Race:1 (347) MURRAY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

After being loaded into the barriers, MAJESTIC DRAGON became fractious, reared abruptly and lunged at the front gates, resulting in the gates opening and MAJESTIC DRAGON exiting the barriers. When this occurred, the adjoining stall occupied by FIRST BEAUT opened, resulting in the horse also exiting the barriers. After having travelled a short distance, MAJESTIC DRAGON and FIRST BEAUT were steadied and returned to the Start and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion both horses were suitable to race. When the front gates opened, SHIMMER AND SHINE became fractious and reared before a short time later momentarily sitting down. SHIMMER AND SHINE was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Having considered all the circumstances, the Stewards ruled that MAJESTIC DRAGON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again. A veterinary inspection of SHIMMER AND SHINE immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SHIMMER AND SHINE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MAJESTIC DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FIRST BEAUT immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor cut to the left hind leg.
SHIMMER AND SHINE and LUNAR ZEPHYR began only fairly.
ZERO HEDGE shifted out at the start and bumped MAJESTIC DRAGON.
LUCKY BLESSINGS began only fairly and then was crowded for room between SPLIT OF A SECOND which also began only fairly and GOUTEN OF GARO which shifted in.
BUOYANT BOY and SHOWING CHARACTER bumped at the start.
Shortly after the start, GOUTEN OF GARO was steadied to obtain cover.
From a wide barrier, SHOWING CHARACTER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
For the majority of the race, LOOK ERAS travelled wide and without cover.
In the early stages, LUCKY BLESSINGS and SHIMMER AND SHINE became detached from the field and subsequently finished at the rear of the field. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY BLESSINGS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LUCKY BLESSINGS, which did not race competitively, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY BLESSINGS will be required to perform competitively in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Passing the 300 Metres, GOUTEN OF GARO was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of FIRST BEAUT which was giving ground.
Passing the 200 Metres, NOBLE STAR shifted in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MAJESTIC DRAGON.
ZERO HEDGE and SHOWING CHARACTER were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (348) LAMBETH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

GOLDEN KID was slow to begin.
RISING POWER began very awkwardly and lost ground and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners.
THE LEGEND was bumped by HAPPY FRIENDSHIP on jumping which began awkwardly and shifted out.
WINNING CONTROLLER shifted out at the start and bumped REGENCY HONEY.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOLDEN KID and SPICY DOUBLE raced tight inside GOAL FOR GOLD which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening. Then passing the 1200 Metres, GOAL FOR GOLD was left racing wide and without cover and after the 900 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 600 Metres.
Passing the 1200 Metres, RISING POWER travelled keenly.
For some distance after the 900 Metres, SPICY DOUBLE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE LEGEND.
Approaching the 600 Metres, DRAGON DANCE was steadied away from the heels of GOAL FOR GOLD (T Berry) which shifted in when not properly clear. T Berry was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
After being crossed by GOAL FOR GOLD, DRAGON DANCE got its head on the side making the turn after the 600 Metres, resulting in WINNING CONTROLLER being crowded for room. In this incident, WINNING CONTROLLER made contact with the hindquarters of DRAGON DANCE which became unbalanced.
Near the 250 Metres, SPICY DOUBLE was shifted in away from the heels of DRAGON DANCE to obtain clear running. After this, DRAGON DANCE lay in when giving ground, resulting in SPICY DOUBLE racing tight outside WEALTHY FORTUNE and causing WEALTHY FORTUNE and SPICY DOUBLE to bump.
A veterinary inspection of REGENCY HONEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
WINNING CONTROLLER, AMAZING ALWAYS and HAPPY FRIENDSHIP were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (349) ICE HOUSE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

KING’S FAIRY bounded in the air at the start, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of NOBLE DE BOY which became unbalanced. This resulted in KING’S FAIRY losing ground.
BALAY BALAY was crowded for room on jumping between HERO LOOK and MAGIC SUCCESS, both of which shifted ground.
From wide barriers, STAR SUPERIOR and HERO TIME were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, NOBLE DE BOY was bumped by KING’S FAIRY which shifted out away from the heels of PEACE ON EARTH when travelling keenly.
NOBLE DE BOY lost its left hind plate near the 1000 Metres.
Making the turn near the 550 Metres, MAGIC SUCCESS was checked when crowded for room between OUR HONOUR which lay in marginally and HERO TIME which got its head on the side and lay out across the heels of NOBLE DE BOY.
Near the 150 Metres, MAGIC SUCCESS, which was closing off well, was shifted out away from the heels of JOLLY BOUNTIFUL.
Close to the finishing line JOLLY BOUNTIFUL and HERO TIME were awkwardly placed between HERO LOOK and MAGIC SUCCESS which drifted in under pressure.
Throughout the race, JOLLY BOUNTIFUL travelled wide and without cover.
PEACE ON EARTH, ALL BEST FRIENDS and BINGO were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (350) EDINBURGH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

PERFECT CHOICE began only fairly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between CHARITY WINGS which became unbalanced after bumping with THE JUDGE and XIANG HUANG QI.
From wide barriers, PLANET STAR, ART OF RAW and HAPPY WARRIOR were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
ART OF RAW lost its left hind plate approaching the winning post on the first occasion.
After passing the winning post on the first occasion, CHARITY WINGS was momentarily awkwardly placed between XIANG HUANG QI and CURLING LUXURY, both of which shifted ground. GLORY STAR, which was racing outside CHARITY WINGS, was inconvenienced in consequence.
Passing the 1300 Metres, PERFECT CHOICE commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of XIANG HUANG QI for some distance.
Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, PERFECT CHOICE, which continued to travel keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of XIANG HUANG QI. Then near the 900 Metres, PERFECT CHOICE was checked away from the heels of XIANG HUANG QI which was awkwardly placed behind SUNSHINE UNIVERSE. After this, PERFECT CHOICE continued to travel keenly and near the 750 Metres again got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CHARITY WINGS.
Rounding the Home Turn, PERFECT CHOICE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of XIANG HUANG QI and after being shifted to the outside of that horse then got its head on the side and hung in in the early part of the Straight. PERFECT CHOICE continued to lay in and proved difficult to ride in the Straight.
Passing the 300 Metres, ART OF RAW raced very tight inside XIANG HUANG QI when improving into tight running inside that horse. XIANG HUANG QI was then shifted out abruptly approaching the 250 Metres to relieve the crowding to ART OF RAW.
When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he was asked to ride GLORY STAR in a forward position. He said it was felt that there was good speed in the race and therefore if he was unable to lead, he would be able to obtain a position behind the leaders with cover. He said, despite being hard ridden in the early stages, GLORY STAR did not show early speed and because of this settled further back in the field in the early stages than had been anticipated. He said near the 1200 Metres GLORY STAR was left racing wide and without cover and when the tempo of the race slowed, he believed that there was an opportunity to improve his position to race outside the lead. He said therefore he gradually allowed his mount to improve its position after the 1200 Metres as he had already made considerable use of GLORY STAR in the early stages and therefore did not want to ride it along to go forward. He added GLORY STAR was progressing well after the 1100 Metres, however, approaching the 1000 Metres CURLING LUXURY, which had been racing behind SICHUAN BOSS, commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of that horse despite the efforts of its rider to remain racing behind SICHUAN BOSS. He said this resulted in GLORY STAR racing in a four wide position until near the 800 Metres at which stage the horse was able to resume a three wide position, however, throughout this period continued to race wide and without cover. M Chadwick stated that whilst it was available for him to ride his mount aggressively approaching the 1100 Metres to improve its position, he was reluctant to do this given that he had been required to ride the horse along from the start until near the winning post on the first occasion in an attempt to comply with his instructions. A veterinary inspection of GLORY STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
A veterinary inspection of SICHUAN BOSS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUNSHINE UNIVERSE, DON’T MISS and THE JUDGE were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (351) CONNAUGHT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

AMAZING GOLD, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and lost ground.
ISTANBUL BEY and HAPPY CONTENDER were crowded for room on jumping between HIT A HOME RUN and SAVANNAH WIND, both of which shifted ground.
From a wide barrier, SANGRIA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SANGRIA commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIT A HOME RUN.
Near the 1300 Metres, CROWN AVENUE got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of MASTER BERNINI which resulted in CROWN AVENUE becoming badly unbalanced and losing ground.
Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, SANGRIA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIT A HOME RUN.
A Sanna (EXCELLENCE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HIGH VOLATILITY, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. A Sanna was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 31 January 2018 and to expire on Monday, 5 February 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Sanna’s good race riding record. After this, HIGH VOLATILITY was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres.
Near the 250 Metres, SANGRIA raced tight between HIT A HOME RUN and ISTANBUL BEY which shifted out marginally.
Passing the 250 Metres, the whip of K Teetan (FRUITFUL LIFE) became entangled in the horse’s rein, resulting in him being unable to effectively use the whip until after the 100 Metres.
Passing the 100 Metres, SANGRIA (N Callan) commenced to shift out under pressure, resulting in HIT A HOME RUN being hampered near the 75 Metres. N Callan was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make more of an effort than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Then over the concluding stages, HIT A HOME RUN continued to be awkwardly placed outside the heels of SANGRIA.
CROWN AVENUE was unable to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight and consequently was not able to be tested.
Throughout the race, FRUITFUL LIFE travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, A Sanna stated that, from the wide barrier, it was felt that EXCELLENCE would not show sufficient early speed to be able to take up a forward position and therefore he was asked that if EXCELLENCE did not show early speed, then the horse should be ridden towards the rear of the field. He said EXCELLENCE began well and therefore he rode his mount along in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain a midfield position if possible which would allow the horse the opportunity to not have to make up so much ground if the pace of the race turned out to be only fair. He said as he was shifting EXCELLENCE across to a position closer to the rail in the early stages, he noted that the makeup of the field was going to make it difficult for him to assume a midfield position in order to clear runners to his inside which resulted in EXCELLENCE travelling further forward than had been anticipated. He added when the tempo of the race was only fair in the middle stages, he was unable to steady EXCELLENCE sufficiently to allow FRUITFUL LIFE to cross and provide EXCELLENCE with cover.
A veterinary inspection of FRUITFUL LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HIGH VOLATILITY, SANGRIA and MASTER BERNINI were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (352) THE HONG KONG CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

HIGH FIVE was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever and swollen both hind legs). Before being allowed to race again, HIGH FIVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Shortly after the start, FAIRY TWINS was awkwardly placed between BREEDERS’ STAR and POWERMAX which got its head on the side and shifted out.
Also after travelling a short distance, DASHING GAINER shifted out and bumped DIAMOND MASTER.
From a wide barrier, HARBOUR ALERT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching and passing the 900 Metres, ARM RUNDA travelled keenly and then approaching the 850 Metres raced tight inside CHAMPION PRIDE which got its head on the side and lay in away from DASHING GAINER. After this, ARM RUNDA continued to travel keenly.
Near the 850 Metres, ROYAL MOJITO raced in restricted room inside FAIRY TWINS.
After the 800 Metres, POWERMAX was left racing wide and without cover.
Approaching the 750 Metres, FAIRY TWINS was momentarily crowded for room inside JADE THEATRE which shifted in abruptly when being checked away from the heels of POWERMAX.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, ROYAL MOJITO got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of FAIRY TWINS. After this, ROYAL MOJITO, despite being ridden along, was reluctant to maintain its position inside FAIRY TWINS.
Near the 500 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was hampered when improving into tight running between ROYAL MOJITO and DIAMOND MASTER.
Rounding the Home Turn, FAIRY TWINS was awkwardly placed behind CHAMPION PRIDE.
Approaching the 250 Metres, BREEDERS’ STAR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JADE THEATRE when improving into tight running between that horse which shifted out and DIAMOND MASTER.
When questioned regarding the performance of ARM RUNDA, O Doleuze stated that, from the horse’s inside barrier, he was asked to ride it behind the leaders if possible. He said he had to ride his mount along in the early stages to maintain his positon inside CHAMPION PRIDE and then making the turn after the 1000 Metres ARM RUNDA commenced to travel keenly. He said he again had to ride his mount along after the 900 Metres when racing tight inside CHAMPION PRIDE and because of this ARM RUNDA would not relax as well as it had done for him previously. He said ARM RUNDA travelled only fairly after the 800 Metres and then rounding the Home Turn was able to improve inside DASHING GAINER when that horse shifted away from the rail. He added, despite being tested, ARM RUNDA would not respond to his riding and gave him the impression that the horse was reluctant to stretch out fully. He said he did note that at its last start when successful and on another occasion when ridden by him when ARM RUNDA had performed well, the horse had been able to relax in its races and then make its run to the outside of horses which was not an option available to the horse in tonight’s race. He said nonetheless ARM RUNDA was disappointing in the fact that it did not respond to his riding at any stage in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ARM RUNDA immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of ARM RUNDA, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ARM RUNDA 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 CHAMPION PRIDE and ROYAL MOJITO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ROYAL MOJITO, JADE THEATRE and BREEDERS’ STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (353) CHATER HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

CALCULATION began awkwardly and after travelling a short distance shifted out and bumped HEROIC GURU.
Shortly after the start, RIGHT HONOURABLE became unbalanced after being bumped by GOLD LAND which was taken out by PRETTY BAUHINIA. After this, RIGHT HONOURABLE was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Near the 1400 Metres, PRETTY BAUHINIA got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GENEROUS HEART.
B Prebble (PLAY WISE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that he commenced to shift his mount out approaching the 400 Metres when not clear of ISHVARA, resulting in that horse clipping the heels of PLAY WISE and blundering. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 7 February 2018 and to expire on Sunday, 11 February 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, B Prebble was fined $15,000.
For some distance passing the 300 Metres, RIGHT HONOURABLE was held up and had to be steadied when disappointed for running between LITTLE ISLAND and GOLD LAND where there was insufficient room. RIGHT HONOURABLE then did not obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres.
Passing the 300 Metres, CALCULATION shifted in and bumped GO GO WIN.
Passing the 250 Metres, GENEROUS HEART was directed to the outside of CHATER LEGEND after being disappointed for running inside that horse which was racing tight inside GO GO WIN. CHATER LEGEND then continued to race tight inside GO GO WIN until near the 200 Metres.
Passing the 200 Metres, PLAY WISE got its head on the side and shifted out.
Near the 150 Metres, GO GO WIN momentarily raced tight inside CALCULATION which shifted in.
In the Straight, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY lay in under pressure and proved difficult to ride.
Throughout the race, LITTLE ISLAND travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of CALCULATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CALCULATION, PRETTY BAUHINIA and PLAY WISE were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (354) CLUB STREET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

VICTORY MACHINE was withdrawn on 16.1.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PRINCE HARMONY. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY MACHINE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
U Rispoli (FLYING TOURBILLON) was fined $2,000 for failing to initially weigh out with a girth.
STAR OF JOY began only fairly.
HAPPY BAO BEI shifted out at the start and bumped CHARITY GLORY.
GOOD COMPANION began awkwardly and bumped EXTREMELY FUN on jumping, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.
From the outside barriers, SMART BOY and HAPPY SURVEYS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, CHARITY GLORY was checked when crowded for room between HAPPY BAO BEI which was racing tight inside EXTREMELY FUN which got its head on the side and lay in from PRINCE HARMONY and STAR OF JOY which shifted out abruptly when proving very difficult to settle. SMART BOY, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence.
When being steadied to allow WHO ELSE BUT YOU to cross, CHEERFULJET travelled keenly near the 900 Metres.
After being crossed by WHO ELSE BUT YOU, CHEERFULJET commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse near the 850 Metres.
Passing the 700 Metres, STAR OF JOY commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FLYING TOURBILLON. For some distance after this, STAR OF JOY continued to prove very difficult to settle. CHARITY GLORY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of STAR OF JOY near the 650 Metres. BLAZE STAMINA, which was racing to the inside of STAR OF JOY, was also hampered after being bumped on the hindquarters by STAR OF JOY.
D Whyte (PRINCE HARMONY) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CHEERFULJET, causing that horse to be unnecessary crowded for room between PRINCE HARMONY and WHO ELSE BUT YOU and ultimately resulting in CHEERFULJET losing its rightful running passing the 200 Metres. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 7 February 2018 and to expire on Sunday, 11 February 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Whyte’s good race riding record.
Throughout the race, EXTREMELY FUN travelled wide and without cover.
CHEERFULJET, FLYING TOURBILLON and SMART BOY were sent for sampling.
<18/1/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that BLAZE STAMINA was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, BLAZE STAMINA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.