Race:1 (438) YUK SAU HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1000 m

THE GREATEST began awkwardly and lost ground.
FORTUNE BROTHERS began only fairly.
CATCHMEIFYOUCAN began only fairly and shortly after the start lost ground when crowded for room between FAITHFUL BOY and KING’S STEED which shifted out after bumping RAICHU on jumping. After this, CATCHMEIFYOUCAN was ridden along for some distance, however, failed to muster speed.
A short distance after the start, FAITHFUL BOY and TRENDIFUL bumped.
Near the 650 Metres, TRENDIFUL got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of RUGBY DIAMOND (A Sanna) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Sanna was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground.
A veterinary inspection of RUGBY DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
HAPPY SOUND, WINFULL PATROL and KING’S STEED were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (439) SHAN KWONG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 1 1650 m

PRAWN BABA was withdrawn on 20.2.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, PRAWN BABA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
PIKACHU shifted out at the start and bumped KEY WITNESS which in turn shifted out and bumped WINNER’S WAY, causing all three horses to become unbalanced.
LIMITLESS was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover and then got its head up when travelling keenly approaching and passing the 1300 Metres.
Passing the 1300 Metres, KEY WITNESS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PIKACHU. After this, KEY WITNESS continued to travel keenly.
Passing the 100 Metres, PACKING DRAGON (Apprentice M F Poon) shifted in towards WINNER’S WAY which resulted in Apprentice Poon having to stop riding and straighten his mount. Apprentice Poon was warned against the practice of repeatedly using the whip forward of the saddle.
A veterinary inspection of KEY WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PACKING DRAGON and WINNER’S WAY were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (440) VILLAGE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

When the tongue tie, part of the gear in which THE HAPPY BUNCH was declared to race, could not be fitted prior to being presented in the Parade Ring, a further attempt to apply that gear to THE HAPPY BUNCH was made behind the barriers. When the tongue tie was not able to be applied to the horse due to THE HAPPY BUNCH being fractious, permission was granted for the horse to race without a tongue tie.
STARLOT lifted its front feet off the ground at the start and consequently was slow to begin. This resulted in STARLOT racing back in the field.
From outside barriers, COOL ARMY and ORIENTAL ELITE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
APPLAUSE was also steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover.
Passing the 900 Metres, APPLAUSE momentarily raced in restricted room inside ORIENTAL ELITE which shifted ground when travelling keenly.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, BEST RUNNER got its head up, shifted out and bumped THE HAPPY BUNCH, causing both horses to become unbalanced.
Passing the 300 Metres, ARIZONA BLIZZARD was shifted out away from the heels of BEST RUNNER to obtain clear running.
J Moreira (ARIZONA BLIZZARD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting out across the rightful running of PEARLY TREASURE, resulting in that horse being severely checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 11 March 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 15 March 2018 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.
Simultaneous with PEARLY TREASURE being checked, THE HAPPY BUNCH, which had initially shifted in away from SHARP HUNTER, was steadied when crowded for room between ARIZONA BLIZZARD which continued to shift out despite the efforts of its rider, J Moreira, and SHARP HUNTER (P-C Boudot) which shifted in under pressure. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was a significant contribution to this incident from ARIZONA BLIZZARD, but at the relevant time J Moreira was making sufficient endeavours to prevent his mount from shifting out, P-C Boudot was reprimanded and advised that in these circumstances he should have stopped riding and straightened his mount.
Close to the finishing line, HORSE PROSPEROUS was crowded for room inside ARIZONA BLIZZARD which was steadied to avoid the heels of SHARP HUNTER which shifted in. P-C Boudot was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ARIZONA BLIZZARD had finished distressed. Before being allowed to race again, ARIZONA BLIZZARD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SHARP HUNTER and SUPER JUNIOR were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (441) TSUI MAN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

At declaration time, Apprentice M F Poon was declared as the rider of both OCEAN ROAR and HAPPY FIERY DRAGON. It was established that Apprentice Poon had a firm commitment to ride OCEAN ROAR. As such, the Stewards permitted M Chadwick to be substituted as the rider of HAPPY FIERY DRAGON. For this declaration error, Trainer D Cruz was fined $2,000.
ROOKIE STAR began awkwardly and then lost ground after being bumped by NASHASHUK which shifted out.
FLYING MONKEY shifted out at the start and bumped SHOWING CHARACTER.
LOGAN ONE and ACTUARIAT bumped on a number of occasions shortly after the start.
After travelling a short distance, HAPPY FIERY DRAGON was crowded for room between SMART DECLARATION and LOOK ERAS which shifted in. In this incident, LOOK ERAS became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by HAPPY FIERY DRAGON.
Approaching the 800 Metres, NOBLE DE BOY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ROOKIE STAR.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NOBLE DE BOY shifted out and bumped LOGAN ONE.
Passing the 300 Metres, SMART DECLARATION raced in restricted room between FLYING MONKEY and OCEAN ROAR which shifted in marginally.
Passing the 200 Metres, JUNZI was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ROOKIE STAR.
Passing the 50 Metres, JUNZI was steadied away from the heels of SHOWING CHARACTER (U Rispoli) which shifted in marginally. U Rispoli was reprimanded.
Throughout the race, LOOK ERAS travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned regarding the performance of FLYING MONKEY, K C Leung stated that although FLYING MONKEY had two barrier trials in the lead up to tonight’s race, the horse was resuming after some time away from racing. He said FLYING MONKEY began very well and he was able to take up a forward position as instructed and led without having to make use of his horse. He said FLYING MONKEY travelled keenly in the early and middle stages and rounding the Home Turn got its head on the side and lay out. He added after this FLYING MONKEY responded briefly to his riding, however, the horse’s condition gave out at about the 250 Metres and gave ground thereafter. A veterinary inspection of FLYING MONKEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of OCEAN ROAR and JUNZI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FLYING MONKEY, SMART DECLARATION and LOOK ERAS were sent for sampling.
<22/2/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that LOGAN ONE was lame in its left front fetlock on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, LOGAN ONE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:5 (442) YIK YAM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

LITTLE ISLAND shifted out at the start and bumped SMART SALUTE.
SICHUAN BOSS began only fairly.
CONTRIBUTION and GLORY STAR bumped heavily at the start due to both horses shifting ground.
DARING HEART began awkwardly and shortly after the start got its head up when being steadied and shifted across behind runners and was then bumped by TOP ACT which shifted in.
KING BOUNTIFUL was slow to begin.
From the outside barrier, LETSGOFREE was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start.
Passing the 1600 Metres, ENJOY LIFE and GOOD CHOICE AHEAD bumped.
Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CONTRIBUTION initially failed to muster speed and near the 1500 Metres shifted in and bumped SICHUAN BOSS. When it continued to be ridden along, CONTRIBUTION was awkwardly placed inside TOP ACT passing the winning post on the first occasion.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SMART SALUTE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SICHUAN BOSS which got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD CHOICE AHEAD which was being steadied to obtain cover.
Approaching the 100 Metres, GOOD CHOICE AHEAD was bumped by SICHUAN BOSS (T Berry) which shifted in. T Berry was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes more endeavour than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground.
LETSGOFREE lay out under pressure in the Straight.
A veterinary inspection of LITTLE ISLAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
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.
SICHUAN BOSS and GLORY STAR were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (443) THE HAPPY VALLEY TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 1 1200 m

ARCHIPPUS was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
From the outside barrier, SUPER FLUKE was also steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners.
SEVEN HEAVENS, which was being steadied to obtain cover, was bumped shortly after the start by MR GENUINE which shifted out. In this incident, MR GENUINE became unbalanced due to the contact on the hindquarters by SEVEN HEAVENS.
Shortly after the start, SEA JADE and BORN IN CHINA bumped.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, ARCHIPPUS was crowded for room inside PERPETUAL JOYANCE which got its head on the side and lay in away from CALIFORNIA WHIP. At this time, PERPETUAL JOYANCE was also awkwardly placed outside the heels of SEVEN HEAVENS which shifted out marginally making the turn.
After the 500 Metres, HOUSE OF FUN and BORN IN CHINA bumped due to HOUSE OF FUN being awkwardly placed close to the heels of SEA JADE which raced tight inside MR GENUINE.
Passing the 450 Metres, ARCHIPPUS got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SEVEN HEAVENS (M Chadwick) which was being steadied so as to shift out away from the heels of HOUSE OF FUN. When SEVEN HEAVENS shifted out, PERPETUAL JOYANCE was shifted out away from that horse and across the heels of CALIFORNIA WHIP. SUPER FLUKE, which was following PERPETUAL JOYANCE, was directed away from the heels of that horse in consequence. M Chadwick was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.
For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, SEA JADE raced tight inside E-SUPER when improving into tight running inside that horse.
Passing the 200 Metres, PERPETUAL JOYANCE and SUPER FLUKE raced tight.
For the majority of the race, CALIFORNIA WHIP travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of MR GENUINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BORN IN CHINA and HOUSE OF FUN were sent for sampling.
<25/2/2018 Omission from Racing Incidents Report of 21 February 2018 Happy Valley Racemeeting – Race 6 (443)>When questioned, Apprentice H T Mo stated that he was instructed to lead on SEA JADE, however, if the rider of another runner was intent on obtaining a forward position, it was acceptable for him to take cover on SEA JADE rather than continue to press his mount to lead. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position, he noticed that E-SUPER was being aggressively ridden from a wide barrier to take up the lead and therefore approaching the 1000 Metres he elected to take a sit off that horse. He said after obtaining cover behind E-SUPER, he attempted to shift his mount to the outside of that horse passing the 600 Metres, however, MR GENUINE was able to improve its position at this time which resulted in SEA JADE racing tight inside MR GENUINE and being awkwardly placed close to the heels of E-SUPER. He agreed that in hindsight he had been too slow to shift his mount to the outside of E-SUPER as there was ample opportunity for him to do that after the 700 Metres prior to MR GENUINE improving its position. Apprentice Mo was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he is alert to opportunities to obtain advantageous positions when they present themselves.

Race:7 (444) SING WOO HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

SHARP SAILOR was crowded for room on jumping between KING OF MONGOLIA and BANK ON RED which shifted out.
ISHVARA and ACCLAIMED LIGHT bumped at the start.
From wide barriers, ACCLAIMED LIGHT, HO HO FEEL and HEROIC GURU were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Making the turn after the 600 Metres, SUPER CHIC and ENSURING raced tight.
Also making the turn after the 600 Metres, SMILING PRIDE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of KING OF MONGOLIA which lay in when close to the heels of SUPER CHIC. SMILING PRIDE then shifted out, resulting in SHARP SAILOR being inconvenienced.
S Clipperton (BANK ON RED) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that rounding the Home Turn he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of SUPER CHIC, resulting in that horse being crowded for room, being checked and ultimately losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. S Clipperton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 11 March 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 15 March 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Clipperton’s good race riding record.
Near the 250 Metres, SANGRIA raced tight inside ACCLAIMED LIGHT when taken in by that horse which initially shifted to the inside of SHARP SAILOR to obtain clear running.
Near the 50 Metres, SANGRIA and ACCLAIMED LIGHT bumped as SANGRIA was shifted out to improve into running between SHARP SAILOR and ACCLAIMED LIGHT which shifted in marginally. This resulted in both horses becoming unbalanced.
For the major part of the race, ISHVARA travelled wide and without cover.
After the race, M L Yeung stated that after momentarily racing tight inside SHARP SAILOR near the 450 Metres, SMILING PRIDE’s action deteriorated and then gave ground abruptly in the early part of the Straight. He said as he had concern for the horse’s welfare, he eased it down over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of SMILING PRIDE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SMILING PRIDE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of BANK ON RED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of SUPER CHIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
ENSURING, SHARP SAILOR and ACCLAIMED LIGHT were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (445) BLUE POOL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

FAIRY TWINS began only fairly, shifted out on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of FLYING TOURBILLON which became unbalanced.,
From the outside barrier, TRIUMPHANT JEWEL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Apprentice H N Wong (FORTUNE BO BO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CHARITY GLORY (N Rawiller), resulting in that horse being hampered and taken in onto COMFORT LIFE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 3 March 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 8 March 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Apprentice Wong’s good race riding record. N Rawiller stated that it had been intended for CHARITY GLORY to be ridden in a forward position albeit it was anticipated that the tempo of the race would be quicker than that of its last start when the horse was able to obtain a forward position. He said however that after being crowded in this incident, this resulted in CHARITY GLORY racing further back in the field than had been intended. He said after the 700 Metres he considered maintaining his position inside RADIANT STEED, however, this would have resulted in CHARITY GLORY racing without cover throughout the race and therefore he elected to allow RADIANT STEED to cross CHARITY GLORY near the 600 Metres to provide his mount with cover until rounding the Home Turn.
Near the 650 Metres, COMFORT LIFE got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FAIRY TWINS.
RADIANT STEED lost its right hind plate rounding the Home Turn.
Passing the 150 Metres, FORTUNE BO BO commenced to shift out under pressure. After receiving a call from K Teetan (BACK IN BLACK) which was positioned directly to the outside of FORTUNE BO BO, Apprentice Wong directed his mount back in to prevent causing crowding to BACK IN BLACK. GOLDEN HARVEST (A Sanna), which was endeavouring to improve to the inside of FORTUNE BO BO at this time, became awkwardly placed inside the heels of FORTUNE BO BO after the 100 Metres and taken in which resulted in COMFORT LIFE being checked and GOLDEN HARVEST being hampered. As the Stewards were of the view that there were some circumstances to this incident, no further action was taken, however, Apprentice Wong will be advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground which may cause interference to other runners. A Sanna will also be advised to be alert to the changing circumstances of a race so that he is able to avoid causing interference to other runners.
Throughout the race, RADIANT STEED travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of FLYING TOURBILLON and CHARITY GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
IVICTORY and TRIUMPHANT JEWEL were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (446) KING KWONG HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered whether CIRCUIT HASSLER (Apprentice H T Mo) and DANCES WITH DRAGON (J Moreira) had been afforded a fair start. Subsequently and prior to the declaration of weighed-in, Apprentice Mo made an application to the Stewards for CIRCUIT HASSLER to be declared a non-runner due to having not been afforded a fair start. In respect of CIRCUIT HASSLER, the Stewards found that almost simultaneously with the start being effected CIRCUIT HASSLER, which was being assisted by a starting gate handler, became fractious, reared and made heavy contact with the outside of its stall, resulting in the horse losing a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards believed that CIRCUIT HASSLER became fractious as the Starter was effecting the start and that there was no outside influence associated with CIRCUIT HASSLER’s barrier manners, that horse was considered to have afforded a fair start and accordingly was deemed to be a runner. The Stewards also found that as the start was effected DANCES WITH DRAGON reared abruptly, resulting in its rider, J Moreira, being dislodged and DANCES WITH DRAGON leaving the barrier stalls riderless. As the Stewards were satisfied that DANCES WITH DRAGON’s barrier manners had solely been to blame for the incident and the horse reared simultaneously to the start being effected, it was found that DANCES WITH DRAGON was also afforded a fair start and was also deemed to be a runner. Accordingly, weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the judge with both CIRCUIT HASSLER and DANCES WITH DRAGON being declared runners. Prior to being permitted to race again, both CIRCUIT HASSLER and DANCES WITH DRAGON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.
IMPERIAL GALLANTRY was crowded for room on jumping between AFFLUENCE START and LET’S TAKE IT EASY, both of which shifted ground.
BEAUTY PRINCE began only fairly.
GOOD OMEN began awkwardly.
MARVEL JOY lost its left hind plate in the early stages.
At the 1100 Metres, AFFLUENCE START was severely checked by the riderless DANCES WITH DRAGON.
HIGH VOLATILITY was directed out by its rider making the turn near the 1000 Metres when the riderless DANCES WITH DRAGON improved to its inside. RED MARVEL, which was racing to the outside of HIGH VOLATILITY, was hampered and taken wider as a consequence.
Making the turn near the 950 Metres, BEAUTY PRINCE (Apprentice M F Poon) became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by the riderless DANCES WITH DRAGON which improved to be racing tight between that horse and the running rail. After the race, Apprentice Poon reported that his mount became fired up after becoming unbalanced and when challenged by the riderless DANCES WITH DRAGON on its inside. He said, despite his efforts, he was not able to settle BEAUTY PRINCE which got its head up passing the 850 Metres as he attempted to steady that horse.
Passing the 400 Metres, CHATER LEGEND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RED MARVEL. Then shortly after entering the Straight, CHATER LEGEND was steadied when disappointed for running between AFFLUENCE START and RED MARVEL which lay in when commencing to give ground.
After being disappointed for running, CHATER LEGEND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of AFFLUENCE START passing the 200 Metres and approaching the 150 Metres was shifted to the inside of AFFLUENCE START to obtain clear running.
A veterinary inspection of HAPPY AGILITY, CIRCUIT HASSLER and AFFLUENCE START immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
AFFLUENCE START, IMPERIAL GALLANTRY and HIGH VOLATILITY were sent for sampling.
<22/2/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>HAPPY AGILITY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. HAPPY AGILITY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu 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, HAPPY AGILITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that DANCES WITH DRAGON was lame in its right front leg this morning. Before being allowed to race again, DANCES WITH DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination and, as previously advised, the horse will also be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.