Race:1 (191) FUKUSHIMA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1000 m

THE CHAMP began awkwardly and then, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
SNOW HAWK began only fairly.
RUGBY DIAMOND began awkwardly.
Approaching the 800 Metres, IDYLLIC WIND was momentarily eased away from the heels of HIGHLAND DRAGON which got its head on the side and shifted in.
Making the turn near the 600 Metres, KIM GLORY and HIGHLAND DRAGON raced tight.
Rounding the Home Turn, DOUBLE MASTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KIM GLORY.
Passing the 150 Metres, KIM GLORY was shifted in away from the heels of RUGBY DIAMOND.
THE CHAMP was unable to obtain clear running over the final 75 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested over the concluding stages.
Over the concluding stages, KIM GLORY was awkwardly placed behind WINFULL PATROL.
After the race, B Prebble (IDYLLIC WIND) reported that his saddle shifted back in the early part of the Straight.
A veterinary inspection of LYRIC ACE, which weakened noticeably in the Straight, immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of RUGBY DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
KIM GLORY, IDYLLIC WIND and RAICHU were sent for sampling.
<16/11/2017 Additional Veterinary Report>LYRIC ACE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse had bled from both nostrils. LYRIC ACE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K L Man this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right hind leg with a wound to the outside of the coronary band. Before being allowed to race again, LYRIC ACE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:2 (192) CHUKYO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

CORRE RAPIDO shifted out at the start and bumped heavily with UNLEASHED DRAGON.
Shortly after the start, GREAT WISDOM and RISING POWER were crowded for room between SMART SALUTE and PEARL FURU which shifted out.
From wide barriers, SOUL ACHIEVER and AGIAAL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 1300 Metres, BORN TO RACE momentarily raced tight inside CORRE RAPIDO which was then directed out to relieve the tightening to BORN TO RACE.
After the 400 Metres, AGIAAL was steadied away from the heels of PEARL FURU which was held up behind GREAT WISDOM.
Shortly after entering the Straight, SMART SALUTE raced tight inside UNLEASHED DRAGON which shifted in.
Passing the 300 Metres, BORN TO RACE shifted in and bumped UNLEASHED DRAGON.
At the 250 Metres, SPICY DOUBLE and SMART SALUTE bumped. PEARL FURU, which was following SPICY DOUBLE, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of that horse.
At the 100 Metres, UNLEASHED DRAGON, which was giving ground, was brushed by AGIAAL which, when improving to the outside of SPICY DOUBLE, was hampered and taken out by that horse as SPICY DOUBLE shifted out when giving ground.
Throughout the race, CORRE RAPIDO travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPICY DOUBLE, K C Leung stated that, despite the race being run at a good tempo, SPICY DOUBLE proved very difficult to settle after the 1300 Metres and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOBI STORM. He said it was not until near the 1000 Metres that the horse commenced to travel more comfortably, however, it then came off the bridle and he had to ride SPICY DOUBLE quite hard after the 700 Metres in an endeavour to hold its position behind GOBI STORM. He said in the early part of the Straight SPICY DOUBLE commenced to give ground despite being ridden along and then did not finish off the race. He added that whilst SPICY DOUBLE was disappointing, tonight’s race was run at a much quicker tempo than at its last start when the horse was successful after travelling better during the race. A veterinary inspection of SPICY DOUBLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SPICY DOUBLE, a favourite for tonight’s race and a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPICY DOUBLE 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 regarding the performance of GOBI STORM, J Moreira stated that his mount travelled too keenly in the early stages with UNLEASHED DRAGON racing to its outside. He said it was not until near the 900 Metres that GOBI STORM commenced to travel comfortably as it was at this time that GOBI STORM was able to establish somewhat of a margin over UNLEASHED DRAGON and was no longer pressured by that horse. He said notwithstanding the fact that GOBI STORM travelled too keenly in the early stages, the horse was very disappointing in that it came under pressure at the 500 Metres and then did not respond to his riding and weakened out of the race after the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of GOBI STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SPICY DOUBLE, SMART SALUTE and GOLDINGTON HORN were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (193) KYOTO HANDICAP (Sec2) Class 4 1200 m

As the start was effected, WORLD CITY lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin.
KWAICHUNG BROTHERS began only fairly.
From wide barriers, CHATER THUNDER, GALLANT RETURN and KIWI SUNRISE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, RADIANT TREASURE got its head up and lay out when proving difficult to settle.
Near the 850 Metres, CHATER THUNDER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICE FANDANGO.
In the middle stages, RADIANT TREASURE proved very difficult to settle and again got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CHATER THUNDER. GALLANT RETURN, which was following RADIANT TREASURE, was awkwardly placed behind that horse in consequence.
Approaching the 100 Metres, PLANET STAR was shifted out away from BOND ELEGANCE after laying in towards the heels of that horse.
When questioned regarding his riding of GALLANT RETURN over the concluding stages, Z Purton stated that he placed the horse under full pressure rounding the Home Turn and it responded well to his riding in the early part of the Straight. He said he commenced to use the whip on the horse at about the 150 Metres and GALLANT RETURN continued to finish off the race but, in his opinion, only at the same rate that it had been closing off the race earlier in the Straight. He said as GALLANT RETURN was at its top, he put the whip away close to the finishing line but continued to push that horse out hands and heels all the way to the end of the race. Having regard to the fact that GALLANT RETURN finished 4th, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise Jockey Purton that he must ensure that he rides his mounts out strongly all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit.
At the time of declaration, C Schofield notified a probable overweight of 1 lb in respect of KWAICHUNG BROTHERS’ allocated weight of 114 lbs. C Schofield then weighed out 2 lbs overweight and on return to scale was found to have weighed in at 117 lbs. As Jockey Schofield weighed in 2 lbs over the weight notified at the time of declaration, he was fined the sum of $7,000.
A veterinary inspection of KWAICHUNG BROTHERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PLANET STAR, PHANTOM FALCON and BOND ELEGANCE were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (194) HANSHIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

OUR HERO was withdrawn on 14.11.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MR KOOL. Before being allowed to race again, OUR HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
MIGHTY BOY and LETSGOFREE were crowded for room shortly after the start between HAPPY AND HEALTHY which shifted in marginally after bumping with DARING HEART and NEVER BETTER which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. After being hampered in the early stages, MIGHTY BOY became detached from the field and then finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY BOY immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY BOY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
From the outside barrier, AMAZING GOLD began awkwardly and after initially being ridden along in the early stages was then shifted across behind runners.
After travelling a short distance, PERFECT CHOICE was bumped by MR KOOL which got its head on the side and shifted in away from BALAY BALAY.
After the 1300 Metres, DARING HEART got its head up when proving difficult to settle. NEVER BETTER and LETSGOFREE, which were following DARING HEART, were hampered in consequence passing the 1200 Metres.
Rounding the Home Turn, MR KOOL was bumped by DARING HEART which shifted out to obtain clear running.
Throughout the race, SPINNING DANCER travelled wide and without cover.
Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of U Rispoli (MR KOOL), 3rd placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. In assessing this matter, the Stewards had regard to the fact that Jockey Rispoli stopped riding very close to the line and also the neck margin between MR KOOL and NEVER BETTER, 2nd placegetter.
When questioned, W M Lai (GENEROUS BOBO) stated that he was asked to ride the horse behind the speed in about 3rd, 4th or 5th position. He said he was also asked not to be too aggressive on the horse to obtain this position as it was felt that, from the horse’s barrier, it was able to obtain this position without too much use having to be made of the horse. He said in the early stages a number of runners to his inside were ridden to obtain a forward position and he believed that he would have had to ride GENEROUS BOBO aggressively in the early stages, therefore he elected to shift across and obtain a position closer to the rail which resulted in the horse racing further back in the field than had been anticipated.
When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LETSGOFREE, S Clipperton stated that as a result of being hampered at the start, his mount raced further back in the field than had been anticipated from an inside barrier. He said he rode LETSGOFREE along in the early stages to be as handy as possible, however, he was obliged to obtain a position behind NEVER BETTER which resulted in LETSGOFREE racing behind midfield. He said LETSGOFREE travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages and he felt that after the 500 Metres LETSGOFREE was improving into the race sufficiently that it would finish near the placings. He added however that at the entrance to the Straight LETSGOFREE came under heavy pressure and then was very disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of LETSGOFREE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of LETSGOFREE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LETSGOFREE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LETSGOFREE, DARING HEART and NEVER BETTER were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (195) KYOTO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

CONFUCIUS SPIRIT began awkwardly and then, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also from the outside barrier, PEARL WARM WARM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
ACCESSION YEARS and LOVE CHUNGHWA were checked shortly after the start when crowded for room between SECRET AGENT which became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by ACCESSION YEARS and EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider.
Passing the 300 Metres, LOVE CHUNGHWA raced tight between DR RACE and SHOW MISSION when improving between those horses.
Approaching the 200 Metres, MANFUL STAR was directed out across the heels of runners in front to obtain clear running.
Near the 200 Metres, BORN DRAGON, which was giving ground, was checked when crowded for room between RESPECT which shifted out marginally and PEACE ON EARTH (M L Yeung) which got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly. In the circumstances, the Stewards were satisfied that M L Yeung had taken sufficient measures to prevent PEACE ON EARTH from shifting in, nonetheless he was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners.
Near the 175 Metres, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT shifted in and bumped PEACE ON EARTH.
When questioned, C Schofield stated that it was intended for BORN DRAGON to lead but likely to sit outside EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which was felt would lead the race from its inside barrier. He said on jumping BORN DRAGON was crowded for room between RESPECT and PEACE ON EARTH, both of which shifted ground. He said this resulted in BORN DRAGON not being able to be as prominent as he had hoped in the early stages. He said when this occurred, MANFUL STAR and RESPECT, which were racing either side of BORN DRAGON, were able to obtain a forward position and he did not believe that it was available to him to continue to ride forward in an attempt to race near the lead. He said he therefore elected to steady his mount and obtain cover. He said when he did this, BORN DRAGON commenced to race ungenerously passing the 1100 Metres, got its head up and then shifted out abruptly approaching the 1000 Metres which resulted in the horse racing very wide. He added as BORN DRAGON was racing in a four wide positon on entering the Back Straight, he allowed his mount to improve in the hope that it would obtain a position closer to the rail, however, he was only able to obtain a position three wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of LOVE CHUNGHWA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE, CONFUCIUS SPIRIT and SHOW MISSION were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (196) NAKAYAMA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

WAYFOONG VINNIE began only fairly.
Shortly after the start, ULTIMATE DREAM was crowded for room between FORTUNE BO BO and MONEY BOY, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, MONEY BOY became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by ULTIMATE DREAM.
From the outside barrier, SMART DECLARATION was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Rounding the Home Turn, WAYFOONG VINNIE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEACE N PROSPERITY.
Passing the 150 Metres, HARD PROMISE was crowded for room between CIRCUIT KING which shifted in marginally and FORTUNE BO BO (Apprentice M F Poon) which drifted out under pressure. Apprentice Poon was told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion in order to prevent causing interference.
Throughout the race, HARD PROMISE travelled wide and without cover.
W M Lai (LUCKY GUY) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HAPPY METEOR had sustained a wound to the right hind fetlock.
A veterinary inspection of LAMAROSA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
KEEP MOVING and MONEY BOY were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (197) THE JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

PHOTON WILLIE and LOTUS BREEZE bumped at the start.
DR WIN WIN shifted out at the start and hampered SUPER FORM. In this incident, DR WIN WIN became unbalanced after making contact with SUPER FORM. From a wide barrier, SUPER FORM was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also from wide barriers, CHATER LEGEND and KING’S MAN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOLDEN SLEEP was momentarily steadied away from the heels of TOP LAURELS (N Callan) which shifted in when not quite clear. N Callan was advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground.
W M Lai (GOLDEN SLEEP) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of PHOTON WILLIE, causing that horse to be taken in onto VICTORY BOYS which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. W M Lai was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 26 November 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 30 November 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, W M Lai was fined $5,000. In this incident, VICTORY BOYS shifted out and bumped GOLD LAND which was hampered. CHATER LEGEND, which was following VICTORY BOYS, was also checked.
CHATER LEGEND was unable to obtain clear running over the final 100 Metres and consequently was not able to be tested.
Approaching the 50 Metres, GOLD LAND was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DR WIN WIN.
Approaching the finishing line, GOLD LAND, GOLDEN SLEEP and PRETTY BAUHINIA all raced tight between DR WIN WIN and SUPER FORM, both of which shifted a minimal amount of ground. Then passing the winning post, SUPER FORM (U Rispoli) shifted in, causing further crowding to PRETTY BAUHINIA, GOLDEN SLEEP and GOLD LAND. U Rispoli was advised that he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground at all times.
For the majority of the race, PRETTY BAUHINIA travelled wide and without cover.
N Callan was warned against the practice of raising his whip arm above the height of his shoulder.
When questioned, Apprentice M F Poon (VICTORY BOYS) stated that shortly after entering the Straight he rode his mount along to improve into a run that was available between RED MARVEL and LOTUS BREEZE. He said as he was improving towards that run, LOTUS BREEZE drifted in under pressure which reduced the gap between LOTUS BREEZE and RED MARVEL. He said as he expected LOTUS BREEZE to continue shifting in, he committed VICTORY BOYS to the outside of LOTUS BREEZE as a run was developing between that horse and PHOTON WILLIE. He said this resulted in VICTORY BOYS being awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOTUS BREEZE passing the 200 Metres. He said at this time he was committed to continuing to shift to the outside of LOTUS BREEZE as there was still not enough room to improve between that horse and RED MARVEL. He said as he continued to shift to the outside of LOTUS BREEZE, RED MARVEL shifted in which once again created a run between that horse and LOTUS BREEZE, however, at this time he was already positioned to the outside of LOTUS BREEZE. He said he was then unable to obtain clear running on VICTORY BOYS for the remainder of the race and because of this VICTORY BOYS was not able to be tested. After viewing the film, Apprentice Poon’s explanation was accepted.
TOP LAURELS and SUPER FORM were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (198) TOKYO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1650 m

RISE HIGH was withdrawn on 13.11.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter SPEEDY LONGWAH. BEAUTY WAY was withdrawn on 14.11.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter GONNA RUN (Apprentice M F Poon). Before being allowed to race again, RISE HIGH and BEAUTY WAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
BEAUTY PRINCE began only fairly and then was bumped by FAITHFUL TRINITY which shifted in.
From wide barriers, PIKACHU, DIVINE BOY, GONNA RUN and SPEEDY LONGWAH were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
FAITHFUL TRINITY lost its right hind plate at the 1350 Metres.
After the 1100 Metres, THUNDER STOMP commenced to prove very difficult to settle and travelled keenly in the lead despite the efforts of its rider to restrain the horse.
Approaching the 800 Metres, LUCKY GIRL shifted out to be racing wide and without cover.
Near the 700 Metres, BEAUTY PRINCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STAR MAJESTIC when disappointed for running between that horse and FAITHFUL TRINITY. PIKACHU, which was following, was shifted away from the heels of BEAUTY PRINCE in consequence.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, PIKACHU shifted out and bumped SPEEDY LONGWAH which became unbalanced.
Passing the 400 Metres, HAPPY SPIRIT was momentarily awkwardly placed inside LUCKY GIRL (A Badel) which shifted in marginally. A Badel was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. KING GENKI, which was following, was hampered when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY SPIRIT in consequence.
Near the 150 Metres, PIKACHU was shifted to the outside of BEAUTY PRINCE after being disappointed for running inside that horse which shifted in marginally.
Over the concluding stages, PIKACHU was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTY PRINCE.
After the race, Z Purton reported that SPEEDY LONGWAH was making an abnormal breathing noise during the race which he reported to the Veterinary Officer. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY LONGWAH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SPEEDY LONGWAH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
LUCKY GIRL and BIG BANG BONG were sent for sampling.