TOWARDS SUCCESS, which kicked a rail in the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. TRONIC MIGHTY began only fairly. G ONE EXCELLENT and FELIX THE KING bumped on jumping. FELIX THE KING then lost ground a short distance after the start as a result of being crowded for room between G ONE EXCELLENT and TAKE WHAT YOU NEED which was awkwardly placed inside NEXTMODEL. SHANGHAI POWER and CARRY THE DIAMOND bumped at the start. CARRY THE DIAMOND then shifted out and bumped RAGING BLAZE which was crowded for room inside TREASURE OF FIELD. After this, from a wide barrier, RAGING BLAZE was shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail. At the 500 Metres, RAGING BLAZE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TELECOM MISSILE when being shifted to the outside of that horse to commence improving. At the entrance to the Straight, CARRY THE DIAMOND was brushed by TRONIC MIGHTY which shifted out. After the 300 Metres, TELECOM MISSILE raced tight between RAGING BLAZE and TOWARDS SUCCESS which shifted out. Approaching the 200 Metres, TOWARDS SUCCESS was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between SHANGHAI POWER and TELECOM MISSILE, both of which shifted ground. Then passing the 150 Metres, TOWARDS SUCCESS raced tight inside TELECOM MISSILE which got its head on the side and lay in away from RAGING BLAZE. Throughout the race, TREASURE OF FIELD travelled wide and without cover. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on NEXTMODEL at the request of Trainer T P Yung. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, NEXTMODEL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI POWER and CARRY THE DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NEXTMODEL, TRONIC MIGHTY and G ONE EXCELLENT were sent for sampling.

Whilst in the holding stalls, FARSHAD had its right hind plate refitted. FARSHAD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DOUBLE SHOW shifted in at the start and bumped PROSECCO. FARSHAD and BRILLIANT LIFE were badly crowded for room on jumping between ISLAND SHINE and WINE AND WINE which, after initially being taken in by HIGH RISE SOLDIER, then shifted in away from that horse. This resulted in FARSHAD and BRILLIANT LIFE both losing ground. WOOD ON FIRE shifted in at the start and bumped COMPASSION SUPER which became unbalanced. After this, from a wide barrier, WOOD ON FIRE was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also from the outside barrier, DAZZLING FELLOW was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 900 Metres, PROSECCO was steadied away from the heels of DOUBLE SHOW (L Hewitson) which shifted in when not properly clear. When being steadied away from the heels of DOUBLE SHOW, PROSECCO shifted in and brushed the running rail passing the 900 Metres. L Hewitson was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 650 Metres, ISLAND SHINE and SIGHT HERO bumped and raced tight as SIGHT HERO shifted to the outside of PROSECCO. After this, ISLAND SHINE was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 100 Metres, WINE AND WINE was steadied when crowded for room between DOUBLE SHOW and BRILLIANT LIFE which, when improving into tight running between WINE AND WINE and COMPASSION SUPER, bumped WINE AND WINE before being taken in by COMPASSION SUPER (H Bowman) which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding. H Bowman was reprimanded and told that in the circumstances he should have reacted sooner than he did on this occasion to his mount shifting ground. He was further told to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Near the 75 Metres, MR FUN was eased away from the heels of HIGH RISE SOLDIER (C Y Ho) and shifted to the inside of that horse which shifted out under pressure. C Y Ho was reprimanded and told to make every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Close to the finishing line, DAZZLING FELLOW was shifted out away from the heels of COMPASSION SUPER. The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by L Currie, the rider of SIGHT HERO, which finished 2nd, against HIGH RISE SOLDIER (C Y Ho) being declared the winner alleging interference over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from all parties and after viewing the videos, the Stewards found that inside the final 50 Metres HIGH RISE SOLDIER shifted out and brushed SIGHT HERO which resulted in L Currie being restricted in his use of the whip. However, the Stewards were of the opinion that the contact between the horses was minimal and having regard to the neck margin between them at the end of the race, they could not be comfortably satisfied that had the contact not occurred, SIGHT HERO would have finished in front of HIGH RISE SOLIDER. Accordingly, the protest/objection was overruled and weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. A veterinary inspection of WINE AND WINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HIGH RISE SOLDIER and SIGHT HERO were sent for sampling.

BRIGHT KID was slow to begin. From wide barriers, SUPER HONG KONG and WONDER YEARS were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. FLYING MIGHTY was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain a position closer to the rail. C L Chau (PALACE PAL) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1700 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in when not clear of SUPER HONG KONG, resulting in PALACE PAL bumping SUPER HONG KONG and causing SUPER HONG KONG to be hampered when badly crowded for room inside PALACE PAL. C L Chau was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday. 21 December 2022 and to expire on Sunday, 25 December 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Chau was fined $17,500. Near the 1350 Metres, AMAZING BOY shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of KUNGFUMASTER PANDA, resulting in KUNGFUMASTER PANDA becoming unbalanced and shifting out and in doing so bumping AMAZING BOY. When AMAZING BOY was being shifted out, PALACE PAL, which was being steadied with a view to obtaining a position with cover behind AMAZING BOY, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of AMAZING BOY, resulting in that horse becoming further unbalanced and PALACE PAL being hampered. When KUNGFUMASTER PANDA and AMAZING BOY both became unbalanced, BRIGHT KID, which was following those horses, shifted out and bumped WONDER YEARS, resulting in WONDER YEARS being hampered and having to be steadied away from the heels of PALACE PAL passing the 1300 Metres. Near the 650 Metres, KUNGFUMASTER PANDA and BRIGHT KID bumped as BRIGHT KID improved into tight running inside SUPER HONG KONG. KUNGFUMASTER PANDA was then badly held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and approaching the 350 Metres was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY VICTOR which was giving ground. PALACE PAL, which was following KUNGFUMASTER PANDA, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 450 Metres, CIRCUIT ELITE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER BUDDY which came under pressure. After this, SUPER BUDDY continued to give ground and finished at the rear of the field. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that SUPER BUDDY had bled from both nostrils. After the 300 Metres, PALACE PAL was shifted to the inside of LUCKY VICTOR to obtain clear running. When questioned, L Currie stated that near the 950 Metres AMAZING BOY commenced to travel keenly even though the race was being run at a good tempo. He said this resulted in AMAZING BOY improving to race close to the heels of SUPER HONG KONG and then shifting out away from behind that horse approaching the 900 Metres. He said when AMAZING BOY shifted out, BRIGHT KID and PALACE PAL improved their positions inside AMAZING BOY. He said this resulted in AMAZING BOY being left racing three wide and without cover after the 900 Metres. He added that rather than continue to race wide and without cover, he elected to allow AMAZING BOY to improve its position after the 800 Metres which the horse was able to do without him having to make use of it. He said AMAZING BOY improved quickly around SUPER BUDDY and LUCKY VICTOR and he was able to cross those runners to race in the lead approaching the 600 Metres. A veterinary inspection of PALACE PAL and SUPER HONG KONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BRIGHT KID and VINCY were sent for sampling.

MANAGEMENT FOLKS began only fairly and then was hampered by JUBILATION which shifted in. MANAGEMENT FOLKS was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, DAILY BEAUTY was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1650 Metres, GRAND POWER shifted in and brushed MEDIC ELITE. Approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, FLYING SILVER got its head up on a number of occasions when proving very difficult to settle and awkwardly placed behind GRAND POWER. When travelling keenly, FLYING SILVER shifted out passing the winning post on the first occasion and brushed JUBILATION. After this JUBILATION was left racing wide and without cover. Then after passing the winning post on the first occasion, FLYING SILVER shifted out away from the heels of GRAND POWER. FORTUNE TRIPLE, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of FLYING SILVER in consequence as FLYING SILVER shifted back in to resume its position behind GRAND POWER. DAILY BEAUTY, which was following FORTUNE TRIPLE, was also inconvenienced in consequence. After the 900 Metres, FORTUNE TRIPLE and OWNERS’ STAR raced tight as OWNERS’ STAR shifted out. After the 700 Metres, GRAND POWER gave ground abruptly and then after the 600 Metres was eased down. A veterinary inspection of GRAND POWER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and also found it to have bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, GRAND POWER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the 200 Metres, MEDIC ELITE shifted out under pressure and raced tight inside FOXHUNTER WAY. Passing the 100 Metres, MANAGEMENT FOLKS was shifted out away from behind SUCCESS ALLSTARS as that horse was directed to the inside of MEDIC ELITE to continue improving. Close to the finishing line, FLYING SILVER shifted in and inconvenienced FOXHUNTER WAY. A veterinary inspection of OWNERS’ STAR, METHANE and FORTUNE TRIPLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MEDIC ELITE, FLYING SILVER and FOXHUNTER WAY were sent for sampling.

OWNERS’ PRAISE began only fairly. JAZZ STEED was crowded for room on jumping between MULTIMORE which began awkwardly and shifted in and LORIZ which shifted out. After this, JAZZ STEED was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. Also from the outside barriers, HARMONY N HOME and RIGHTEOUS ARION were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Making the turn after the 1100 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS and RATTAN KINGDOM bumped. After being ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position, MULTIMORE was steadied passing the 1000 Metres to obtain cover when racing very wide. After the 900 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS raced tight inside RATTAN KINGDOM which was taken in by HAPPY TRIO (L Hewitson). L Hewitson was reprimanded and told that in future he must ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. After being crossed by HAPPY TRIO, RATTAN KINGDOM (L Currie) then shifted in, resulting in HARDLY SWEARS continuing to race tight between FLAMING PASSION and RATTAN KINGDOM and after the 800 Metres being steadied away from the heels of RATTAN KINGDOM. L Currie was also reprimanded and told that after being crossed by HAPPY TRIO, he should have endeavoured to relieve the tightening to HARDLY SWEARS when there was an opportunity to do so. At the 700 Metres, LORIZ was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, RIGHTEOUS ARION, which was having its first race start tonight, travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions when very awkwardly placed behind LORIZ. RIGHTEOUS ARION shifted out when awkwardly placed behind LORIZ, resulting in MULTIMORE being taken wider and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RATTAN KINGDOM. Approaching the 150 Metres, HARDLY SWEARS was hampered when steadied away from the heels of HAPPY GATHERING (M L Yeung) which shifted out under pressure. M L Yeung was severely reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to be aware of his mounts shifting ground and straighten them at the earliest opportunity. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLAMING PASSION, H Bowman stated that the horse’s failure to run on in the Straight was attributable to the manner in which the race was run in the early and middle stages. He said after obtaining a good position from barrier 1 in the early stages, runners to his outside which were ridden to obtain forward positions took a considerable time to improve forward of FLAMING PASSION which resulted in his mount going too hard approaching and passing the 900 Metres when racing without cover. He said FLAMING PASSION then raced tight inside HARDLY SWEARS after the 900 Metres and became unbalanced which resulted in FLAMING PASSION, which was continuing to race without cover, not being able to settle into a rhythm. He added that when crossed by HAPPY TRIO after the 800 Metres, FLAMING PASSION then travelled keenly for a considerable distance approaching and passing the 600 Metres. He said because of these circumstances FLAMING PASSION, after coming under pressure passing the 300 Metres, was not able to quicken and then weakened out of the race over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of FLAMING PASSION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HARDLY SWEARS, MULTIMORE and LORIZ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RATTAN KINGDOM and OWNERS’ PRAISE were sent for sampling.

ATOMIC FORCE bumped the inside of its gate on jumping, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly. In this incident, Apprentice Y L Chung, the rider of ATOMIC FORCE, also made heavy contact with the inside barrier., From the outside barrier, TEAM SPIRT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. TEAM SPIRIT then became detached from the field in the middle stages and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Having regard to this being the third occasion within the horse’s last six starts that it had finished tailed out in its races, the Stewards ruled that TEAM SPIRIT will be required to undergo a series of consecutive satisfactory barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. DINKUM was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 800 Metres, HEROIC MASTER commenced to prove difficult to settle and was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRETTY QUEEN PRAWN near the 750 Metres when being steadied in an attempt to obtain a position with cover behind that horse. HEROIC MASTER then continued to travel keenly and was again steadied passing the 700 Metres to obtain a trailing position behind SPECIAL M. Passing the 750 Metres, MAGIC PHOENIX commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUMMIT CHEERS which was being steadied to obtain cover behind SUPER COMMANDER. After this, MAGIC PHOENIX remained awkwardly placed behind SUMMIT CHEERS. When MAGIC PHOENIX was crowded for room, HEROIC MASTER was hampered in consequence. ATOMIC FORCE made the turn at the 600 Metres awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in MAGIC PHOENIX being checked when crowded for room inside SPECIAL M. DINKUM also made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of MAGIC PHOENIX. Near the 550 Metres, SUMMIT CHEERS was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PRETTY QUEEN PRAWN which shifted in marginally. After the 500 Metres, HEROIC MASTER got its head on the side and lay out. DINKUM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ATOMIC FORCE rounding the Home Turn and then near the 250 Metres raced tight inside ATOMIC FORCE which got its head on the side and lay in away from SUMMIT CHEERS. A veterinary inspection of ATOMIC FORCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HEROIC MASTER, CALIFORNIA DEEPLY and PRETTY QUEEN PRAWN were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, L Ferraris expressed concern regarding the action of CLASSIC UNICORN. CLASSIC UNICORN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. ASTROLOGER was slow to begin. SEIZING THE MOMENT was crowded for room on jumping between ROCK YA HEART and NAVAS TWO which shifted in. From a wide barrier, GRATEFUL HEART was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HANDSOME BO BO shifted out a short distance after the start and inconvenienced STREET SCREAM which was being ridden along. After this, despite being ridden along for some distance, STREET SCREAM failed to muster speed and approaching the 1100 Metres was shifted across behind runners. Making the turn after the 1100 Metres, NAVAS TWO was momentarily crowded for room inside KEEP YOU WARM (L Currie) which shifted in when not fully clear. L Currie was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. STREET SCREAM was taken wider approaching the 800 Metres by ASTROLOGER which shifted out to follow NAVAS TWO. At the 300 Metres, ASTROLOGER and STREET SCREAM bumped as ASTROLOGER shifted out. At the 150 Metres, GRATEFUL HEART, which was commencing to improve close to the heels of KEEP YOU WARM, was crowded for room between ASTROLOGER which lay in away from STREET SCREAM and NAVAS TWO which shifted to the outside of HARMONY AND RICH before being corrected. After this, NAVAS TWO was held up for clear running behind KEEP YOU WARM and because of this was not able to be properly tested over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of ASTROLOGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of NAVAS TWO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, NAVAS TWO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STREET SCREAM, REWARDING TOGETHER and PING HAI GALAXY were sent for sampling.

ENSURED was crowded for room on jumping between PRIME MINISTER and LUCKY DIAMOND which shifted out. DELIGHTFUL LAOS was slow to begin and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, NEARLY FINE was steadied on jumping to obtain a position closer to the rail. Approaching the 1650 Metres, PRAGMATISM, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed outside the heels of INTREPID WINNER which shifted out. Then after the 1400 Metres, PRAGMATISM was left racing wide and without cover and near the 1250 Metres was taken wider by ESCAPE ROUTE which shifted out away from the heels of SAVVY KINGMAN when proving very difficult to settle. PRAGMATISM and ESCAPE ROUTE then continued to race tight passing the 1200 Metres. PRAGMATISM was then allowed to improve its position into the lead after the 1100 Metres. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, PRIME MINISTER raced tight inside INTREPID WINNER which got its head on the side and lay in away from ESCAPE ROUTE. Approaching the 800 Metres, SAVVY KINGMAN was taken wider by COMET SPLENDIDO which shifted out from behind PRAGMATISM. After this, SAVVY KINGMAN travelled wide and without cover and making the turn at the 600 Metres was bumped by COMET SPLENDIDO which shifted out. Passing the 700 Metres, DELIGHTFUL LAOS was shifted out and ridden along to improve its position and after this travelled wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, INTREPID WINNER got its head on the side and lay in. ESCAPE ROUTE had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres. PRIME MINISTER was held up for clear running behind PRAGMATISM rounding the Home Turn. SEAWEED FORTUNE, which was following PRIME MINISTER, was held up behind that horse in consequence. At the entrance to the Straight, INTREPID WINNER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ESCAPE ROUTE. INTREPID WINNER then lay in in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 100 Metres, SEAWEED FORTUNE was shifted in away from the heels of LUCKY DIAMOND which shifted in under pressure. SEAWEED FORTUNE was then shifted out away from the heels of PRIME MINISTER passing the 100 Metres as that horse shifted to the outside of COMET SPLENDIDO to continue improving. After the race, V Borges stated that, from barrier 8, it was intended for ESCAPE ROUTE to be ridden back in the field, however, the horse began very well and he was able to obtain a more forward position than was anticipated without having to ride his mount along in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of INTREPID WINNER and ESCAPE ROUTE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COMMET SPLENDIDO, NEARLY FINE and TIANCHI MONSTER were sent for sampling.