Race:1 (109) THE 29TH WORLD HAKKA CONFERENCE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1600 m

SUPERNATURAL was slow to begin and then, despite being ridden along in the early and middle stages, became detached from the field.
GO SANDY GO was also slow to begin.
From the outside barrier, GOLD TALENT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After being ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position from a wide barrier, BRAVE KNIGHT travelled keenly in the lead in the middle stages.
GO SANDY GO gave ground prior to the Home Turn and was retired out of the race in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of GO SANDY GO immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
WONDERFUL CHASER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
Approaching the 200 Metres, GENTLEMEN was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GOLD TALENT.
For the majority of the race, GENTLEMEN travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the performance of LIGHTNING AND GOLD, B Prebble stated that he had ridden the horse in track work in the lead up to today’s race and LIGHTNING AND GOLD felt well and he was of the opinion that the horse had improved since its last run. He said LIGHTNING AND GOLD travelled comfortably behind the speed, however, when asked for an effort in the early part of the Straight did not quicken and then was very disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. He added it was of concern to him that LIGHTNING AND GOLD pulled up very quickly of its own accord after the winning post and was inclined to shift towards the outside rail although he was not able to detect any soundness issues with the horse. A veterinary inspection of LIGHTNING AND GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of BRAVE KNIGHT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
FURIOUS PEGASUS and LE PEGASE were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (110) HONG KONG MEI ZHOU ASSOCIATION HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

OWNERS’ DELIGHT began awkwardly, resulting in its rider, Apprentice H T Mo, becoming badly unbalanced.
PLAY IT began only fairly.
CONTRIBUTION shifted in at the start and bumped LET’S TAKE IT EASY which in turn shifted in and inconvenienced SUNNY ORIENT.
FINE WITH ME shifted out at the start and bumped AMUSING CITY (T Berry). After the race, T Berry advised that it was intended for AMUSING CITY to be ridden in a forward position and after becoming unbalanced at the start, he rode his mount along, however, AMUSING CITY did not show sufficient early speed to be able to take up a forward position, therefore he elected, shortly after the start, to shift AMUSING CITY across behind runners.
From wide barriers, FINE WITH ME and DIAMOND LEGEND were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, UNIQUE JOYFUL got its head up when proving very difficult to settle when racing outside the lead.
Near the 1150 Metres, EMPIRE STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CONTRIBUTION.
After the 1100 Metres, SUNNY ORIENT was left racing wide and without cover.
After the 1000 Metres, FINE WITH ME, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STARLOT and then after the 800 Metres got its head on the side and lay out when it continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of STARLOT.
Near the 650 Metres, OWNERS’ DELIGHT was taken wider by PLAY IT which shifted to the outside of CHEERS CONQUEROR.
STARLOT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PLAY IT rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. In this incident, STARLOT bumped with DIAMOND LEGEND which raced tight inside OWNERS’ DELIGHT.
Approaching the 400 Metres, AMUSING CITY was shifted out away from the heels of OWNERS’ DELIGHT which made the turn awkwardly.
Both LET’S TAKE IT EASY and THE FULL BLOOM were unable to obtain clear running over the final 200 Metres and because of this neither horse was able to be tested.
After the race, S Clipperton stated that due to the slow tempo in the middle stages, DIAMOND LEGEND, from the rear of the field, was not able to make ground to be competitive in the Straight. He said however he believed that because of the tempo of the race DIAMOND LEGEND’s run was better than it might have appeared. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
EMPIRE STAR, UNIQUE JOYFUL and CONTRIBUTION were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (111) MEI ZHOU HERO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

AMAZING ALWAYS was slow to begin.
From a wide barrier, KING BOUNTIFUL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
MIDNITE PROMISE shifted out at the start, resulting in FANCY MUSIC being hampered. After this, from a wide barrier, FANCY MUSIC was also shifted across behind runners.
Approaching and passing the 1400 Metres, PO CHING TREASURE commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of INDUSTRIALIST WAY.
Approaching the 300 Metres, Z Purton (PO CHING TREASURE) dropped his whip.
Approaching and 250 Metres and again passing the 200 Metres, INDUSTRIALIST WAY and PO CHING TREASURE raced tight.
When questioned, Apprentice H T Mo (INDUSTRIALIST WAY) stated that the pace of the race in the middle stages was good and therefore he was reluctant to improve to race forward of SPARKLING SWORD which was racing behind the leader MIDNITE PROMISE. He said after the 1000 Metres the tempo of the race slowed which resulted in SPARKLING SWORD becoming awkwardly placed close to the heels of MIDNITE PROMISE and shifting out from behind that horse. He said because of this INDUSTRIALIST WAY was taken wider when bumped by SPARKLING SWORD. He added due to INDUSTRIALIST WAY being positioned about a half length behind SPARKLING SWORD in the lead up to this incident, he was then not able to steady his mount in an attempt to obtain a trailing position behind SPARKLING SWORD and consequently was required to race three wide until after the 800 Metres at which time SPARKLING SWORD shifted in marginally back behind MIDNITE PROMISE.
After the race, M Chadwick reported that KING BOUNTIFUL did not appear to let down in today’s race and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of KING BOUNTIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PROUD SKY, KING WINSA and PO CHING TREASURE were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (112) ZHONGSHAN HAKKA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

BORN DRAGON shifted out at the start and bumped FLYING GODSPELL.
From the outside barriers, GOAL FOR GOLD and SUPER EURO STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Then, GOAL FOR GOLD, despite being ridden along in the early and middle stages, became detached from the field.
Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, GIDDY GIDDY became unbalanced when crowded for room between STARTLING POWER and BORN DRAGON which, when travelling keenly, shifted out away from the heels of FLYING GODSPELL. In this incident, STARTLING POWER, which travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, became badly unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by GIDDY GIDDY. After this, BORN DRAGON continued to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STRATHCLYDE.
Near the 350 Metres, STARTLING POWER and STRATHCLYDE brushed, resulting in STARTLING POWER becoming unbalanced.
Near the 150 Metres, GOAL FOR GOLD, which was finishing off the race fairly, was shifted in away from the heels of FANTASTIC FABIO.
When questioned regarding the performance of VIVA COUNCIL, K Teetan stated that it was anticipated that the horse would be able to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders from an inside barrier. He said VIVA COUNCIL was slow to begin and then, despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, was unable to muster speed. He said he had to ride VIVA COUNCIL along for a considerable distance in the early stages in order for the horse to maintain its position behind FANTASTIC FABIO. He said VIVA COUNCIL appeared to be resenting the kickback and for this reason he directed his mount out a number of horses after the 300 Metres to see if it would finish off the race better. He added whilst the horse did make up some ground, nonetheless VIVA COUNCIL was disappointing in today’s race. Trainer L Ho informed the Stewards that he was disappointed with the run of VIVA COUNCIL as the horse had performed particularly well on the All Weather surface last start and had worked well since. He said he instructed Jockey Teetan to ride VIVA COUNCIL in a forward position as was the case last start, however, after being slow to begin, the horse was obliged to race back in the field. He added the only explanation he could offer for the horse’s disappointing performance was that the rating of the All Weather Track last start was "Wet Slow” and therefore the horse may have resented the kickback today, particularly given that after being shifted to the outside of runners, it then appeared to close off the race fairly. A veterinary inspection of VIVA COUNCIL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the performance of FANTASTIC FABIO, K C Leung stated that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a position just in advance of midfield if possible. He said, despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, FANTASTIC FABIO settled slightly further back in the field than had been hoped due to the tempo in the early stages which, in his opinion, was good. He said FANTASTIC FABIO travelled satisfactorily and, up in grade today, then finished off the race one-paced. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC FABIO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the performance of I’M THE WON FOR U, S Clipperton stated that he had to ride his mount along for a considerable distance in the early stages to obtain a position in about midfield. He said I’M THE WON FOR U did not stretch out as well as he had hoped and after placing the horse under pressure passing the 500 Metres, I’M THE WON FOR U gave only a limited response but then was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of I’M THE WON FOR U immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of FLYING GODSPELL and GOAL FOR GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
VIVA COUNCIL, STRATHCLYDE and BEEKELY were sent for sampling.
<18/10/2017 14 October 2017 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 4 (112)>
The Stewards tonight interviewed Trainer D E Ferraris and his allocated assistant trainer Mr S K Sit regarding a matter which was referred to the Stewards by Dr P Curl, the Club’s Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulation. Dr Curl informed the Stewards that on the morning of Sunday, 15 October 2017 he had received information from Mr Ferraris that ELITE SPIRIT had bled after the race conducted the previous day, however, this information had not been included in the official racing incidents report. Mr Ferraris tonight informed the Stewards that as he was not present when ELITE SPIRIT returned following the race, he could not give any evidence as to whether there was blood at either of the horse’s nostril, however, Mr Sit had informed him straight after the race that the horse had bled. Mr Ferraris said that acting on this advice he immediately informed the owner of ELITE SPIRIT that the horse had bled for a second time. Mr Sit informed the Stewards that when being unsaddled after the race, he observed blood in the right nostril of ELITE SPIRIT, he therefore directed his stables assistant to take the horse to be examined at or near the sampling stalls as is normal practice. He said at the time he believed that this would be brought to the attention of a Veterinary Officer, however, he acknowledged that he did not specifically instruct the stables assistant to show the horse to a Veterinary Officer. It was further established that the stables assistant, on arrival at the sampling stalls, was informed by the members of the Security Department that ELITE SPIRIT had not been included in the clinical examination and accordingly the horse was not examined by a Veterinary Officer. The Stewards accepted that neither Mr Ferraris nor Mr Sit attempted to conceal the fact that ELITE SPIRIT had bled and that the incident occurred due to Mr Sit not fully instructing his stables staff as to the appropriate measures to be taken. Mr Sit was advised to ensure that he reports any horse which has bled from one or both nostrils to the Stewards, the Veterinary Officer or the Veterinary Surgeon at the earliest opportunity. Mr Ferraris accepted that ELITE SPIRIT was found to have bled after the race and accordingly the horse was deemed to have bled for the second occasion during its career.

Race:5 (113) HONG KONG FEDERATION OF OVERSEAS CHINESE ASSOCIATIONS HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

PENZANCE began awkwardly and lost ground and in doing so shifted out and bumped GOOD CHOICE AHEAD which also lost ground when crowded for room inside DESTIN.
ASSOCIATION FANS was crowded for room on jumping between EVER LAUGH and BINGO which shifted out after blundering. After this, ASSOCIATION FANS was shifted across behind runners.
Also from a wide barrier, EVER LAUGH was taken across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail after being bumped by DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS shortly after the start.
When being steadied to obtain a trailing position behind the lead after the 1300 Metres, CREME BRULEE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE LEGEND.
Also passing the 1300 Metres, VICTOR EMPEROR got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, DESTIN was steadied away from the heels of CREME BRULEE which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE LEGEND. MY HONEY, which was following, got its head up when awkwardly placed behind DESTIN in consequence.
Rounding the Home Turn, DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS became badly unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by DESTIN (K C Leung) which, when attempting to improve between BINGO and DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS where there was insufficient room, was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of BINGO. K C Leung was warned against the practice of attempting to force runs and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to show more care than he did on this occasion.
In the Straight, ASSOCIATION FANS lay in.
Throughout the race, BINGO travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, N Rawiller was dislodged from GOOD FOR YOU without incident.
A veterinary inspection of BINGO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
C P POWER and SWEET HOME were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (114) THE HAKKA CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

Whilst in the saddling stalls, BABA MAMA had its left front plate replaced. BABA MAMA was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.
The Veterinary Officer reported that LIONROCKSPIRIT, which kicked a rail when proceeding to the Start, was found to be suitable to race.
CONSORT and ROCKETEER were slow to begin.
LUCKY GIRL began only fairly and then was crowded for room on jumping between EASTERN EXPRESS and LIONROCKSPIRIT which shifted out.
FRIENDS OF KA YING shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of MIDNIGHT RATTLER. Then, from a wide barrier, FRIENDS OF KA YING was taken across behind runners.
From a wide barrier, BABA MAMA was also taken across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1300 Metres, LUCKY GIRL was crowded for room inside CITRON SPIRIT which shifted in marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LIONROCKSPIRIT.
Passing the 1200 Metres, KEEN VENTURE got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover.
After the 1000 Metres, FRIENDS OF KA YING was left racing wide and without cover.
Near the 950 Metres, CITRON SPIRIT raced tight inside ENCOUNTER, which when travelling keenly, shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASTERN EXPRESS.
Rounding the Home Turn, ROCKETEER raced tight inside KEEN VENTURE as ROCKETEER attempted to improve between that horse and FRIENDS OF KA YING where there was insufficient room.
ENCOUNTER commenced to give ground passing the 300 Metres and then was eased down over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of ENCOUNTER immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
Near the 150 Metres, SOLAR HEI HEI and FRIENDS OF KA YING raced in restricted room inside KEEN VENTURE which shifted in marginally.
Approaching the 100 Metres, the whip of S Clipperton (FRIENDS OF KA YING) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of Apprentice M F Poon (SOLAR HEI HEI).
ROCKETEER, CITRON SPIRIT and KEEN VENTURE were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (115) MEI ZHOU CITY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

WINNERS PIONEER, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 13.10.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right front tendon injury). Before being allowed to race again, WINNERS PIONEER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
AMAZING MOMENT began awkwardly, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly and then shortly after the start shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of PAKISTAN BABY which became unbalanced.
SPOTLIGHT DREAM blundered at the start.
STAR SUPERIOR shifted in and hampered HAPPY SURVEYS on jumping.
From the outside barrier, WAYFOONG VINNIE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
After being left racing wide in the early stages, SPOTLIGHT DREAM was ridden along after the 1000 Metres to obtain the lead.
Passing the 900 Metres, LOTUS BREEZE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING MORTAR.
Making the turn near the 700 Metres, AMAZING MOMENT momentarily raced tight between NUCLEAR POWER and LOTUS BREEZE which shifted out.
For the majority of the race, NUCLEAR POWER travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of WAYFOONG VINNIE and ARIZONA BLIZZARD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
AMAZING MOMENT, SPOTLIGHT DREAM and KING MORTAR were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (116) WORLD HAKKA CAPITAL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

CALIFORNIA ARCHER was withdrawn on 13.10.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WINNING SUPREME (Apprentice H T Mo). Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA ARCHER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After being loaded into the barriers, WINNING SUPREME became very fractious, reared and momentarily sat down. WINNING SUPREME was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING SUPREME will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test.
MEGA TREASURE was crowded for room on jumping between SAUL’S SPECIAL which shifted out and FORTUNE BO BO which shifted in after beginning only fairly. In this incident, FORTUNE BO BO became badly unbalanced and shifted out and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of LEAN AMBASSADOR.
ROYAL MOJITO was slow to begin.
In the early stages, ULTIMATE DREAM was steadied and shifted across behind runners towards the outside rail.
TURF SPRINT was unable to obtain clear running from the 400 Metres until near the 150 Metres and then over the concluding stages was shifted in away from the heels of SAUL’S SPECIAL when that horse was taken in by ROYAL MOJITO. Because of this, TURF SPRINT was not able to be properly tested.
Near the 250 Metres, PEACE N PROSPERITY shifted in and bumped FORTUNE BO BO.
Passing the 100 Metres, FORTUNE BO BO was steadied when crowded for room between SAUL’S SPECIAL which was laying out under pressure and ROYAL MOJITO which, when shifting to the inside of MONEY BOY to obtain clear running, was then required to shift further as a result of MONEY BOY being taken in by ACE KING.
Passing the 50 Metres, BEAUTY MASTER went amiss in the left front leg, resulting in the horse being eased down.
When questioned, Mr T P Yung, the trainer of both FORTUNE BO BO (Apprentice H N Wong) and SUPER JUNIOR (K C Leung), stated that he is of the view that both horses and in particular FORTUNE BO BO perform best when able to race close to a rail. He said there had been occasions that FORTUNE BO BO had performed disappointingly when obliged to race away from the rail and as both horses had drawn towards the inside, particularly SUPER JUNIOR, which drew barrier 1 and with the rail in the C position, he asked both Apprentice Wong and K C Leung to race close to the inside rail. He said SUPER JUNIOR and FORTUNE BO BO generally race up on the speed and given the makeup of the field of today’s race and the fact that both horses had drawn inside gates, he believed that it would not be possible for FORTUNE BO BO and SUPER JUNIOR to clear horses drawn closer to the outside rail and therefore both horses would be obliged to race towards the centre of the track. He said he did not believe this would be in the best interests of either horse given their previous racing history and given the rail in the C position, this would provide the opportunity to race on the inside rail. Apprentice Wong confirmed that he had been asked to shift FORTUNE BO BO across from barrier 6 towards the inside rail and lead if possible as FORTUNE BO BO had previously led in a number of its races. He stated that FORTUNE BO BO did not begin well and became unbalanced at the start which resulted in him having to ride along for a considerable distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said approaching the 900 Metres he turned FORTUNE BO BO’s head inwards in an attempt to have it shift towards the inside rail, however, the horse was reluctant to shift in and at this time SAUL’S SPECIAL was able to shift across to race inside FORTUNE BO BO and because of this he was then not able to shift in any further. He said he therefore took the initiative to continue towards the outside rail which, while being in contrary to his instructions, was in his opinion the best option for the horse given the circumstances of the race in the early stages. K C Leung also confirmed the instructions given to him by Mr Yung. He said in accordance with his instructions he held a straight line after the start as he was already positioned near the inside rail having drawn barrier 1. He said he expected FORTUNE BO BO to shift across towards the inside rail as he had been asked to obtain a position with cover behind that horse given that FORTUNE BO BO had shown more speed than SUPER JUNIOR in its races. He said when FORTUNE BO BO did not shift towards the inside rail, he continued to race closer to the inside rail albeit he allowed SUPER JUNIOR to gradually drift more towards the centre of the track. Mr Yung confirmed that he had advised both sets of connections of the tactics to be adopted in today’s race and the reason for SUPER JUNIOR to take a trailing position behind FORTUNE BO BO was that he is of the opinion that FORTUNE BO BO has more pace than SUPER JUNIOR and therefore he felt that that horse would be able to cross SUPER JUNIOR without having to make too much use of the horse. The Stewards informed Mr Yung that they would review the previous races of both FORTUNE BO BO and SUPER JUNIOR before deciding on the most appropriate way for the matter to proceed.
After the race, both O Doleuze (SAUL’S SPECIAL) and T Berry (PEACE N PROSPERITY) reported that their mounts did not feel comfortable in today’s race, particularly over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of SAUL’S SPECIAL and PEACE N PROSPERITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, C Schofield was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of TRAVEL EMPEROR. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily, however, when placed under pressure did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL EMPEROR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE BO BO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ACE KING was sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from BEAUTY MASTER.
<29/10/2017 14 October 2017 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 8 (116)>At the racemeeting on 14 October 2017, the Stewards informed Mr T P Yung, the trainer of FORTUNE BO BO and SUPER JUNIOR, that they would review the previous racing history of both horses before deciding on the most appropriate way for the inquiry into the manner in which those horses were ridden to proceed. After reviewing the racing history of particularly FORTUNE BO BO, the Stewards accepted that Mr Yung’s instructions for that horse to lead SUPER JUNIOR were appropriate in the circumstances given that FORTUNE BO BO had led or raced in a forward position in a number of its races and in particular in a number of its race wins. In respect of SUPER JUNIOR racing on the inside rail and the pre-race intention for FORTUNE BO BO to race similarly towards the inside rail, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise Mr Yung of the importance to have regard to all the relevant factors when providing his riders with instructions in the future so as to ensure that horses are given every opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible placing.

Race:9 (117) HAKKA CULTURE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

MEGA RED was withdrawn on 13.10.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front tendon injury) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BLOCKER DEE (N Rawiller). Before being allowed to race again, MEGA RED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
PERPETUAL JOYANCE shifted out at the start and bumped DRAGON GENERAL, causing both horses to become unbalanced.
WAH MAY FRIEND and DRAGON MASTER bumped on jumping.
From wide barriers, both DRAGON MASTER and CONVINCIBLE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Near the 900 Metres, DRAGON GENERAL was steadied away from the heels of STAR OF YAN OI which shifted in.
Making the turn near the 700 Metres, LITTLE GIANT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BLOCKER DEE (N Rawiller) which got its head on the side and lay in. N Rawiller was advised to make every endeavour to provide runners on his inside with comfortable racing room. JOYFUL MOMENTS, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence.
Rounding the Home Turn, JOYFUL MOMENTS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LITTLE GIANT.
Passing the 150 Metres, LITTLE GIANT raced in restricted room inside PABLOSKY.
PERPETUAL JOYANCE lay out under pressure in the Straight.
Throughout the race, WAH MAY FRIEND travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, K C Ng stated that he was instructed to be positive on JOYFUL MOMENTS and obtain a forward position. He said because there were a number of horses in the race which had previously led, he was advised not to engage in a speed battle, rather to obtain a trailing position behind the leader if possible. He said JOYFUL MOMENTS began awkwardly and got its head up and then, despite being ridden along, failed to muster speed and was crossed by LITTLE GIANT a short distance after the start which resulted in JOYFUL MOMENTS racing further back in the field than had been intended.
A veterinary inspection of DRAGON GENERAL and DRAGON MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
LITTLE GIANT and PABLOSKY were sent for sampling.
<16/10/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that DRAGON MASTER was lame in its right front leg with a swollen right front fetlock after racing. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:10 (118) HAKKA SPIRIT HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

BRING IT ON, WORLD RECORD and GENERAL DINO were all steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also from a wide barrier, MIGHTY MAVERICK was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
After the 1200 Metres, PRETTY BAUHINIA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY AGILITY.
After the 900 Metres, PRETTY BAUHINIA was left racing wide and without cover.
WORLD RECORD was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 350 Metres was checked away from the heels of BRAVE LEGEND.
SUNNY WAY (T Berry) was held up for clear running passing the 300 Metres. T Berry stated that after this SUNNY WAY appeared to shorten stride and he felt that the horse may have knocked itself when being held up. He said however after the race the horse appeared sound in its action. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
C Schofield, the rider of 5th placegetter, SILVERFIELD, pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)]. In the circumstances, particularly having in mind the narrow margin between the 4th placing and the 5th placing, the Stewards considered the appropriate penalty was for C Schofield’s licence to ride in races be suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 29 October 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 2 November 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).
When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon stated that he had been asked to attempt to lead if possible without riding the horse too hard as KINGSFIELD had previously been able to race well when ridden in this manner. He said the pace of the race, even allowing for the tail wind, was fast in the early stages and as REGENCY BO BO and CARE FREE PRINCE were being hard ridden outside KINGSFIELD, he considered it was in the best interests of KINGSFIELD to steady the horse after the 1300 Metres and allow REGENCY BO BO and CARE FREE PRINCE to cross KINGSFIELD which would provide him with the opportunity to then improve his position to race outside the leader. He added that if he were to continue to ride KINGSFIELD along to prevent REGENCY BO BO from crossing, KINGSFIELD would have been under pressure for some distance and this would have resulted in the tempo continuing to be quick which would not have afforded KINGSFIELD the opportunity to finish off the race. Apprentice Poon’s explanation was accepted.
Z Purton (FAST MOST FURIOUS) stated that at the entrance to the Straight he was racing behind PRETTY BAUHINIA. He said at this time there was not a run available to the outside of that horse as SILVERFIELD was racing directly to the outside of FAST MOST FURIOUS and as that horse was travelling very well and had an advantage over FAST MOST FURIOUS, it was not available for him to create a run between PRETTY BAUHINIA and SILVERFIELD. He added he therefore elected to shift to the inside of PRETTY BAUHINIA and approaching the 300 Metres FAST MOST FURIOUS and BRAVE LEGEND raced tight as FAST MOST FURIOUS shifted to the inside of PRETTY BAUHINIA in an attempt to obtain clear running. He said FAST MOST FURIOUS was then unable to obtain clear running and for some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres was steadied when unable to proceed into tight running between PRETTY BAUHINIA and HAPPY AGILITY and consequently FAST MOST FURIOUS was not able to be properly tested.
A veterinary inspection of A BEAUTIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of SILVERFIELD immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a wound to the outside of the right front fetlock. Before being allowed to race again, SILVERFIELD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
FAST MOST FURIOUS, REGENCY BO BO and KINGSFIELD were sent for sampling.