Race: 1 (619)	NEPTUNE HANDICAP	Class 5	1650 m
GILDED FLIGHT began awkwardly. WORLD WAY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of TANG PALACE which became unbalanced. RACING SPORT was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, FANTASTISCH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPARKLING was steadied away from the heels of TANG PALACE which shifted out after being bumped by STORM’S DESTINY. Near the 700 Metres, MASTER RACER was checked when crowded for room inside PRECISION MAGIC (W M Lai) which, when endeavouring to take a tight run between MASTER RACER and SUNSEEKER, shifted in after becoming awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSEEKER which at this time was bumped by RACING SPORT. W M Lai was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, nonetheless he must make every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground wherever possible. PRECISION MAGIC had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of the heels of M’S MAGIC which shifted out slightly. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had been instructed to lead if at all possible as M’S MAGIC has previously been found to have resented facing the kickback. He said for this reason he rode his mount aggressively in the run to the first turn to establish his position on the fence inside of FIERCE FORCE which was also racing in a forward position. He said because of his instructions, rather than allowing FIERCE FORCE to cross, he continued to ride his mount vigorously approaching and passing the 1400 Metres so as to maintain his position on the fence. He said he felt that by doing this, the rider of FIERCE FORCE would ease his mount which would allow M’S MAGIC the opportunity to maintain the position on the fence and accordingly would not have to face the kickback. He added however that TANG PALACE improved its position to the outside of FIERCE FORCE after the 1400 Metres which meant that he had to continue to ride M’S MAGIC along so as to maintain his position. He said that M’S MAGIC became unbalanced when crowded for room near the 1200 Metres and this allowed FIERCE FORCE the opportunity to cross M’S MAGIC. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of M’S MAGIC, confirmed that he wished for the horse to be ridden in the lead as he explained to Jockey Purton that the hose raced more genuinely when not having to face the kickback. He said he did advise Jockey Purton that if another horse was intent on leading, he should allow that horse to cross, but immediately shift to its outside into clear running. He said whilst he felt that eventually too much use was made of M’S MAGIC in the early stages, he accepted the reason for Jockey Purton having to continue to attempt to maintain his position was due to TANG PALACE racing outside of FIERCE FORCE and accordingly it would have been incumbent upon him to go three wide outside TANG PALACE and FIERCE FORCE to avoid the kickback. Z Purton was advised that whilst he had an obligation to attempt to ride to his instructions wherever possible, his riding of M’S MAGIC on this occasion had lacked the necessary judgement and initiative expected of a rider of his standing. He was further advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, the tempo and circumstances of the race in the early stages dictated that he would not be able to fulfil his instructions without having to make significant amount of use of the horse. C K Tong was severely reprimanded for failing to take sufficient measures to prevent FIERCE FORCE shifting in marginally near the 1200 Metres, resulting in M’S MAGIC becoming unbalanced when crowded for room. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to lead on TANG PALACE if possible, however, if other horses showed superior speed, it was available to him to obtain a position behind the speed. He said approaching the 1400 Metres he was left racing three wide and without cover outside FIERCE FORCE and as he believed that FIERCE FORCE was being ridden along to obtain the lead, he continued forward with a view to racing outside that horse once it was able to cross M’S MAGIC on the fence. He said it took some time for FIERCE FORCE to cross M’S MAGIC and TANG PALACE, which was racing with the blinkers tonight for the first time, commenced to travel keenly. He said after the 1200 Metres FIERCE FORCE was able to shift to the fence and at this time TANG PALACE was racing directly outside FIERCE FORCE. He said he attempted to steady TANG PALACE, however, with the blinkers on, the horse would not settle for him and when it appeared to him, after the 1100 Metres, that the rider of FIERCE FORCE was not going to continue to press forward, he elected to allow TANG PALACE to stride forward into the lead rather than fight the horse in order to sit outside FIERCE FORCE. He said he allowed TANG PALACE to gradually improve its position forward of FIERCE FORCE and was able to cross that horse near the 700 Metres. He said once he did this, he immediately steadied the tempo on TANG PALACE so as to provide the horse the opportunity to finish off the race, however, when FIERCE FORCE and M’S MAGIC improved around TANG PALACE after the 500 Metres, TANG PALACE came under pressure and weakened after this. M Chadwick was advised that his riding of TANG PALACE is not of the standard that is expected of a senior rider in Hong Kong. He was further advised that in future he must ride his mounts in such a fashion so as to afford them the opportunity to finish off their races. A veterinary inspection of TANG PALACE after the race revealed that the horse had a restricted action behind. The performance of TANG PALACE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TANG PALACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUNSEEKER had lost its left front plate. M’S MAGIC, SPARKLING and ICE FIRE were sent for sampling. <17/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> TANG PALACE, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse had a restricted action behind. TANG PALACE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg and had a stiff action in both hind legs. As previously advised, TANG PALACE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

Race: 2 (620)	SATURN HANDICAP (Sec2)	Class 4	1200 m
Whilst in the saddling stalls, MING HOI GLORY had its right front plate refitted. MING HOI GLORY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DOUBLE MOON was slow to begin. DARPANA began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly, resulting in GRACYTOM being taken out onto TARREGA. A short distance after this, DARPANA was steadied when crowded for room between GRACYTOM and TIME RUNNER which got its head on the side and shifted out. D Whyte (NEW ASIA RISING) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of DRAGONFIELD, causing that horse to be hampered and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 14 June 2012 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 6 June 2012. In addition, D Whyte was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Rounding the Home Turn, DARPANA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TARREGA. Throughout the race, NEW ASIA RISING and DRAGONFIELD travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of INVINCIBLE HEART after the race did not show any significant findings. TARREGA and NEW ASIA RISING were sent for sampling. <17/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>INVINCIBLE HEART, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. INVINCIBLE HEART was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, INVINCIBLE HEART will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that WHITE HART KING was lame in its left front leg and sore in both front fetlocks on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, WHITE HART KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race: 3 (621)	SATURN HANDICAP (Sec1)	Class 4	1200 m
From the outside barriers, CITY DELIGHT and LUCKY TYCOON were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, FIERY RAIDER (Z Purton) was checked when crowded for room between ALL THE WINNERS and HAPPY HOMING which got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. In this incident, FIERY RAIDER made heavy contact with ALL THE WINNERS, causing both horses to become badly unbalanced. Z Purton stated that after this FIERY RAIDER hung in for some distance and was reluctant to maintain its position inside ALL THE WINNERS. He said making the first turn near the 700 Metres FIERY RAIDER shifted in towards the running rail and became unbalanced. Near the 900 Metres, WHAT A HEART got its head up on a number of occasions when proving very difficult to settle. After this, WHAT A HEART continued to race keenly for some distance. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, MY WHISKY and WHAT A HEART raced tight. In the Straight, EL GRANDE hung in. Throughout the race, HAPPY HOMING and NOVEL START travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards adjourned the inquiry into the reason for TURIN CHAMPION and O’HALO being checked passing the 100 Metres until prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Saturday, 19 May 2012. A veterinary inspection of MY WHISKY and FIERY RAIDER after the race did not show any significant findings. TURIN CHAMPION, EL GRANDE and O’HALO were sent for sampling.

Race: 4 (622)	URANUS HANDICAP	Class 4	1650 m
SOLAR UP began very awkwardly and was very slow to begin. SUISSE D’OR began awkwardly. AMAZING JOURNEY and HEALTHY MANNER were crowded for room at the start between TOWERING STORM which was taken in by TELECOM SUPREMO and FELAROF which got its head on the side and shifted out. PEGASUS SUPREME travelled wide and without cover until after the 800 Metres at which time it was able to shift in to a position one horse off the fence. When PEGASUS SUPREME shifted in, this resulted in SOLAR UP being left racing wide and without cover after the 800 Metres. Near the 700 Metres, SOLAR UP was awkwardly placed outside the heels of TOY STORY which shifted out after being brushed by FELAROF. Passing the 200 Metres, CLASSIC BOY was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERFECT JOY which got its head on the side and shifted out. Passing the 100 Metres, TOWERING STORM was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of CLASSIC BOY. A veterinary inspection of TOY STORY and RAINBOW SEEKER after the race did not show any significant findings. FELAROF and PERFECT JOY were sent for sampling.

Race: 5 (623)	MERCURY HANDICAP	Class 3	1200 m
NOBLE DELUXE was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between GENKI MOOCHI and EURO POWER, both of which shifted ground. RUMBA KING and JUN DAO began awkwardly. After the 900 Metres, COSTA DEL SOL got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RUMBA KING (W C Marwing) which shifted in when not quite clear. W C Marwing was advised to exercise more care in future. In this incident, WINNING BOY, which was racing to the inside of COSTA DEL SOL, raced tight when COSTA DEL SOL shifted in away from the heels of RUMBA KING. Also after the 900 Metres, EURO POWER took charge of its rider and had to be severely checked away from the heels of GENKI MOOCHI which itself got its head up when proving difficult to settle. When EURO POWER was checked away from the heels of GENKI MOOCHI, it shifted in, resulting in NICE FOLKS being crowded onto RUMBA KING. The racing manners of EURO POWER were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EURO POWER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. Making the first turn after the 700 Metres, NICE FOLKS was checked when crowded for room between EURO POWER and RUMBA KING which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. Although this incident was one of some significance, as there was no rider error involved, no further action was taken. Also making the first turn after the 700 Metres, PALEPALE shifted out and bumped COSTA DEL SOL. After the 600 Metres, JUN DAO was crowded for room between NOBLE DELUXE and WINNING BOY which shifted out when being checked away from the heels of PALEPALE which at this time was being taken back through the field by VINTAGE HUSSLER. Near the 400 Metres, NICE FOLKS was crowded for room between EURO POWER and COSTA DEL SOL (Z Purton) which at this time was shifted to the outside of PROLIFIC CHAMPION to improve its position. Z Purton was advised to exercise more care. Near the 300 Metres, PROLIFIC CHAMPION was bumped by COSTA DEL SOL which shifted to the inside of GENKI MOOCHI to obtain clear running. When questioned, Z Purton stated that COSTA DEL SOL was able to obtain a good position in about midfield, however, when asked to quicken at the top of the Straight did not show the same turn of foot that it had done at its previous starts. He said in the Straight COSTA DEL SOL finished off the race only one-paced. When questioned regarding his riding of PALEPALE, T Clark stated that he had been given the option of either leading or taking a sit behind the speed if circumstances so warranted. He said it was expected that VINTAGE HUSSLER would obtain a forward position and that there would be the opportunity to either race inside that horse or take the position behind it. He said PALEPALE began well and he was positive on his mount in the early stages to take up a forward position. He said whilst VINTAGE HUSSLER was not being ridden along in the early stages, the horse maintained a margin over PALEPALE and because of this he formed the view that VINTAGE HUSSLER was going to be ridden in such a manner as to lead tonight’s race. He said although the tempo of the race in the early stages was not overly strong, he felt at that time that it was better to allow VINTAGE HUSSLER to cross PALEPALE rather than to ride PALEPALE along to maintain its position inside that horse. He added near the 950 Metres VINTAGE HUSSLER crossed PALEPALE, however, no sooner did this happen than the rider of VINTAGE HUSSLER steadied his mount to allow runners to its outside to cross. He said this resulted in PALEPALE racing much further back in the field than had been intended. He said that after being steadied by its rider, VINTAGE HUSSLER came under pressure to maintain its position making the first turn at the 700 Metres which resulted in PALEPALE being taken back through the field. He said he was not able to shift away from that horse’s heels until after the 600 Metres when COSTA DEL SOL improved its position to be racing outside VINTAGE HUSSLER. He said he immediately commenced to ride PALEPALE along to follow COSTA DEL SOL and improved his position, however, due to the circumstances of the race PALEPALE got too far back in the field and when ridden out in the Straight finished off the race only fairly. T Clark stated that, with the benefit of hindsight, he had erred in not maintaining his position inside VINTAGE HUSSLER and either obliging that horse to remain racing to his outside or having to make that horse work harder to cross PALEPALE. He said however that the decision he made at that time was made on the assumption that VINTAGE HUSSLER, a horse which is well-known to him to race in forward positions and to have good speed, would be ridden to lead which would provide PALEPALE with the “box seat”. Trainer D E Ferraris confirmed the instructions given to T Clark were to either lead or to obtain the “box seat”. He said that, in his opinion, T Clark had erred in allowing VINTAGE HUSSLER to cross PALEPALE too easily in the early stages and that he would have expected for PALEPALE, a horse which he believes has good tactical speed, to be ridden more positively than it was. He said after making the decision to allow VINTAGE HUSSLER to cross, PALEPALE was left in a position where it was taken back through the field and that he was disappointed with the outcome of tonight’s race. T Clark was advised that after having carefully considered the matter, the Stewards were of the opinion that whilst he had erred in allowing VINTAGE HUSSLER to cross in the early stages without having made that horse work harder to obtain a forward position, in the circumstances, this decision was not unreasonable and did not place him in breach of the Rules of Racing. However, he was advised that his riding of PALEPALE, given the tempo of the race in the early stages, lacked judgement and initiative and that in future he would be expected to ride his mounts in such a manner so as to leave no room for query. Mr Ferraris was advised that his explanation had been accepted and would be reported. A veterinary inspection of PALEPALE after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EURO POWER had bled from both nostrils and that GENKI MOOCHI had lost its left front plate. COSTA DEL SOL, RUMBA KING and NICE FOLKS were sent for sampling.

Race: 6 (624)	MARS HANDICAP	Class 3	1650 m
FLYING CHINA shifted out at the start and bumped CHATER D’CAT which became unbalanced. After this, despite being ridden along, CHATER D’CAT failed to muster speed. A short distance later, FLYING CHINA was crowded for room between CHATER D’CAT and ALWAYS SOMETHING which was taken out by LEO’S PRIDE which in turn was taken out by QUANTUM POWER. Approaching the 1400 Metres, HAPPY SEVEN was steadied away from the heels of INTERCHINA STAR (T Clark) which shifted in when not properly clear. In this incident, BUDDY BUDDIES, which was racing inside HAPPY SEVEN, was momentarily crowded for room. T Clark will be advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, QUANTUM POWER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY SEVEN. Throughout the race, ALWAYS SOMETHING travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of BLESSING and HAPPY SEVEN after the race did not show any significant findings. QUANTUM POWER, JOLLY GOOD and ALWAYS SOMETHING were sent for sampling.

Race: 7 (625)	JUPITER HANDICAP	Class 3	1200 m
ST DIDAR was withdrawn on 15.5.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right front foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUPER MARSHAL (M L Yeung). Before being allowed to race again, ST DIDAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY TUMBLER and CAPITAL K were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, RICH TAPESTRY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. D Whyte will be afforded the opportunity to explain the disappointing performance of ADORATION prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 19 May 2012. The Stewards opened an inquiry into Jockey Y T Cheng’s handling of MY NAME IS BOND. After taking evidence from Jockey Cheng and Mr C H Yip, the trainer of MY NAME IS BOND, the Stewards adjourned the inquiry until a date to be fixed. A veterinary inspection of ADORATION, MY NAME IS BOND and JUMBO GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY INDEX, RICH TAPESTRY and FORTUNE RED PEPPER were sent for sampling. <17/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that SUPER MARSHAL was sore in its right front tendon on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER MARSHAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race: 8 (626)	VENUS HANDICAP	Class 1	1200 m
On arrival at the Start, Z Purton expressed concern over the action of HORSE GALORE. HORSE GALORE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who, after the necessary consultations, said the horse was suitable to race. STRAIGHT GOLD began awkwardly. DYNAMIC BLITZ began very awkwardly. CHEETAH BOY blundered at the start and then was bumped by FLYING COLOURS which shifted out. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, CHEETAH BOY and CERISE CHERRY bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. In the Straight, CHEETAH BOY got its head on the side and hung out and for some distance after the 300 Metres shifted out and made contact with CERISE CHERRY. Throughout the race, MASQUERADER travelled wide and without cover. D Whyte will be afforded the opportunity to explain the disappointing performance of FINAL ANSWER prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 19 May 2012. A veterinary inspection of DYNAMIC BLITZ, FINAL ANSWER, HORSE GALORE and STRAIGHT GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CERISE CHEERY had lost its right front plate. STRAIGHT GOLD, FLYING COLOURS and CERISE CHERRY were sent for sampling. <17/5/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>STRAIGHT GOLD, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. STRAIGHT GOLD was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Moore this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, STRAIGHT GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

General

1. Additional Veterinary Reports from Sha Tin Racemeeting on 12 May 2012

Subsequent official veterinary inspections (without endoscopy) of NOBLE FLIER, SAMMY’S FORTUNE, SPECTACULAR AWARD, DIVINITY POWER, STRATHTAY, STERLING CITY, GORGEOUS LIFE, BROTHERS IN ARMS, HERO’S WIN, SMILING WATCH, MEGA CHAMPION, FERRABOSCO, GOLD TARTINI, BLOSSOM DAILY, SAMADHI, SHINING TREASURES, CRAIG’S PRIDE, HOLY MAC, RADIOMARELLI, MILITARY ATTACK, AOMEN, SEA DIAMOND and FOREVER ELATION revealed no apparent abnormality.

2.

Racing Laboratory tests of KINGSTON ELITE, GOOD LOOKING WATCH, HIGH RETURN, SUPER BROTHER, SUNSHINE KID, TWIN TURBO, MR AWARD, PERFECT FIT, GRAND ELITE, RAY’S FAVOURITE, GOLD EDITION, LOADS OF JOY, BOULD MOVER, RED LUCKY STAR, TOUCH GO, CHARLES THE GREAT, VIGOR DELIGHT and HO HO LIFE (9.5.12) proved negative.

Summary

1. Withdrawal

Race 7: ST DIDAR on 15.5.12 on veterinary advice.

2. Fine

Race 2: D Whyte (NEW ASIA RISING): $40,000 for careless riding after the 900 Metres.

3. Severe Reprimand

Race 1: C K Tong (FIERCE FORCE) for shifting in near the 1200 Metres.

4. Warnings

Race 1: W M Lai (PRECISION MAGIC) for shifting in near the 700 Metres. Z Purton (M’S MAGIC) re his riding in the early stages. M Chadwick (TANG PALACE) re his riding in the early stages. Race 5: W C Marwing (RUMBA KING) for shifting in after the 900 Metres. Z Purton (COSTA DEL SOL) for shifting out near the 400 Metres. T Clark (PALEPALE) re his riding in the early stages. Race 6: T Clark (INTERCHINA STAR) for shifting in approaching the 1400 Metres.

5. Suspension

Race 2: D Whyte (NEW ASIA RISING) for careless riding after the 900 Metres (7 - 14 June 2012 on which day he may resume race riding - 2 Hong Kong racedays).

6. Bleeder

Race 5: EURO POWER (2nd time)

7. Official Barrier Trials

Race 1: TANG PALACE Race 5: EURO POWER

8. Official Veterinary Examinations

Race 1: TANG PALACE Race 7: ST DIDAR

9. Adjourned Inquiries

Races 3 & 7