Race:1 (227) TO KWA WAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

Shortly after the start, JOLLY AMBER raced tight between CASH COURIER and VICTORY FOLLOW ME which shifted in.
From the outside barriers, G-ONE UNION, GOLD TALENT and HALL OF FAME were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
After travelling a short distance, TELECOM BOOM and GOLDEN CANNON were crowded for room between G-ONE UNION and RAINBOW GOLD which shifted out.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, FUN MANAGER got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CELEBRATION.
After the 1100 Metres, VICTORY FOLLOW ME got its head up when being steadied to allow GOLDEN CANNON to cross.
After the 1000 Metres, VICTORY FOLLOW ME then travelled keenly when racing behind GOLDEN CANNON.
At the 600 Metres, TELECOM BOOM and G-ONE UNION raced tight as TELECOM BOOM shifted out to improve behind JOLLY AMBER.
After the 600 Metres, VICTORY FOLLOW ME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOLDEN CANNON.
Near the 550 Metres, FUN MANAGER was awkwardly placed behind CELEBRATION.
In the early part of the Straight, VICTORY FOLLOW ME got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. After this, VICTORY FOLLOW ME continued to race with its head on the side.
A veterinary inspection of CASH COURIER and GOLD TALENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GOLDEN CANNON and JOLLY AMBER were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (228) KOWLOON CITY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

Just prior to the start being effected, ROYAL CHOCOLATE became fractious and then as the start was effected lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin.
HAR HAR HEART shifted out on jumping and bumped GOOD CHOICE AHEAD which shifted out and made contact with HAPPY FIERY DRAGON, resulting in all three horses becoming unbalanced. Then a short distance later, HAR HAR HEART was crowded for room between GOOD CHOICE AHEAD and GLORIOUS LEGACY which shifted out.
From the outside barriers, SPARKLING TALENT and SUPREME WITNESS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also from a wide barrier, JOYFUL PARK was steadied to obtain cover in the early stages.
Making the turn after the 500 Metres, JUMBO BUS got its head on the side and lay out.
Passing the 300 Metres, JUMBO BUS (N Callan) got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly, resulting in the horse having to be checked away from the heels of LONDON MASTER. After this, JUMBO BUS continued to lay in when giving ground. After the race, N Callan reported that his mount, which was having its first race start tonight, raced greenly throughout the race and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn. He said JUMBO BUS weakened noticeably in the Straight when continuing to race greenly. A veterinary inspection of JUMBO BUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners and performance of JUMBO BUS were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUMBO BUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Approaching the 100 Metres, GLORIOUS LEGACY raced tight inside JUMBO BUS which lay in.
A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FIERY DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
NUMERO UNO and LONDON MASTER were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (229) MA TAU WAI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 2200 m

KING WINSA shifted out at the start and bumped HAPPY CONTENDER.
Approaching the 1800 Metres, ISTANBUL BEY was checked away from the heels of FRUITFUL LIFE when travelling keenly.
Approaching the 1200 Metres, ISTANBUL BEY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FRUITFUL LIFE and then passing the 1200 Metres was shifted out and allowed to improve its position.
Near the 1100 Metres, PREMIUM CHAMPION was checked away from the heels of KING WINSA.
Passing the 150 Metres, CLOUD NINE, which was commencing to give ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of PREMIUM CHAMPION (J Moreira) which shifted out. J Moreira was advised to exercise more care.
J Moreira (PREMIUM CHAMPION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of CROWN AVENUE, causing that horse to be checked away from the heels of PREMIUM CHAMPION. J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 20 December 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 24 December 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Moreira’s good race riding record.
A veterinary inspection of ISTANBUL BEY and BALAY BALAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performances of ISTANBUL BEY and BALAY BALAY, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ISTANBUL BEY and BALAY BALAY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, D Whyte stated that as the start was effected CLOUD NINE turned its head to the right which resulted in the horse being slow to begin. He said CLOUD NINE then lost further ground when crowded for room between PREMIUM CHAMPION and CROWN AVENUE, both of which shifted ground. He said after this he rode his mount along in an endeavour to make up lost ground, however, was only able to obtain a position in about midfield or slightly behind midfield. He said when the tempo of the race slackened approaching the 1200 Metres he shifted out to follow ISTANBUL BEY forward in the hope of obtaining a position closer to the leaders. He said ISTANBUL BEY was able to obtain a forward position easily, however, he had to ride CLOUD NINE along in an attempt to follow that horse which allowed FRUITFUL LIFE to shift out underneath CLOUD NINE, resulting in him having to ride CLOUD NINE harder to improve into a forward position so as not to race unnecessarily wide. He added passing the 1000 Metres he had to continue to ride CLOUD NINE forward as RULE THEE was shifted out to improve around CROWN AVENUE. He said RULE THEE then took some time to cross CROWN AVENUE and then ISTANBUL BEY which meant that he had to make a sustained run approaching the 600 Metres to also clear runners to his inside to race to the outside of RULE THEE. He said because of the circumstances of the race, which were in contrast to its last start when successful, CLOUD NINE was not able to finish off the race tonight.
N Rawiller stated that he was instructed to have HAPPY ROCKY travel where it was comfortable in the early stages and not to make use of the horse to obtain a forward position. He said shortly after the start he had the opportunity to ride HAPPY ROCKY along to prevent PREMIUM CHAMPION from shifting in front of HAPPY ROCKY, however, he believed that he would have had to ride his mount along to obtain that position and as this would have been contrary to his instructions, he allowed PREMIUM CHAMPION to cross and take up a trailing position behind that horse.
When questioned regarding the performance of FRUITFUL LIFE, K Teetan stated that he was asked to have the horse in a forward position as it was stepping up to 2200 Metres for the first time tonight. He said he was able to obtain cover behind RULE THEE near the 1800 Metres and FRUITFUL LIFE initially travelled comfortably. He said the pace of the race slacked in the middle stages and for this reason he shifted to the outside of RULE THEE when ISTANBUL BEY improved to the outside of his mount and he attempted to follow that horse forward. He said however that FRUITFUL LIFE was not able to quicken sufficiently to prevent RULE THEE from shifting out in front of FRUITFUL LIFE, therefore he took a trailing position behind that horse near the 900 Metres. He said the tempo of the race quickened after this due to RULE THEE and CLOUD NINE being ridden along to improve their positions and FRUITFUL LIFE had difficulty adapting to the change in tempo. He said he commenced to ride his mount along prior to the 600 Metres, however, FRUITFUL LIFE did not respond and then did not finish off the race. He said, in his opinion, the performance of FRUITFUL LIFE tonight was a combination of the horse being up in grade and distance and the tempo of the race at various stages not being consistent. He said at its last start when successful the race was run at an even gallop throughout and this suited FRUITFUL LIFE more than the fluctuating tempo of tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of FRUITFUL LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FRUITFUL LIFE, PREMIUM CHAMPION and RULE THEE were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (230) SAN PO KONG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

HAYMAKER was slow to begin.
GOLDEN DEER and MASSIVE POWER bumped at the start.
Shortly after the start, GOLDEN DEER was steadied away from the heels of SEVEN LUCK which was taken out by FORTUNE BROTHERS which in turn was taken out marginally by KIM GLORY.
From the outside barriers, VICTOR EMPEROR and CHEERS CONQUEROR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, VICTOR EMPEROR got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of LAUGHING LORD.
Approaching the 800 Metres, LAUGHING LORD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASSIVE POWER.
Near the 550 Metres, FORTUNE BROTHERS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VICTORY DUKE.
Passing the 500 Metres, LAUGHING LORD was shifted out away from the heels of HAYMAKER.
Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, HAYMAKER and GOOD METHOD bumped on a number of occasions due to both horses shifting ground.
After the 200 Metres, SEVEN LUCK was awkwardly placed when improving into tight running between VICTORY DUKE and KIM GLORY.
Throughout the race, ROCKET LET WIN travelled wide and without cover.
VICTORY DUKE lost its left front plate after the race.
After the race, U Rispoli (MASSIVE POWER) reported that after travelling well, he placed the horse under pressure after the 600 Metres, however, it did not respond to his riding and gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of MASSIVE POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of VICTORY DUKE, N Rawiller stated that his mount began extremely well and he rode it along to take advantage of this so as to clear SEVEN LUCK and FORTUNE BROTHERS which he expected to take up a forward position. He said he was able to shift in to race outside KIM GLORY in the early stages without having to make use of his horse and VICTORY DUKE subsequently travelled comfortably when racing outside and slightly behind KIM GLORY. He said approaching the 700 Metres VICTORY DUKE became unbalanced in its action but after this quickly regained its normal action and he was satisfied with the manner in which his mount was travelling. He added he placed VICTORY DUKE under pressure rounding the Home Turn and the horse initially responded satisfactorily to his riding, however, shortened stride near the 150 Metres and then weakened badly over the final 100 Metres indicating to him that the horse may have been experiencing a problem. He said he was not able to identify any lameness issues with VICTORY DUKE, however, the manner in which the horse weakened was in contrast to the way it finished off the race strongly at its last start when successful over the course and distance. Trainer R Gibson was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of VICTORY DUKE as the horse had done particularly well since its last start win. He said the manner in which VICTORY DUKE gave ground over the final stages indicated to him that the horse may have sustained an injury, however, no injuries were detectable immediately after the race. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY DUKE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of VICTORY DUKE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY DUKE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
HAYMAKER and SEVEN LUCK were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (231) KOWLOON CITY HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

EASTERN PROWESS and HOUSE OF LUCK were crowded for room on jumping between CHEERFULJET and STARLOT which got its head on the side and shifted in when being ridden along.
HURRICANE HUNTER and SO GENEROUS bumped at the start. Then from a wide barrier, SO GENEROUS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
From the outside barrier, NOBLE DE BOY was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners in an attempt to obtain cover, however, for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover.
Apprentice M F Poon (PEACE ON EARTH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of STARLOT, causing that horse to be hampered and taken across the rightful running of EASTERN PROWESS which was checked and blundered. Further, he permitted his mount to shift in near the 1100 Metres when not clear of CHEERFULJET, resulting in that horse being hampered when bumped by PEACE ON EARTH and in turn shifting in onto SHOWING CHARACTER, causing that horse to be badly hampered. In this incident, HAPPY WARRIOR was also hampered when crowded for room inside SHOWING CHARACTER. Apprentice Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 6 December 2017 and to expire on Monday, 11 December 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Poon was fined $30,000.
Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, EASTERN PROWESS got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOUSE OF LUCK.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, HOUSE OF LUCK was awkwardly placed inside the heels of HAPPY WARRIOR.
When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon stated that he was asked to ride PEACE ON EARTH positively from its awkward draw and obtain a position with cover and it was hoped that the horse would be able to obtain a position in advance of midfield or behind the leaders. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount positively in the early stages but did not have to ride it aggressively to do so. He said due to the circumstances of the race in the early stages he was left racing to the outside of CHEERFULJET in a much more forward position than had been envisaged. He said after the 1000 Metres CHEERFULJET was steadied by its rider, therefore he allowed PEACE ON EARTH to continue to shift over towards the rail. He said PEACE ON EARTH travelled keenly in the lead and he attempted to steady the horse without fighting against it. He said although PEACE ON EARTH opened up somewhat of a margin over the remainder of the field, he did not believe the pace was fast at this time but in any event he was not able to do any more to steady PEACE ON EARTH back towards the field due to the horse travelling keenly in the lead.
A veterinary inspection of FUNNY BUDDIES immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FUNNY BUDDIES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SHOWING CHARACTER, CHEERFULJET and STARLOT were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (232) HO MAN TIN HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 3 1200 m

SMART DECLARATION was withdrawn on 28.11.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FANTASTIC FEELING (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, SMART DECLARATION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After being loaded into the barriers, HARBOUR ALERT became fractious and momentarily got its head down under the front gates. HARBOUR ALERT was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained mild abrasions over an eye, however, was suitable to race. Having regard to HARBOUR ALERT’s previous history, the Stewards ruled that that horse must barrier trial satisfactorily prior to being permitted to race again.
FUN MACHINE began only fairly.
SHALLUCK shifted out at the start and bumped FANTASTIC FEELING. Soon after the start, G-ONE LOVER got its head on the side and shifted in when being ridden along, resulting in FANTASTIC FEELING being crowded for room in onto SHALLUCK which in turn was taken in onto CHUNG WAH SPIRIT.
From the outside barriers, TRIUMPHANT JEWEL and FLYING TOURBILLON were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the 1100 Metres, SHALLUCK got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT when racing tight inside FANTASTIC FEELING which shifted in away from HARBOUR ALERT.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, THOR THE GREATEST went amiss in its left front leg and was retired from the race.
After the 1000 Metres, FANTASTIC FEELING proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERPETUAL JOYANCE.
Near the 850 Metres, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of MASTER ALBERT (J Moreira) which shifted in when not quite clear. J Moreira was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
After the 800 Metres, G-ONE LOVER commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of ALL GREAT FRIENDS for some distance.
When questioned regarding his riding of FUN MACHINE particularly in the Home Straight, D Whyte stated that he was asked to make use of the horse’s inside barrier and position it as close as possible without having to ride it too aggressively. He said FUN MACHINE was able to take up a forward position without having to be ridden along in the early stages and was able to follow G-ONE LOVER which at this time was racing close to the heels of ALL GREAT FRIENDS along the Back Straight. He said passing the 500 Metres he considered shifting to the outside of G-ONE LOVER, however, PERPETUAL JOYANCE was ridden along to the outside FUN MACHINE to maintain its position one horse off the rail. He said he therefore elected to continue to improve along the rail and after the 400 Metres was able to improve its position to be racing inside G-ONE LOVER. He said shortly after entering the Straight when it was apparent that there was not a run available between HARBOUR ALERT and ALL GREAT FRIENDS, he directed FUN MACHINE to the outside of HARBOUR ALERT, however, that horse did not improve as he anticipated it would which resulted in FUN MACHINE being very awkwardly placed close to the heels of HARBOUR ALERT. He said as FUN MACHINE was just over a length behind HARBOUR ALERT at this time and was galloping close to the heels of that horse, he believed that it was not available for him to continue shifting out due to the probability of FUN MACHINE striking the heels of HARBOUR ALERT. He said as this happened the run between HARBOUR ALERT and G-ONE LOVER, which was a run he was initially aiming for, became available therefore he shifted FUN MACHINE inwards away from the heels of HARBOUR ALERT to continue improving. He said however FUN MACHINE became held up for clear running after the 200 Metres when unable to improve between HARBOUR ALERT and ALL GREAT FRIENDS due to HARBOUR ALERT shifting in marginally. He said HARBOUR ALERT then shifted out near the 100 Metres which provided FUN MACHINE the opportunity to improve between that horse and ALL GREAT FRIENDS. He said after this FUN MACHINE then finished off the race satisfactorily. Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions given to D Whyte and stated that he was satisfied with the manner in which D Whyte had ridden the horse in the early and middle stages. He said after viewing the videos, he accepted Jockey Whyte’s decision to shift back to the inside of HARBOUR ALERT as it was apparent that FUN MACHINE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. He said he also noted that at the time that FUN MACHINE was directed back to the inside of HARBOUR ALERT, a run existed to the inside of that horse albeit that there was more room available to the outside of HARBOUR ALERT than to the inside of that horse. After considering all the circumstances and after viewing the videos, the Stewards accepted that Jockey Whyte had ridden FUN MACHINE to instructions and that it was his initial intention to shift to the outside of HARBOUR ALERT. The Stewards also accepted that when being directed to the outside of HARBOUR ALERT, FUN MACHINE became awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. D Whyte was further advised that in respect of his decision to have FUN MACHINE shift back to the inside of HARBOUR ALERT rather than continuing to have the horse obtain clear running to the outside of that horse, the Stewards could not be satisfied to the requisite degree that his riding of FUN MACHINE at this point of the race constituted a breach of the Rules. D Whyte was however advised to ensure that, wherever possible, to obtain clear and uninterrupted running to ensure that his riding is not open to query. Mr Hall was advised that the Stewards accepted his evidence which would be reported. A veterinary inspection of FUN MACHINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
MASTER ALBERT, PERPETUAL JOYANCE and G-ONE LOVER were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from THOR THE GREATEST.

Race:7 (233) HO MAN TIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

HAPPY SURVEYS began only fairly.
ENREACHING shifted in at the start and bumped SUNNY DRAGON.
From the outside barriers, HAPPY BAO BEI and SUPER LEADER were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
When questioned, N Rawiller stated that up in distance to 1200 Metres, Trainer C Fownes advised that it was his preference for MEGA HEART to obtain a position in about midfield with cover if it was possible. He said, from barrier 9, he initially allowed the horse to stride forward without riding it along with a view to establishing whether he may be able to obtain a position as instructed. He said due to ENREACHING being ridden along to his inside, he believed that he would have had to make a lot of use of MEGA HEART to clear that horse and in any case it was likely that the horse would not be able to obtain cover and therefore near the 1100 Metres he commenced to steady MEGA HEART with a view to obtaining cover behind ENREACHING. He said when he did this MEGA HEART proved very difficult to settle and would not relax and he was therefore not able, despite his considerable efforts, to have the horse steady sufficiently to obtain the position behind ENREACHING. He added because of the manner in which MEGA HEART was racing, he was left racing very wide outside ENREACHING making the turn after the 1000 Metres. He said as MEGA HEART was over-racing quite badly, he allowed the horse to stride forward of ENREACHING to establish whether he might be able to obtain a position with cover behind GAMECHANGERS. He said however that MEGA HEART continued to prove very difficult to settle, would not relax and over-raced badly along the Back Straight when required to race without cover. He said because MEGA HEART was required to race without cover and due primarily to the horse’s failure to relax, MEGA HEART then was not able to finish off the race. The Stewards will question Trainer C Fownes regarding the riding instructions given to Jockey Rawiller and the performance of the horse, prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 3 December 2017 as he had left the course immediately after this race. A veterinary inspection of MEGA HEART immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MEGA HEART will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
MEGA HEART, CALIFORNIA FORTUNE and WONDERFUL JOURNEY were sent for sampling.
<3/12/2017 29 November 2017 Happy Valley Racemeeting Race 7 (233)>The Stewards today questioned Mr C Fownes, the trainer of MEGA HEART, regarding the instructions he provided to N Rawiller in this race. He said stepping up to 1200 Metres, it had been hoped that MEGA HEART would be able to obtain a position in about midfield but with cover. He said MEGA HEART can race keenly and therefore it is necessary, wherever possible, to obtain cover and as he felt that there would be good speed in the race, he believed that this may open up the field which may provide MEGA HEART the opportunity to obtain a position about midfield. He said however that he did not issue binding instructions to Jockey Rawiller given that the horse was awkwardly drawn in barrier 9. He said he felt that it would have been better had MEGA HEART been steadied in the early stages to obtain a position behind ENREACHING in the early stages as when MEGA HEART was left racing without cover, the horse then would not settle. He added, from a wide barrier, he will be instructing the rider of the horse in future to switch it off in the early stages so as to ensure that it is able to obtain cover and therefore is able to settle better. He said however, from an inside barrier, he believes that MEGA HEART has sufficient early speed to be able to take up a more forward position so long as it is able to have cover.

Race:8 (234) HUNG HOM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

LAND GRANT shifted out at the start and bumped KING OF MONGOLIA which became unbalanced. GOODHEART SUCCESS, which began only fairly, was steadied away from the heels of KING OF MONGOLIA in consequence.
ACCLAIMED LIGHT and KING’S MAN bumped on a number of occasions shortly after the start due to KING’S MAN racing tight inside LET US WIN.
Shortly after the start, TOP ACT shifted in and bumped SHARP SAILOR, causing TOP ACT to become unbalanced after receiving contact on the hindquarters from SHARP SAILOR.
Passing the 1600 Metres, VICTORY BOYS was steadied away from the heels of TOP ACT which shifted in when racing tight inside LAND GRANT.
Passing the 800 Metres, VICTORY BOYS was checked away from the heels of TOP ACT when unable to improve between that horse and ACCLAIMED LIGHT.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, TOP ACT was crowded for room between KING’S MAN and EASY HEDGE which made the turn awkwardly after getting its head up when racing close to the heels of LAND GRANT.
Near the 350 Metres, TOP ACT was steadied when crowded for room between KING’S MAN which got its head on the side and lay in and SHARP SAILOR (N Rawiller) which was shifted to the outside of EASY HEDGE to obtain clear running. N Rawiller was advised that whilst there was a significant contribution to this incident from KING’S MAN, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground.
For some distance after the 350 Metres, EASY HEDGE raced tight inside LAND GRANT which got its head on the side and lay in.
Passing the 200 Metres, LET US WIN shifted in of its own accord and made contact with the rail, resulting in the horse becoming unbalanced.
Approaching the 100 Metres, LAND GRANT raced tight outside the hindquarters of EASY HEDGE which shifted out.
For the majority of the race, KING’S MAN travelled wide and without cover.
The Stewards will question Apprentice H T Mo, the rider of TEN FLAMES, regarding his riding of that horse prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 3 December 2017.
EASY HEDGE, KING OF MONGOLIA and SHARP SAILOR were sent for sampling.
<3/12/2017 29 November 2017 Happy Valley Racemeeting Race 8 (234)>As previously advised, the Stewards today questioned Apprentice H T Mo regarding his handling of TEN FLAMES. Apprentice Mo stated that he was instructed from the outside barrier to shift TEN FLAMES across behind runners in the early stages. He said he was asked if other horses commenced to improve their position along the Back Straight to see if he was able to follow one of those horses into the race. He said further he was asked to attempt to obtain inside runs on TEN FLAMES as it was anticipated that a number of runners, which would be in a more forward position, would be shifted wider at the entrance to the Straight which may allow TEN FLAMES the opportunity to obtain clear running closer to the rail. He said, from the outside barrier, he shifted TEN FLAMES across behind runners in the early stages. When questioned as to why TEN FLAMES was detached from the field in the early and middle stages, Apprentice Mo stated that he had GOODHEART SUCCESS in advance of TEN FLAMES and as that horse at various times shifted away from the rail, he therefore remained racing behind that horse with a view to establishing whether he would be able to obtain a run inside GOODHEART SUCCESS or to the outside of that horse. When questioned regarding his riding of TEN FLAMES in the Straight, he said he balanced up the horse in the early part of the Straight before commencing to use the whip near the 200 Metres and then rode the horse out with the whip over the concluding stages. Trainer L Ho confirmed the instructions given to Apprentice Mo and said he had asked Apprentice Mo to race in a position one horse off the rail along the Back Straight so that he was able to follow horses forward when they commenced to make their run near the 700 Metres. He said he was disappointed with Apprentice Mo’s ride on TEN FLAMES and expressed dissatisfaction to Apprentice Mo immediately after the race. Apprentice Mo was advised that the Stewards gave consideration to charging him with a breach of a significant Rule of Racing regarding his riding of TEN FLAMES. He was advised that his riding of the horse had come under notice and was severely reprimanded and told that he must ensure that his riding is not subject to query.

The Stewards today questioned B Prebble regarding his riding out of VICTORY BOYS over the final 100 Metres. B Prebble stated that rounding the Home Turn he shifted VICTORY BOYS directly to the outside so as to ensure that the horse had free and uninterrupted running. He said he immediately placed VICTORY BOYS under pressure including riding the horse out with the whip. When questioned as to why he put the whip away near the 100 Metres, B Prebble stated that he felt that VICTORY BOYS was at its peak and therefore riding the horse out vigorously hands and heels all the way to the end of the race was all that was required. B Prebble was advised that his explanation would be reported.

When questioned, S Clipperton (GOLD LAND) stated that from the wide barrier and as GOLD LAND was stepping up in distance to 1800 Metres for the first time in Hong Kong, he was asked to gradually allow the horse to obtain a forward position in the early stages. He said he was able to shift across to race outside the leader LET US WIN passing the winning post on the first occasion and did so without having to make use of GOLD LAND. He said GOLD LAND travelled comfortably throughout the race and then finished off the race well.