Race:1 (650) CORNWALL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

WONDERFUL TIGER was slow to begin.
SPORTS MASTER began only fairly.
DYNAMIC LIONS shifted in on jumping, resulting in RISING POWER, which was slow to begin, being steadied away from the heels of that horse.
Leaving the 1100 Metres, STARLIT KNIGHT was steadied away from the heels of SPORTS MASTER which shifted out to assume the positon with cover behind DYNAMIC LIONS.
At the entrance to the Straight, GOLD TALENT shifted out in order to improve between SPORTS MASTER and STARLIT KNIGHT, resulting in GOLD TALENT making contact with the hindquarters of STARLIT KNIGHT. Then near the 250 Metres, GOLD TALENT was steadied when disappointed for running between SPORTS MASTER and STARLIT KNIGHT which shifted in after being contacted by GOLD TALENT.
At the 100 Metres, J Moreira’s (I’M A WITNESS) whip was knocked from his grasp by the whip of O Doleuze (FIVE STARS AGENT).
When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that he was instructed to allow UNIQUE JOYFUL to use its natural speed and to obtain a position where it was comfortable, anticipating that this may be somewhere in midfield or just in advance of midfield. He said UNIQUE JOYFUL showed average pace from the barriers and approaching the winning post on the first occasion he steadied his mount in the hope that he may find a position closer to the rail in about midfield. He said however that as he was shifting in, he became aware of GENERAL O’REILLY improving to his inside which left UNIQUE JOYFUL racing three wide but initially with cover behind STARLIT KNIGHT. He said when STARLIT KNIGHT improved forward and shifted in to a position one horse off the rail, he decided to steady UNIQUE JOYFUL and take up the position behind GENERAL O’REILLY rather than being obliged to race wide and without cover. He said this resulted in UNIQUE JOYFUL unexpectedly settling at the tail of the field. He added UNIQUE JOYFUL did not feel comfortable in its action during the event and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of UNIQUE JOYFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, UNIQUE JOYFUL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, A Sanna stated that he was instructed to ride RUGBY DIAMOND from back in the field to assist the horse in being able to run the 1650 Metres. He further advised that on jumping RUGBY DIAMOND began awkwardly and bounded in the air which resulted in him losing the use of his left stirrup iron which he was able to regain after travelling a short distance. When questioned, Trainer A T Millard confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Sanna to ride the horse from back in the field as RUGBY DIAMOND was stepping up significantly in distance to 1650 Metres for the first time. He said it was considered preferable for the horse to be ridden quietly to see if it would assist RUGBY DIAMOND in being able to close off the race.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FIVE STARS AGENT had sustained a laceration to the left hind heel.
A veterinary inspection of DYNAMIC LIONS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
I’M A WITNESS, STARLIT KNIGHT and RISING POWER were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (651) DORSET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

As the start was effected, MASTER VIKING lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently missed the start.
SUPREME WITNESS began awkwardly.
On jumping, TOP SCORE and SPLIT OF A SECOND were crowded for room between BINGO and AUTOPAY, both of which shifted ground.
From the outside barrier, JOLLY BOUNTIFUL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Soon after the start, CALL ME AWESOME got its head on the side and shifted out, making contact with the hindquarters of NICE FANDANGO which in turn shifted out and inconvenienced TRAVEL SUCCESSOR. CALL ME AWESOME again got its head on the side making the first turn near the 1000 Metres and shifted out towards the heels of TRAVEL SUCCESSOR. MASTER VIKING, which was following CALL ME AWESOME, was hampered in consequence.
Along the Back Straight, CALL ME AWESOME (Z Purton) raced ungenerously and shifted out to race tight with BINGO (J Moreira) for some distance. Then making the turn approaching the 500 Metres, CALL ME AWESOME, which was laying out, and BINGO, which was racing tight inside the heels of AUTOPAY, bumped heavily, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. CALL ME AWESOME continued to lay out and made contact with BINGO on a number of occasions between the 500 Metres and the 400 Metres. When questioned, Z Purton stated that due to its inclination to hang out for most of the race, CALL ME AWESOME was never properly balanced and felt particularly awkward in its action in the Home Straight. He said as a consequence the horse was not able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of CALL ME AWESOME immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. The racing manners of CALL ME AWESOME were also considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CALL ME AWESOME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend. When questioned, J Moreira stated that BINGO travelled satisfactorily until approaching the 600 Metres where it commenced to receive pressure from CALL ME AWESOME which was racing to his inside. He said after being bumped on a number of occasions, BINGO became unbalanced, dropped the bit and then did not travel comfortably for the remainder of the race. He added although the horse was rather disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight, he felt that the circumstances of it being hampered for some distance throughout the middle stages might explain the horse’s performance. A veterinary inspection of BINGO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the 600 Metres, SPLIT OF A SECOND raced in restricted room inside JOLLY BOUNTIFUL and as a consequence shifted in and made contact with LOVE CHUNGHWA.
Over the concluding stages, LOVE CHUNGHWA was steadied and was not able to be ridden out to the finishing line as that horse improved to be racing close to the heels of NICE FANDANGO.
Just prior to the finishing line, MASTER VIKING was awkwardly placed inside the heels of NICE FANDANGO.
Throughout the race, AUTOPAY travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of KINGSWAY KID immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CALL ME AWESOME, NICE FANDANGO and TOP SCORE were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (652) THE ST GEORGE'S CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

GENERAL IRON began awkwardly and then soon after the start was shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail.
On jumping, MONEY BOY was crowded for room between DRAGON PIONEER and HEALTHY LUCK, both of which shifted ground.
SMART DECLARATION, which was fractious in the barriers and being assisted by a starting gate handler, began awkwardly and lost ground.
CEREFINO lost its right front plate after the 600 Metres.
Making the Home Turn, JOY MASTER made contact with the hindquarters of SLEEP EDUCATION which became unbalanced and shifted in, resulting in JOY MASTER being crowded for room.
Throughout the race, CEREFINO travelled wide and without cover.
DRAGON PIONEER and HEALTHY LUCK were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (653) LANCASHIRE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

From wide barriers, DASHING DART and HAPPY AND HEALTHY were steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
For some distance approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, CONTRIBUTION got its head on the side, hung in and raced tight against ENREACHING. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, when directed out to relieve the pressure to ENREACHING, CONTRIBUTION shifted out further, resulting in ELECTRIC LIGHTNING striking the heels of that horse, becoming badly unbalanced and losing ground. CONTRIBUTION lost its left hind plate during this incident. The Stewards were satisfied that this incident was as a consequence of the racing manners of CONTRIBUTION and not due to carelessness on behalf of its rider, Apprentice H N Wong.
At the 1300 Metres, CONTRIBUTION was left racing wide and without cover. CONTRIBUTION was then allowed to stride forward to settle outside the lead at the 900 Metres at which point ELECTRIC LIGHTNING was left racing wide and without cover.
When being steadied away from the heels of SICHUAN BOSS at the 1100 Metres, MARVEL JOY bounded and got its head up.
Passing the 1000 Metres, SUPER LUCKY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of LITTLE ISLAND.
When being shifted out at the 450 Metres, SUPER LUCKY (D Whyte) became awkwardly placed close to the heels of ENORMOUS HONOUR and shifted out further, resulting in HAPPY AND HEALTHY, which was racing to its outside, being bumped heavily and becoming badly unbalanced. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that D Whyte was not endeavouring to shift to the outside of the heels of ENORMOUS HONOUR but rather his horse became awkward when close to heels, no further action was taken. Nonetheless D Whyte was however advised to exercise due care when shifting ground.
M L Yeung (VICTORY FOLLOW ME) 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 being ridden along and as a consequence shifted into the rightful running of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING which was checked. M L Yeung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 6 June 2018 and to expire on Monday, 11 June 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Yeung’s good race riding record.
Just prior to the finishing line, ENORMOUS HONOUR shifted in under pressure, resulting in MARVEL JOY being tightened between that horse and DASHING DART. As a consequence of this tightening, C Y Ho, the rider of MARVEL JOY, was forced to steady that horse. The Stewards were satisfied that N Callan, the rider of ENORMOUS HONOUR, reacted in a timely manner when that horse shifted in suddenly.
A veterinary inspection of CONTRIBUTION immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CONTRIBUTION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, K Teetan stated that he was asked to ride ELECTRIC LIGHTNING in a forward position from barrier 9 and in accordance with his instructions he rode the horse positively in the early stages. He said however that after travelling 100 Metres he observed that a number of runners to his inside were in advance of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING and were also being ridden positively, therefore he elected to shift ELECTRIC LIGHTNING across behind runners to obtain cover in about a midfield position. He said after striking the heels of CONTRIBUTION after passing the winning post on the first occasion and losing its balance, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING was left racing three wide albeit with cover behind CONTRIBUTION. He said however that when CONTRIBUTION improved forward of SPARKLING SWORD approaching the 1000 Metres and shifted in to race outside the lead, ELECTRIC LIGHTING was left exposed and without cover for the remainder of the event. He added, despite suffering interference soon after straightening, ELECTRIC LIGHTNING was a beaten horse at that stage and was giving ground. A veterinary inspection of ELECTRIC LIGHTNING immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer”.
After the race, J Moreira stated that SPARKLING SWORD changed stride on a number of occasions in the early stages and was not completely balanced in its action. He said the only explanation he could offer for the horse’s disappointing performance was that the solid pace in the early stages had left it without any finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of SPARKLING SWORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ELECTRIC LIGHTNING, ENORMOUS HONOUR and DASHING DART were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (654) DORSET HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

After beginning very awkwardly from the outside barrier, DR RACE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
HONEST HORSE and TOP STRIKE were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 750 Metres, FOX SUNTER was steadied away from the heels of SUPER EIGHTEEN (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is fully clear before shifting ground.
Rounding the Home Turn, PEOPLE’S CHAMPION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ADONIS.
FOX SUNTER got its head on the side and made the Home Turn awkwardly.
At the entrance to the Straight, DR RACE became awkward on the heels of APPLAUSE.
When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that SUPER EIGHTEEN came under pressure immediately upon straightening and then its action deteriorated badly in the Straight as it weakened. A veterinary inspection of SUPER EIGHTEEN immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and was also found to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER EIGHTEEN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
When questioned, K C Leung stated that PEOPLE’S CHAMPION had been ridden patiently at its previous two runs from wide barriers, however, from barrier 2 in tonight’s race, he was asked to make use of the good draw and take up a prominent position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along and was able to assume the box seat behind the leader ADONIS. He said PEOPLE’S CHAMPION travelled reasonably well throughout the event, however, after becoming awkward on the heels of ADONIS on the Home Turn, PEOPLE’S CHAMPION then did not close off the race as expected and was disappointing. He added that, in his opinion, PEOPLE’S CHAMPION, due to its inexperience, may not have appreciated being ridden along in the early stages and this accounted for its disappointing run. A veterinary inspection of PEOPLE’S CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FOX SUNTER had bled from both nostrils. As this was the third occasion on which FOX SUNTER was found to have bled, that horse will be compulsorily retired.
A veterinary inspection of ADONIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FOX SUNTER, GOOD FOR YOU and PEACE N PROSPERITY were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (655) NORFOLK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

Soon after the start, GREEN CARD became awkward on the heels of BRAVE LEGEND and lost ground.
Soon after the start, SUPER HOPPY was steadied when racing in restricted room between FANTASTIC FEELING and I’M THE CONQUIST (M Chadwick) which shifted in marginally. M Chadwick was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside.
Also soon after the start, SALTO OLIMPICO and SUPER LEADER bumped.
When being restrained in order to shift across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages, MASTER ALBERT raced keenly and approaching the first turn at the 1000 Metres was checked away from the heels of BRAVE LEGEND which was also being eased to obtain cover.
Approaching the 1000 Metres, JOLLY CONVERGENCE shifted in and bumped SUPER HOPPY.
At the 800 Metres, JOLLY CONVERGENCE was left racing and without cover.
Approaching the 400 Metres, BRAVE LEGEND raced tight between MASTER ALBERT and SUPER LEADER.
Near the 250 Metres, GREEN CARD shifted in and made contact with MASTER ALBERT.
Approaching the 150 Metres, GREEN CARD was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MASTER ALBERT (U Rispoli) which shifted out. U Rispoli was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care.
Over the final 50 Metres, BRAVE LEGEND was held up for clear running and was unable to be properly tested.
SUPER HOPPY and EXTREMELY FUN were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (656) SUFFOLK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

From wide barriers, TAI SMART, TEN FLAMES and QUICK RETURN were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
TAI SMART raced wide and without cover from the 850 Metres.
When questioned regarding VICTORY BOYS being able to shift in and assume the position in front of his mount BEST REWARD soon after passing the winning post on the first occasion, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he had ridden his mount positively in the early stages to take up a position behind midfield. He said as the field approached the winning post on the first occasion, he ceased riding his mount along and had it travelling comfortably and although it was available for him to recommence riding his mount along to prevent VICTORY BOYS from shifting in, he felt this would not be in the best interests of BEST REWARD and therefore VICTORY BOYS was able to assume the position behind WILLIE WAY and in advance of BEST REWARD. Apprentice Wong was advised to ensure that he rides competitively at all times and does not relinquish his position too easily
After leaving the 800 Metres, VICTORY BOYS was inconvenienced when taken out by RED MARVEL which shifted out.
SUPER CHIC lost its left hind plate after the 700 Metres.
When improving between FAITHFUL TRINITY and RED MARVEL approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER CHIC was momentarily crowded for room due to both horses shifting slight ground. TEN FLAMES, which was racing to the inside of SUPER CHIC, was momentarily held up behind FAITHFUL TRINITY at this stage. TEN FLAMES was again held up for clear running over the concluding stages and as a consequence was not able to be fully tested.
Over the final 50 Metres, SUPER CHIC raced in restricted room between FAITHFUL TRINITY and VICTORY BOYS which shifted in under pressure.
Just prior to the finishing line, SUPER CHIC was steadied and was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race when VICTORY BOYS (B Prebble) shifted in further. B Prebble was severely reprimanded and advised of his responsibility to keep his mounts straight.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that VICTORY BOYS had finished distressed. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY BOYS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SUPER CHIC, VICTORY BOYS and FAITHFUL TRINITY were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (657) WARWICK HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

On arrival at the Start, D Whyte expressed concern over the action of ROMAN IMPERO. An examination of ROMAN IMPERO conducted by the Veterinary Officer was not able to detect any significant abnormalities. D Whyte notified the Veterinary Officer that he was not comfortable to ride ROMAN IMPERO and accordingly the horse was withdrawn from this race by order of the Stewards. Prior to being permitted to race again, ROMAN IMPERO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, WALDORF failed to muster speed.
From a wide barrier, SKY MELODY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the 1200 Metres, LET’S TAKE IT EASY was left racing wide and without cover and continued to race without cover until approaching the 600 Metres.
Near the 900 Metres, HAPPY SPIRIT was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of OUTLAWED.
Making the turn near the 550 Metres, RULE THEE was reluctant to hold its position when racing in restricted room between RAZOR QUEST and LET’S TAKE IT EASY.
Soon after straightening, SILVERFIELD was directed to the outside of the heels of LET’S TAKE IT EASY to obtain clear running.
Passing the 200 Metres, RULE THEE was awkwardly placed to the outside of SILVERFIELD which shifted out when placed under pressure.
When questioned of his riding of SKY MELODY from the 500 Metres, M L Yeung stated that although the horse travelled reasonably well throughout the early and middle stages, it dropped the bit approaching the 600 Metres which required him to slap the horse down the shoulder to have it travel better. He said SKY MELODY picked up the bit and commenced to improve nearer to the heels of RULE THEE, however, SKY MELODY again came off the bridle at the 400 Metres which required him to ride the horse along to have it maintain its position behind RULE THEE which was commencing to shift out to improve. He said as he had not ridden SKY MELODY previously, he gained the impression that the horse would offer limited response when placed under pressure in the Straight and as RULE THEE was shifting out around the heels of LET’S TAKE IT EASY at the entrance to the Straight, he felt that to have shifted to the outside of that runner would have been to the detriment of SKY MELODY’s chances given the manner in which it was travelling. He said he therefore elected to maintain its position behind SILVERFIELD, save ground and then improve closer to the inside in the Home Straight. He said after maintaining the position behind SILVERFIELD in the early part of the Straight, he shifted to the inside of that horse approaching the 200 Metres at which stage SKY MELODY commenced to offer some response and close off the race. He said after being unable to improve between LET’S TAKE IT EASY and SILVERFIELD which shifted in near the 100 Metres, he consequently shifted SKY MELODY to the outside of SILVERFIELD where upon the horse closed off the race strongly. Jockey Yeung advised that, in retrospect, he would have been better served by bringing SKY MELODY to the outside of RULE THEE rounding the Home Turn, however, at that time the horse was off the bridle and was not travelling well. He was advised that the Stewards would report his evidence, however, they considered that he had erred in not continuing to the outside of RULE THEE rounding the Home Turn and at the entrance to the Straight as this option would have provided SKY MELODY with clear and uninterrupted running at an earlier stage.
A veterinary inspection of RAZOR QUEST 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, RAZOR QUEST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of UNICRON JEWELLERY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
LET’S TAKE IT EASY, OUTLAWED and SILVERFIELD were sent for sampling.