Race:1 (658) ALEXANDRITE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 2200 m

IMPERIAL CONCORDE and KING BOUNTIFUL began only fairly.
HAPPY ROCKY was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
IMPERIAL CONCORDE lost its right front plate in the early stages.
Rounding the Home Turn, CLOUD NINE was awkwardly placed outside ART OF RAW which shifted out when commencing to give ground. A veterinary inspection of ART OF RAW immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. The performance of ART OF RAW, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ART OF RAW will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Close to the finishing line, J Moreira (BULLISH GLORY) momentarily dropped his right rein.
A veterinary inspection of KING BOUNTIFUL immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
PLAY IT and BULLISH GLORY were sent for sampling.
<21/5/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>ART OF RAW, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was lame in its right front leg. ART OF RAW was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to also have a stiff and restricted action. As previously advised, ART OF RAW will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.
KING BOUNTIFUL, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was found to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. KING BOUNTIFUL was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg and also have a stiff and restricted action. Before being allowed to race again, KING BOUNTIFUL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:2 (659) AQUAMARINE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

GREAT SKY was withdrawn on 19.5.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen left fore lateral suspensory branch) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter THE LEGEND (Z Purton). Before being allowed to race again, GREAT SKY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
GOLDEN CANNON began awkwardly and then in the early stages got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain cover. Then in the middle stages, GOLDEN CANNON proved very difficult to settle and making the first turn near the 900 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of THE LEGEND. In this incident, GOLDEN CANNON shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of NEWSWIRE FREE which became unbalanced.
OTOUTO shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of DON WONGCHOY, causing both horses to become unbalanced. After this, OTOUTO was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed.
SNOWHOOVES began awkwardly and then shifted out towards the heels of THE LEGEND.
SOCCER BRAVE shifted in at the start and bumped HAPPY CENTURY.
From a wide barrier, NEWSWIRE FREE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages, JIMSON THE FAMOUS failed to muster speed.
At the entrance to the Straight, JIMSON THE FAMOUS was shifted to the outside of TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET after being unable to improve inside that horse.
Passing the 400 Metres, SNOWHOOVES was checked away from the heels of LUCKY STORM when held up for clear running.
Passing the 300 Metres, Z Purton dropped his right rein.
At the 200 Metres, ACTUARIAT shifted out and brushed DON WONGCHOY. Then passing the 200 Metres, ACTUARIAT and DON WONGCHOY raced tight inside OTOUTO which shifted in marginally.
U Rispoli (TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when riding it out with the whip when not clear of HAPPY CENTURY, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. U Rispoli was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 3 June 2018 and to expire on Thursday 7 June 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Rispoli was fined $20,000.
Over the concluding stages, SNOWHOOVES was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be properly tested all the way to the end of the race.
Passing the winning post, SCARBOROUGH FAIR shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET.
For the majority of the race, AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and DON WONGCHOY travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of LUCKY STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TRIUMPHAL TRUMPET and SCARBOROUGH FAIR were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (660) THE RACING CLUB 10TH ANNIVERSARY CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec2) Class 3 1400 m

LADY FIRST shifted out at the start and bumped HOME RUN.
Shortly after the start, TOP BEAUTIFUL was crowded for room between JADE THEATRE which was taken out by SOLAR PATCH and HAPPY GUY which shifted in.
From the outside barrier, HIGH SPIRIT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
K C Ng (HAPPY GUY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of JADE THEATRE and after crossing that horse when insufficiently clear, he abruptly reduced the tempo of the race, resulting in JADE THEATRE having to be checked for some distance away from the heels of HAPPY GUY and causing LADY FIRST, which was following JADE THEATRE, to be checked in consequence. K C Ng was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 10 June 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 14 June 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Ng’s good race riding record.
Passing the 1000 Metres, HIGH SPIRIT got its head up when being checked away from the heels of HOME RUN which was awkwardly placed behind SOLAR PATCH. In this incident, HOME RUN shifted out when being checked away from the heels of SOLAR PATCH and bumped VILLA FIONN which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOP BEAUTIFUL which got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind VOLITATION.
After the 900 Metres, TOP BEAUTIFUL was left racing wide and without cover.
Passing the 600 Metres, LADY FIRST was awkwardly placed behind SOLAR PATCH.
At the entrance to the Straight, SOLAR PATCH momentarily raced in restricted room between VOLITATION and TOP BEAUTIFUL which shifted in marginally.
A veterinary inspection of VOLITATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SOLAR PATCH and HOME RUN were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (661) GARNET HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

LAUGH OUT LOUD began only fairly.
Shortly after the start, BOSSIEE and STARSHIP were crowded for room between KINGSTON ONE and BIG BULLY which shifted in when being steadied to obtain cover behind runners. After this, STARSHIP and BOSSIEE were also shifted across behind runners.
Also shortly after the start, THE HAPPY BUNCH and MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR bumped, causing both horses to become unbalanced.
For some distance after the 1000 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD got its head up when awkwardly placed behind TOP ACE and then making the turn near the 900 Metres got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of WINNING CONTROLLER.
STARSHIP was unable to obtain clear running until near the 250 Metres.
WINNING CONTROLLER was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. WINNING CONTROLLER was then steadied away from the heels of STARSHIP approaching the 100 Metres.
Approaching the 200 Metres, KINGSTON ONE was eased away from the heels of WINNING CONTROLLER which improved into tight running inside LEISURED FEET.
INVESTOR BOOM was checked away from the heels of MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR passing the 100 Metres when held up for clear running behind that horse.
Passing the 100 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD was held up for clear running behind TOP ACE.
Throughout the race, FORTUNATE RUNNER and MAJESTIC ENDEAVOUR travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of LEISURED FEET immediately following the race found that horse to have a swollen left front fetlock.
A veterinary inspection of WINNING CONTROLLER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
TOP ACE, BOSSIEE and VIVA COUNCIL were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (662) LAPIS LAZULI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

MR LUMIERES was withdrawn on 18.5.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, MR LUMIERES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
ROYAL MOJITO shifted in at the start and bumped PATRIOTISM.
VERY LUCKY began only fairly.
MONEY BOY and DREAM COME TRUE bumped at the start.
MONTREAL and MICKEY RICH also made contact on jumping.
Near the 650 Metres, MONEY BOY was awkwardly placed behind DREAM COME TRUE.
MONTREAL and WAYFOONG VINNIE were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (663) GARNET HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1400 m

FRESH POWER began only fairly and then was bumped by FORTUNE WAY which shifted in on jumping.
KIRAM began awkwardly and shifted in shortly after the start, resulting in that horse having to be steadied away from the heels of WISH COME TRUE.
From the outside barrier, ROYAL PREROGATIVE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 950 Metres, KING’S FAIRY got its head up when awkwardly placed behind WISH COME TRUE.
After the 900 Metres, ABSOLUCOOL (Z Purton) was left racing wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that ABSOLUCOOL did not appear comfortable in its action in the Straight as the horse became unbalanced on a number of occasions. A veterinary inspection of ABSOLUCOOL 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, ABSOLUCOOL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Passing the 800 Metres, KING’S FAIRY was again awkwardly placed behind WISH COME TRUE.
Near the 550 Metres, KIRAM was awkwardly placed behind LUCKY SHINY DAY when unable to improve between that horse and ROYAL PREROGATIVE.
Rounding the Home Turn, GRADE ONE shifted out marginally and bumped ABSOLUCOOL, resulting in GRADE ONE becoming unbalanced. GRADE ONE then shifted in marginally, resulting in E MASTER, which was shifting out to improve between GRADE ONE and VITAL SPRING, being checked when disappointed for running between those horses. As the Stewards were satisfied that GRADE ONE had shifted only a minimal amount of ground and that E MASTER had not properly established running between the two horses, no further action was taken.
Near the 350 Metres, Apprentice M F Poon (FORTUNE WAY) momentarily dropped his left rein.
Passing the 300 Metres, FRESH POWER and MAGIC SUCCESS bumped due to both horses shifting ground.
Passing the 100 Metres, ROYAL PREROGATIVE and FORTUNE WAY raced tight.
Throughout the race, NICE KICK travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of NICE KICK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of VITAL SPRING 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, VITAL SPRING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
ABSOLUCOOL, GRADE ONE and FRESH POWER were sent for sampling.
<21/5/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>VITAL SPRING, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. VITAL SPRING was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K W Lui this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, VITAL SPRING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.
NICE KICK, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. NICE KICK was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, NICE KICK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:7 (664) ONYX HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

S Clipperton (HARBOUR CENTURY) was fined the sum of $3,000 for negligence when weighing out which resulted in him having to be re-weighed and a delay in HARBOUR CENTURY being saddled prior to being presented in the Parade Ring.
Shortly after the start, GOLDEN GENERAL became unbalanced and lost ground after being bumped by GOODLUCK GOODLUCK which shifted out marginally.
From the outside barriers, DR PROACTIVE and MIGHTY MAVERICK were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Also from a wide barrier, LUCKY MASTER was steadied to obtain cover.
Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, MAJESTIC DRAGON got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in LONDON MASTER being crowded for room inside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK. At the same stage of the race, HARBOUR CENTURY got its head on the side and lay out despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in LUCKY MASTER being taken out onto DR PROACTIVE which became unbalanced when bumped by LUCKY MASTER. After this, HARBOUR CENTURY continued to lay out and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY MASTER passing the 800 Metres. HARBOUR CENTURY then lost ground near the 700 Metres when having to be steadied as a result of shifting out towards the heels of LUCKY MASTER.
Throughout the race, GOODLUCK GOODLUCK travelled wide and without cover and over the final 200 Metres shifted out under pressure.
Passing the 200 Metres, LUCKY MASTER was steadied away from the heels of DR PROACTIVE which shifted in marginally.
After the 150 Metres, TEAM SPIRIT commenced to shift out under pressure, resulting in its rider, J Moreira, having to change his whip into his left hand.
A veterinary inspection of HARBOUR CENTURY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
GOODLUCK GOODLUCK, LOOKING GOOD and TEAM SPIRIT were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (665) DIAMOND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

COMFORT LIFE began awkwardly.
GREAT TREASURE shifted out at the start and bumped BABA MAMA.
Shortly after the start, GINO SEVERINI was crowded for room between GREEN ENERGY and BOLD STITCH, both of which shifted ground.
From the outside barrier, HO HO FEEL was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
For some distance after the 1000 Metres, SO FAST got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of INTREPIC (J Moreira) which steadied the tempo after obtaining the lead. J Moreira was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he does not reduce the tempo of the race too abruptly so as to allow horses and riders, which are following, to be able to adjust to the change in tempo.
Near the 900 Metres, COMFORT LIFE shifted out away from the heels of SO FAST. GREEN ENERGY, which was following COMFORT LIFE, improved into tight running inside that horse. COMFORT LIFE then lost ground when unable to improve between SO FAST and TAKING AIM. GREEN ENERGY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of COMFORT LIFE in consequence.
COMFORT LIFE and TAKING AIM had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
On a number of occasions in the Straight, BABA MAMA shifted in under pressure, resulting in its rider, N Callan, changing the whip into his right hand passing the 150 Metres.
COMFORT LIFE was unable to obtain clear running over the final 50 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested.
Throughout the race, BOLD STITCH travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he was asked to lead on SO FAST if another runner was not similarly ridden to obtain a forward position. He said if another runner was ridden positively in the early stages, it was open to him to take a trailing position behind that horse rather than be caught in a speed battle. He said after beginning very well he commenced to steady the tempo near the 1300 Metres and he observed INTREPIC, from a wide barrier, being hard ridden to take up a forward position. He said INTREPIC had to be ridden along to clear KEEP WINNING which resulted in INTREPIC obtaining a margin over SO FAST passing the 1000 Metres. He said as he believed that INTREPIC was going to continue into the lead, he elected to take a trailing position behind that horse rather than ride his mount along to hold its position inside INTREPIC. Trainer W Y So confirmed that he had instructed Apprentice Wong to lead the race if he did not have to make too use of the horse and that if another horse was ridden in a similar manner, he should allow that horse to cross rather than continue to press for the lead. He said having regard to the circumstances of the race, he was satisfied with Apprentice Wong’s decision to allow INTREPIC to cross and obtain the position behind that horse.
A veterinary inspection of GREAT TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BOLD STITCH and INTREPIC were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (666) OPAL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

RAGING BLITZKRIEG shifted out at the start and bumped PRINCE HARMONY.
From a wide barrier, MR WEALTH was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
W M Lai (PRINCE HARMONY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HANDSOME BO BO, causing that horse to be checked. MIDNIGHT RATTLER and STAR SHINE, which were racing to the inside of HANDSOME BO BO, were crowded for room. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence with immediate effect and to expire on 2018 on Monday, 28 May 2018 which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Lai’s good race riding record.
Apprentice M F Poon (WINNING SUPREME) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of HANDSOME BO BO, causing that horse to be checked. Apprentice Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Monday, 4 June 2018 at which time a previously incurred period of suspension is to expire. The Stewards ruled that this period of suspension is to expire on Sunday, 17 June 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays).
Near the 850 Metres, MIDNIGHT RATTLER was steadied away from the heels of WINNING SUPREME.
Near the 750 Metres, HAPPY HOUR lost ground when reluctant to hold its position after momentarily racing tight inside MOMENTUM LUCKY which was racing tight inside ATTENTION. MR WEALTH, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence.
Near the 550 Metres, HANDSOME BO BO raced tight between WINNING SUPREME and RAGING BLITZKRIEG.
MR WEALTH was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. After then being shifted to the outside of MOMENTUM LUCKY approaching the 300 Metres, MR WEALTH was again held up for clear running from near the 250 Metres until approaching the 100 Metres. Consequently MR WEALTH was not able to be fully tested.
STAR SHINE was badly held up for clear running inside PRINCE HARMONY from near the 350 Metres until approaching the 100 Metres.
Throughout the race, RAGING BLITZKRIEG travelled wide and without cover.
Z Purton, the rider of HANDSOME BO BO, stated that with PRINCE HARMONY and WINNING SUPREME engaged in the race, in his pre-race discussions with Trainer K L Man, it was expected that those horses would be ridden positively in the early stages to lead and therefore if that eventuated, he should obtain a trailing position behind those horses. He said in the early stages he observed both PRINCE HARMONY and WINNING SUPREME being hard ridden to lead and when he observed MIDNIGHT RATTLER obtaining a position forward of STAR SHINE, he anticipated that MIDNIGHT RATTLER would cross to the rail in front of STAR SHINE which would allow HANDSOME BO BO the opportunity to race one horse off the rail behind PRINCE HARMONY and WINNING SUPREME. He said however that after the 1100 Metres he became aware that MIDNIGHT RATTLER was not able to cross STAR SHINE and had remained in the one-off position and this resulted in HANDSOME BO BO being left racing in a three wide position. He said he did consider riding HANDSOME BO BO along then, however, at this time both PRINCE HARMONY and WINNING SUPREME were gaining an advantage over HANDSOME BO BO and therefore he believed that this would not be in the best interests of HANDSOME BO BO to be ridden aggressively at this stage in an attempt to obtain a position to be able to cross MIDNIGHT RATTLER. He said when HANDSOME BO BO suffered interference on two occasions near the 900 Metres, this resulted in the horse becoming badly unbalanced and having to race in a three wide position without cover thereafter. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME BO BO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of RAGING BLITZKRIEG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HANDSOME BO BO, STAR SHINE and PRINCE HARMONY were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (667) TOURMALINE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

ROCKETEER was withdrawn on 17.5.18 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer).
MONGOLIAN LEGEND began awkwardly and lost ground and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of DOCTOR GEOFF which became unbalanced.
MORETHANLUCKY began only fairly.
From the outside barrier, STAR MAJESTIC was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
RISE HIGH lost its left hind plate near the 1400 Metres.
After the 1100 Metres, CITRON SPIRIT was left racing wide and without cover.
At the entrance to the Straight, EASY GO EASY WIN was bumped by RISE HIGH (Z Purton) which shifted out to obtain clear running. Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground.
The Stewards considered a protest/objection lodged by Apprentice C Wong, the rider of 3rd placed, CITRON SPIRIT, against the winner RISE HIGH alleging interference to his mount near the 350 Metres. Apprentice Wong informed the Stewards that he had lodged the protest/objection in consultation with Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of CITRON SPIRIT. After taking evidence from all parties concerned and after viewing the videos, it was established that passing the 400 Metres DOCTOR GEOFF and COBY BOY bumped as a result of both horses shifting ground. Both DOCTOR GEOFF and COBY BOY then became unbalanced which resulted in COBY BOY shifting out away from DOCTOR GEOFF and dictating RISE HIGH outwards. After being forced out by COBY BOY, RISE HIGH then got its head on the side and shifted out away from that horse, resulting in EASY GO EASY WIN being badly hampered and taken out onto CITRON SPIRIT which was also hampered. As the Stewards were satisfied that RISE HIGH had not been the sole cause of this incident and having regard to the amount of interference sustained by CITRON SPIRIT, they ruled that the protest/objection be overruled and the numbers semaphored by the Judge be confirmed. Apprentice Wong was advised that having regard to the fact that he is a 10 lb claiming apprentice who has only been riding in Hong Kong for a short period, the Stewards would take no action against him for lodging a frivolous protest/objection other than issue him with a severe reprimand. He was further advised that had he have been a more experienced jockey, the Stewards would have penalized him for lodging a frivolous protest/objection. The Stewards will interview Mr Yiu regarding his involvement in the protest/objection being lodged prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 23 May 2018.
Passing the 100 Metres, STAR MAJESTIC was disappointed for running between IMPERIAL GALLANTRY and COBY BOY. STAR MAJESTIC was then unable to be ridden out over the concluding stages when held up behind COBY BOY.
A veterinary inspection of EASY GO EASY WIN 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 COBY BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
RISE HIGH and DOCTOR GEOFF were sent for sampling.
<23/5/2018 20 May 2018 Sha Tin Racemeeting – Race 10 (667)>
The Stewards tonight interviewed Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of CITRON SPIRIT, regarding his involvement in a protest/objection which was lodged following this race. Mr Yiu, as a licensee with considerable experience, was fined the sum of $5,000 for being a party to the lodgement of a frivolous protest/objection.