TRAVEL GUIDE was slow to begin. On jumping, PRECISION GOAL, FLAMINGO TRILLION and JUNE PLANET were badly crowded for room between ISLAND GOLDEN which jumped awkwardly and shifted in and SWEET DIAMOND which, after shifting out on jumping and making contact with PRECISION GOAL, was then taken out further by SNOWALOT (L Hewitson) which shifted out. L Hewitson was advised to exercise more care. After this, JUNE PLANET and ISLAND GOLDEN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages from wide barriers. MIRACULOUS HONOUR jumped awkwardly and shifted in. FLAMINGO TRILLION was inclined to race keenly in the early stages when being shifted in behind to obtain cover. After the 800 Metres, SWEET DIAMOND was left racing wide and without cover and lay out making the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 400 Metres, CALL ME DANDY shifted out to improve and as a result made contact with MIRACULOUS HONOUR. S De Sousa (SOARING TOWER) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 450 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of FLAMINGO TRILLION, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. S De Sousa was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 26 March 2023 and to expire on Monday, 3 April 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey De Sousa was fined $60,000. Approaching the 300 Metres, FLAMINGO TRILLION raced tight between ISLAND GOLDEN and SOARING TOWER which shifted out slightly and as a result bumped with ISLAND GOLDEN. Passing the 100 Metres, K Teetan, the rider of FLAMINGO TRILLION, dropped his whip. When questioned regarding CRYSTAL POWERFUL being ridden in a forward position, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that from his wide barrier he was asked by connections to endeavour to lead on CRYSTAL POWERFUL, particularly with several first starters being in today’s field that had an unknown racing pattern. He said in the early stages he rode his mount vigorously to comply with his instructions and approaching the first turn was caught wide and without cover to the outside of PRECISION GOAL. He added that having regard to his instructions, he continued to press forward in an attempt to obtain the lead and cross PRECISION GOAL. He further added that whilst he was aware that a position may be available behind PRECISION GAOL, in the circumstances he elected not to take that option to comply with his instructions. Trainer C S Shum confirmed the instructions issued. After the race, CHAMPION INSTINCT was noted to have sustained a laceration to the right hind leg. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND GOLDEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SNOWALOT, CALL ME DANDY and CHAMPION INSTINCT were sent for sampling.

BILLIONAIRE SECRET and BEAU GOSSE were slow to begin. LEATHER MASTER jumped only fairly, shifted in and made contact with LADY’S CHOICE, resulting in LADY’S CHOICE then shifting out and crowding LEATHER MASTER out across PEAK TO PEAK which was steadied after jumping awkwardly and being slow to begin. TOGEPI jumped awkwardly, resulting in its rider, H Bowman, becoming unbalanced. TOGEPI was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From a wide barrier, LIFELINE VISION was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Between the 300 Metres and the 150 Metres, BEAU GOSSE was held up for clear running and then near the 150 Metres when being shifted out to obtain clear running, commenced to race greenly. A short distance later, BEAU GOSSE shifted out, crowding the running of LADY’S CHOICE. HA LEE CHARM raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event and lay in in the Straight and near the winning post was unable to be ridden out when placed to the inside of TOGEPI which shifted in. LADY’S CHOICE, which was following HA LEE CHARM, also could not be ridden out to the winning post. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, A Hamelin, the rider of PROSECCO, 3rd placegetter, viewed the patrol films to ascertain if there were grounds for a protest/objection against TOP TOP TEA (Apprentice Y L Chung) being declared the winner following TOP TOP TEA shifting out passing the 300 Metres and again near the 150 Metres, crowding the running of PROSECCO. After considering the beaten margin in excess of ¾ length from TOP TOP TEA, A Hamelin declined to lodge a protest/objection and when the Stewards were satisfied that there were insufficient grounds to do so, weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Apprentice Chung was advised to stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion. When questioned, S De Sousa stated that PEAK TO PEAK was fractious in the barriers, jumped awkwardly and lost ground and then was hampered when crowded by LEATHER MASTER which shifted out, resulting in PEAK TO PEAK racing at the rear of the field. He added that soon after straightening he commenced to place his mount under pressure and shifted PEAK TO PEAK out to follow TOGEPI. He said PEAK TO PEAK was then awkwardly placed close to TOGEPI before being shifted to that runner’s inside near the 300 Metres to secure clear running whereby PEAK TO PEAK finished the race off reasonably well. When questioned if there was an opportunity to improve to the inside of TOGEPI and follow THE HULK, S De Sousa stated as he felt that TOGEPI was travelling better than the HULK at this point, he felt this was his best option in the circumstances. The explanation provided by S De Sousa was noted. After the race, BEAU GOSSE was noted to have sustained a wound to the left front leg. A veterinary inspection of THE HULK and PEAK TO PEAK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TOP TOP TEA and RATTAN KINGDOM were sent for sampling.

DEVIL AND GOLD jumped only fairly. MULTIDARLING and FAST BUCK bumped at the start. On jumping, GOLDEN SAMURAI was hampered when crowded by ROYAL AGILITY which shifted out, resulting in GOLDEN SAMURAI being taken out and GOOD BOY being steadied to avoid the heels of DUBLIN STAR which also shifted in slightly. After this, GOOD BOY was shifted across behind runners and then raced keenly in the early stages and near the 900 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FAST BUCK. In the early stages, HAPPILY FRIENDS raced keenly when being steadied to allow AWESOME TREASURE to cross. Near the 950 Metres, SUPER HIGHWAY was steadied and directed to the outside of ROYAL AGILITY when awkwardly placed close to that runner. FAST BUCK raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 800 Metres was steadied to avoid GLUCK RACER which was also steadied at that stage when positioned close to ROUND THE GLOBE. MULTIDARLING lost its left front plate near the 1050 Metres. Near the 400 Metres, ROYAL AGILITY bled and as a result became unbalanced, broke through the inside running rail and fell, resulting in its rider, M L Yeung, being dislodged. In this incident, ROYAL AGILITY lost its right hind plate. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL AGILITY immediately following the race confirmed that horse to have bled from both nostrils. M L Yeung was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer and stood down from his remaining race riding engagement. Over the final 125 Metres, SUPER HIGHWAY lay in and proved difficult to ride out. Near the 75 Metres, GOLDEN SAMURAI raced tight to the outside of GLUCK RACER which shifted out slightly. When questioned regarding his riding, S De Sousa (DUBLIN STAR) stated that from the outside barrier he was asked to ride his mount back in the field. He said as a result he shifted DUBLIN STAR behind runners where it settled towards the rear of the field. He added on straightening he commenced to ride DUBLIN STAR along before shifting out and endeavoured to obtain clear running between GOOD BOY and GOLDEN SAMURAI, however, when GOLDEN SAMURAI shifted out, this resulted in DUBLIN STAR being held up when disappointed for this run. He further added he then shifted DUBLIN STAR back to the inside of GOLDEN SAMURAI near the 125 Metres whereby his mount finished the race off reasonably well. The Stewards noted Jockey De Sousa’s explanation. After the race, R Moore advised that FAST BUCK did not travel comfortably throughout the event and on straightening became momentarily unbalanced. He attributed FAST BUCK’s performance today to the horse losing its left front plate at the start. A veterinary inspection of FAST BUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, it was noted that ROUND THE GLOBE had shifted its right front plate. ROYAL AGILITY, ROUND THE GLOBE, SUMMIT CHEERS and AWESOME TREASURE were sent for sampling.

GOOD NEWS jumped awkwardly. WAR OF COURAGE was bumped on jumping by BAEBAE TSOI which shifted in. M UNICORN and VANTASTIC CHOICE bumped at the start. From wide barriers, WAR WEAPON and CHOICERUS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, PACKING MONKEYKING became unbalanced when crowded for room between COURIER MARVEL and GOLDEN BULL, both of which shifted ground. CHOICERUS raced keenly in the early stages. Passing the 800 Metres, COURIER MARVEL commenced to race keenly and was steadied to avoid GOLDEN BULL. Between the 400 Metres and the 350 Metres, GOOD NEWS was held up for clear running behind WAR OF COURAGE. Near the 400 Metre, CHOICERUS shifted out and brushed M UNICORN. Then when placed under pressure near the 250 Metres, CHOICERUS shifted out slightly and became unbalanced. Passing the 400 Metres, GOLDEN BULL became held up behind LUCKY GOLD when racing tight to the inside of WAR OF COURAGE. After the 300 Metres, GOLDEN BULL was then shifted to the inside of LUCKY GOLD to secure clear running. Passing the 350 Metres, ORIENTAL SPIRIT was briefly held up when racing tight to the inside of CHIU CHOW BROTHER. JIANGXI STAMINA raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. As this was the second consecutive occasion on which BAEBAE TSOI had finished tailed out in its races, its performance was considered unacceptable. The Stewards ruled that BAEBAE TSOI must perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. A veterinary inspection of BAEBAE TSOI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, A Badel (CHIU CHOW BROTHER) reported that his mount, which was racing first up today. raced too keenly in the lead and as a result was left without a finishing effort in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of CHIU CHOW BROTHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY GOLD and GOLDEN BULL were sent for sampling.

Shortly after the start, TORONADO PHANTOM got its head up after being brushed by TRILLION WIN which jumped only fairly and shifted out and when racing tight to the inside of PACKING TREADMILL. FAMILY FOLKS jumped awkwardly and then was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. From the outside barrier, ORIENTAL SMOKE was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BEAUTY CHARGE became unbalanced shortly after the start and then was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. Near the 450 Metres, TORONADO PHANTOM was steadied away from LUCKY WITH YOU when being shifted to that runner’s outside to secure clear running. After the 450 Metres, LUCKY WITH YOU was held up for clear running between IMA SINGLE MAN and TRILLION WIN and did not obtain clear running until approaching the 350 Metres when it was shifted to the inside of TRILLION WIN. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY WITH YOU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTOR THE WINNER and PACKING TREADMILL were sent for sampling.

FIVE G PATCH, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. On jumping, NATURAL STORM shifted out and made contact with PERFECT TEAM. After this, NATURAL STORM was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. S J TOURBILLON jumped awkwardly and was then shifted across behind runners. From a wide barrier, ABOVE was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the Home Turn, FIVE G PATCH was held up for clear running behind ROUND THE EARTH. ABOVE was also held up for clear running on the Home Turn. Between the 400 Metres and the 350 Metres, S J TOURBILLON was held up when disappointed for clear running between ENJOYING and CAN’T GO WONG. WOODFIRE BRO raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, R Moore stated that he was required to make use of ENJOYING to take up a forward position which resulted in ENJOYING being left without a finishing effort in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ENJOYING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TEAM immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TEAM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SNAFFLES immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils and to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SNAFFLES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ESCAPE ROUTE and FIVE G PATCH were sent for sampling.

WELLINGTON shifted out at the start and bumped LUCKY SWEYNESSE, resulting in LUCKY SWEYNESSE shifting out and brushing COURIER WONDER. Passing the 400 Metres, WELLINGTON shifted out slightly and brushed COURIER WONDER. A veterinary inspection of WAIKUKU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY SWEYNESSE and CALIFORNIA SPANGLE were sent for sampling.

GALAXY WITNESS jumped awkwardly. BON’S A PEARLA jumped only fairly and then raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1800 Metres was steadied when racing tight to the inside of SUPER SUNNY SING. SUPER SUNNY SING shifted in at the start and bumped ENCOUNTERED. KEEFY and SWORD POINT bumped at the start. From wide barriers, ATULLIBIGEAL and FLAGSHIP WARRIOR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early stages, SUPER SUNNY SING raced wide and without cover and was inclined to race keenly. Then near the 1400 Metres, SUPER SUNNY SING got its head up when being shifted in to obtain cover behind GALAXY WITNESS. BEAUTYVERSE, which was also inclined to race keenly in the early stages, was steadied to avoid the heels of SUPER SUNNY SING at the same point. Near the 1400 Metres, BON’S A PEARLA got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind STRAIGHT ARRON. ENCOUNTERED lost its left hind plate near the 1000 Metres. Near the 1000 Metres, FLAGSHIP WARRIOR, which was racing keenly, was steadied when it improved to the inside of BEAUTYVERSE. Approaching the 300 Metres, TUCHEL was shifted to the inside of KEEFY to continue into clear running. Over the concluding stages, SWEET ENCOUNTER could not be ridden out when positioned close to KEEFY when that runner raced tight to the inside of BEAUTY ETERNAL which was taken in by VOYAGE BUBBLE. Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards viewed the patrol films to ascertain if there were grounds for a protest/objection against VOYAGE BUBBLE being declared the winner on behalf of the 3rd placegetter, BEAUTY ETERNAL, following VOYAGE BUBBLE shifting in and bumping BEAUTY ETERNAL near the 50 Metres and BEAUTY ETERNAL racing tight to the inside of VOYAGE BUBBLE over the concluding stages. When no protest/objection was lodged by the connections and the Stewards were satisfied that there were not sufficient grounds, weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. A Badel reported that in order to ensure that VOYAGE BUBBLE ran a strong 2000 Metres, he was instructed to ride his mount conservatively from its outside barrier. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman (SWORD POINT), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race. When questioned, H Bowman stated that after following the favourite BEAUTY ETERNAL into the Home Straight, between the 400 Metres and the 300 Metres, he had some difficulty obtaining clear running when BEAUTY ETERNAL did not quicken as he had expected. He added that as he was placed inside the heels of VOYAGE BUBBLE during that section of the race, he was unable to shift out to obtain clear running and therefore was obliged to remain racing behind BEAUTY ETERNAL. He further added however once he was able to commence riding SWORD POINT along near the 300 Metres, his mount finished the race off in a one-paced manner to the line. After the race, C Y Ho (SUPER SUNNY SING) reported that whilst his mount was inclined to race keenly in the moderately run event, he did not believe this was the reason for the disappointing performance of SUPER SUNNY SING. He added that from the 600 Metres SUPER SUNNY SING was under pressure and did not respond to his riding from that point and finished the race off only fairly. A veterinary inspection of SUPER SUNNY SING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ATULLIBIGEAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY ETERNAL, VOYAGE BUBBLE and TUCHEL were sent for sampling.

G LINER jumped awkwardly and lost ground. BRAVE DREAMS jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners. On jumping, WONDERFUL UNICORN shifted in and bumped with SUPREME LUCKY. WONDERFUL UNICORN was then shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier. Apprentice Y L Chung (BEAUTY GLORY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of FORTUNE WARRIOR, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled and shifting in and making contact with EURO ROCKS, causing EURO ROCKS to be bumped and become unbalanced. Apprentice Chung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 6 April 2023 and to expire on Monday, 10 April 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Chung was fined $45,000. In this incident, SAVVY CHIC, which was racing to the inside of EURO ROCKS, was crowded for a short distance. BUNDLE OF CHARM raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 600 Metres was steadied away from EURO ROCKS. Near the 350 Metres, G LINER was shifted to the outside of BUNDLE OF CHARM to obtain clear running. ETERNAL BLOOM had some difficulty obtaining clear running near the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding his riding in the Straight, R Moore (BUNDLE OF CHARM) stated that soon after straightening he endeavoured to obtain clear running to the outside of EURO ROCKS and to the inside of FORTUNE WARRIOR. He said when EURO ROCKS shifted out, he was disappointed for this run near the 400 Metres and then secured clear running to the inside of EURO ROCKS and behind MAGNIAC which he felt was a good chance in the event. He added after being able to ride his mount along in the early part of the Straight, he became held up behind MAGNIAC inside the 200 Metres and as he was positioned inside the heels of EURO ROCKS, he was unable to shift out and could not fully test BUNDLE OF CHARM out over the final 150 Metres. After the race, S De Sousa expressed concern with the action of FORTUNE WARRIOR in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE WARRIOR immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FORTUNE WARRIOR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, L Hewitson (ENNEA FORTUNE) reported that his mount enjoyed a comfortable run throughout the event, but failed to respond to his riding in the Home Straight and was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of ENNEA FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPREME LUCKY and EURO ROCKS were sent for sampling.

FIND ME LOVE jumped only fairly. NOT USUAL STAR made contact with the left side of its barrier on jumping. NABOO LEGEND was slow to begin and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From wide barriers, TAMRA BLITZ and GALLANT WAKING were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Soon after the start, BEATO raced tight to the inside of NEVER TOO SOON which shifted in. In the early stages, NEVER TOO SOON raced keenly and near the 900 Metres got its head up when being steadied to allow MAJESTIC COLOUR to cross. TAMRA BLITZ raced keenly in the middle stages and for some distance near the 800 Metres was steadied to avoid the heels of NOT USUAL STAR. Near the 250 Metres, S De Sousa (STUNNING IMPACT) was obliged to correct his mount when it shifted in towards BEATO. Near the 150 Metres, NOT USUAL STAR was shifted to the outside of UNPRESUMING to continue into clear running. A short distance later, INVINCIBLE MISSILE was steadied when disappointed for clear running between COPARTNER AMBITION and NOT USUAL STAR which continued to shift out. TAMRA BLITZ, which was positioned to the outside of INVINCIBLE MISSILE, was hampered in this incident. COPARTNER AMBITION raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding HYPER DRAGON BALL racing in a more forward position today, L Hewitson stated that he was instructed to endeavour to find a position with cover, but when caught wide in the early stages, he was obliged to push forward and settle outside the lead to avoid racing wide. After the race, J McDonald (NEVER TOO SOON) reported that his mount raced too keenly in the run and was left without a finishing effort in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of NEVER TOO SOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, B Shinn could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of NABOO LEGEND. He said NABOO LEGEND travelled comfortably in the lead, but failed to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of NABOO LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TAMRA BLITZ immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MIGHTY STRIDE and HYPER DRAGON BALL were sent for sampling.