DROPS OF GOD. ELIGERE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres bumped JADE PHOENIX when being shifted to the outside of DROPS OF GOD in an attempt to obtain clear running. ELIGERE was then awkwardly placed behind DROPS OF GOD passing the 50 Metres as that horse drifted out marginally under pressure. Passing the 100 Metres, ELIGERE, STAR OF YUEN LONG and NAMJONG SINGS raced tight. A veterinary inspection of EQUALETTA BLITZ and JADE PHOENIX immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DROPS OF GOD, NAMJONG SINGS and CALIFORNIA CIBLE were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, Z Purton expressed concern regarding the action of PERFECT PAIR. A veterinary examination of PERFECT PAIR found that horse to be lame in its right front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, PERFECT PAIR was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT PAIR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER OASIS and CHARITY GRACE bumped at the start. HAPPY LAND began awkwardly. Then shortly after the start, HAPPY LAND commenced to travel keenly when being steadied to obtain cover and near the 1350 Metres became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARITY GRACE. SPLENDID LIVING also began awkwardly, shifted out at the start and bumped HORSESAIN BOLT. After this, HORSESAIN BOLT was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barriers, KASI FARASI and HELENE ALLIBOR were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. After the 1000 Metres, STAR PERFORMANCE travelled keenly. Throughout the race, SPLENDID LIVING raced greenly and near the 300 Metres got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly under pressure, resulting in its rider having to stop riding and correct his mount. Passing the 250 Metres, CHARITY GRACE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SUPER OASIS which shifted out and away from TEMPEST EXPRESS. Near the 50 Metres, SUPER OASIS raced tight outside the heels of TEMPEST EXPRESS. A veterinary inspection of SUPER OASIS and HORSESAIN BOLT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DRAGON FORTUNE and HALL OF CHAMP were sent for sampling.

CHARITY FUN was withdrawn on 17.9.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front tendon injury). Before being allowed to race again, CHARITY FUN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAUTY FIT began awkwardly and lost ground. From the outside barriers, SUPER FOOTBALL and HELENE WISDOM STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CHARITY GO failed to muster speed. Passing the 1300 Metres, C P BRAVE was crowded for room inside CELESTIAL POWER (M F Poon) which attempted to shift in behind the leader HIGHLAND FORTUNE and in front of C P BRAVE. As CELESTIAL POWER was attempting to shift in behind HIGHLAND FORTUNE, that horse was steadied by its rider which resulted in the room between HIGHLAND FORTUNE and C P BRAVE being reduced. When C P BRAVE was crowded for room, CELESTIAL POWER was directed out to relieve the tightening to C P BRAVE. ZEBROWSKI, which was following CELESTIAL POWER, was awkwardly placed behind CELESTIAL POWER in consequence. M F Poon was advised that whilst HIGHLAND FORTUNE was being steadied in the lead, nonetheless the manoeuvre that he attempted required some degree of inconvenience to C P BRAVE and accordingly he was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 1100 Metres, SUPER FOOTBALL was steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE WARRIOR which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ZEBROWSKI which in turn was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CELESTIAL POWER (M F Poon) which was being steadied to obtain cover behind THE ROCK. M F Poon was reprimanded and warned against the practice of steadying his mounts in such a manner as to cause other horses to be hampered. Passing the 900 Metres, FLYING QUEST was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 200 Metre, SUPER FOOTBALL was bumped by CHARITY GO which shifted to the outside of ZEBROWSKI to obtain clear running after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. When questioned, K Teetan (HIGHLAND FORTUNE) stated that after racing on the rail in the lead throughout the race, HIGHLAND FORTUNE made the Home Turn well and did not shift any ground. He said however that after placing his mount under pressure in the early part of the Straight, HIGHLAND FORTUNE commenced to lay out away from the rail despite his attempts to have it continue to race close to the rail. He said he turned his mount’s head inwards for a considerable distance after the 300 Metres to prevent HIGHLAND FORTUNE from shifting out, however, he was not able to prevent that horse from shifting ground. He said because of the manner in which HIGHLAND FORTUNE was racing, he was not able to properly ride his mount out as HIGHLAND FORTUNE continued to lay out under pressure for the remainder of the race. He said as a result of HIGHLAND FORTUNE laying out, C P BRAVE was able to improve its position to the inside of HIGHLAND FORTUNE after the 300 Metres. After viewing the video, the Stewards accepted the explanation tendered by K Teetan. When questioned, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, SUPER FOOTBALL was not as disappointing in today’s race as it first appeared. He said SUPER FOOTBALL was not suited by the circumstances of the race in the middle stages which resulted in the horse being awkwardly placed behind SUNSHINE WARRIOR for some distance. He said this resulted in SUPER FOOTBALL not being able to settle during the race. He added SUPER FOOTBALL was left flat-footed when the pace of the race increased rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, he believed that in the circumstances SUPER FOOTBALL closed off the race satisfactorily over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of SUPER FOOTBALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of THE ROCK and HELENE WISDOM STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. C P BRAVE and HIGHLAND FORTUNE were sent for sampling.