Race:1 (612) TAK SHING PLATE (Sec1) Griffin Race 1000 m

OTTIMO was slow to begin. Approaching the 900 Metres, DESCARTES was steadied and shifted towards the inside of ROMANCING TAMAR. Shortly after this, DESCARTES was checked severely and NEW LEADER crowded for room between SHIBALA and ROMANCING TAMAR which shifted in. As in the opinion of the Stewards DESCARTES had not established rightful running to the inside of ROMANCING TAMAR, no action was taken. Near the 200 Metres, TRAVEL KING became unbalanced and shifted out when carried out by SHIBALA. After the 200 Metres, NEW LEADER got its head on the side and hung out. For the major part of the race, SHIBALA and TRAVEL KING hung out. DASHING VICTORY and LUCKY SELECTION were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (613) COX'S HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

On jumping, DUEL EXPRESS blundered and became badly unbalanced. Also on jumping, HIGH NOTE was bumped by EAST RIDER which shifted out. Shortly after this, EAST RIDER was steadied when crowded for room between HIGH NOTE and WHATAFANTASY which got its head on the side and shifted out. Shortly after the start, BLESS US ALL, which had begun badly with its head up, was steadied when crowded for room inside XAVERIAN QUEST. In the early stages, SECRET OF WINNING and FLEETING QUALITY over-raced. Over about the final 600 Metres, WHATAFANTASY hung out and proved difficult to ride and after the 50 Metres brushed NAPA II. Near the 500 Metres, FANTASTISCH was steadied away from the heels of XAVERIAN QUEST. Near the 300 Metres, FANTASTISCH was checked when crowded for room outside FLEETING QUALITY (H W Lai) which initially got its head on the side and shifted out away from NAPA II and then was carried wider by that horse which shifted out to obtain a clear run. H W Lai was severely reprimanded and told he would be expected to make a greater effort to protect his fellow riders. In the run to the line, WHATAFANTASY hung out. FLEETING QUALITY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FLEETING QUALITY after the race did not show any significant findings. NAPA II and WASABISABI were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (614) PARKES HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1400 m

MONTY was slow into stride. On jumping, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS was taken back. Near the 1100 Metres, CLASSIC KING was steadied when tightened for room between MONTY and CHEERFUL HAPPINESS (O Doleuze) which shifted in when not clear. O Doleuze was severely reprimanded and told to ensure he is clear of other runners before shifting ground. Near the 500 Metres, MONTY was steadied away from the heels of WINNING AHEAD. Prior to straightening, MONTY, which was racing close to the heels of WINNING AHEAD, was again steadied and shifted out to go forward. After the 300 Metres, FOREVER FORTUNE was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running. Just prior to the winning post, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS was bumped by WINNING AHEAD which in the run to the line drifted wider on the track. Throughout the race, KING OF FISH travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, WEALTH SYNERGY travelled wide and without cover and finished tailed out. The performance of WEALTH SYNERGY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WEALTH SYNERGY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MONTY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, MONTY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. ACCELERATOR and HOT SUN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported WINNING AHEAD had sustained a cut to the left hind pastern and CHEERFUL HAPPINESS had sustained a cut to the left front coronet. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING AHEAD and CHEERFUL HAPPINESS will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:4 (615) PILKEM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1650 m

On entering the All Weather Track, J Lloyd (TRIUMPHANT GLORY) was dislodged from his mount. TRIUMPHANT GLORY did not break free of J Lloyd who suffered a harmless fall. M W Leung (BAUHINIA) explained on jumping the bridle of his mount shifted and became caught over the left cowl fitted to the horse’s pacifier. He said because of this shortly after the start he reached forward and corrected the bridle. STORM’S DESTINY was slow into stride. On jumping, TRIUMPHANT GLORY blundered, almost fell and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Shortly after the start, TALE OF FRIENDSHIP was steadied after being bumped by LIGHTNING MOUNT which shifted in. Making the turn at the 1200 Metres, MASTER TOWER hung in. Near the 1100 Metres, TRIUMPHANT GLORY was steadied away from the heels of LIGHTNING MOUNT. Also near the 1100 Metres, TALE OF FRIENDSHIP became unbalanced, bumped the running rail and was checked when momentarily crowded for room inside CALL ME CULLEN which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, C K Tong. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Near the 500 Metres, STORM’S DESTINY blundered and lost ground after striking the heels of CALL ME CULLEN. COULDN’T CARE LESS, which was following, was steadied and shifted out. At the 200 Metres, TALE OF FRIENDSHIP, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied after bumping the hindquarters of SOUND OF SILENCE when endeavouring to improve between that horse and MEDALLION which shifted out slightly. In this incident, SOUND OF SILENCE became unbalanced behind. For the major part of the race, EPEE DE HUA travelled wide and without cover. Throughout the race, BAUHINIA travelled wide and without cover. TRIUMPHANT GLORY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPHANT GLORY after the race did not show any significant findings. LIGHTNING MOUNT, MASTER TOWER and NIGHT HUNTER III were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (616) GASCOIGNE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

FEEL-SO-GOOD was withdrawn on 16.5.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SOU MA TAM (D Dunn). Before being allowed to race again, FEEL-SO-GOOD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TIGER RIDGE, which was restless in its stall, began awkwardly, propped and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. On jumping, KINGSTON MARBLE stumbled. ALMIGHTY was slow into stride. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, FULL BLESSINGS was left racing wide and without cover. Prior to the 400 Metres, ALMIGHTY, which was racing keenly, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of THAT’S IT which commenced to shift out. From shortly after straightening until near the 200 Metres, ALMIGHTY was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, ALMIGHTY was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between THAT’S IT and SHATIN TREASURE which was giving ground. Over the final 150 Metres, THAT’S IT hung out and had difficulty improving into a narrow run between MASSIVE STAR and KINGSTON MARBLE. Because of this near the 100 Metres, THAT’S IT was steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON MARBLE. MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and MIGHTY SUN were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (617) HILLWOOD HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

Apprentice M L Yeung (PRECISION MAGIC) explained just prior to the start being effected, other runners became fractious. He said because of this the stalls handler who was assisting him replaced the blindfold which had previously been removed on the head of PRECISION MAGIC. He said momentarily after he had done this, the start was effected and the blindfold was immediately removed when the gates commenced to open. He said as a consequence PRECISION MAGIC was slow to begin. After being boxed, PERPETUAL DELIGHT became fractious and then was slow into stride. MY SMARTIE was slow into stride and then took time to muster. In the early stages, SUPER was taken back, then after the 1200 Metres having been ridden along to make up ground was steadied away from the heels of ANIMATION. Near the 400 Metres, FLORAL PICASSO became unbalanced and was steadied when bumped by SUPER SURVEYS which got its head on the side and shifted in. After this, SUPER SURVEYS continued to hang in for the remainder of the race. Near the 300 Metres, MY SMARTIE was steadied away from the hindquarters of PRECISION MAGIC which when improving into a run on the outside of MYSTERIOUS got its head up and shifted out after initially being carried out by MYSTERIOUS. No action was taken. For the major part of the race, HIGH RETURN hung out and travelled without cover. Throughout the race, PERPETUAL DELIGHT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of PERPETUAL DELIGHT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERPETUAL DELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. K T Yeung (SEVENS HEAVEN) said from a wide barrier he was asked to ride the horse in a midfield position with cover if possible as has been the case when drawn wide previously. He said SEVENS HEAVEN began well, he immediately took hold of his mount and commenced to take it back in the hope of obtaining a position as instructed. He said when a number of horses held a midfield position on his inside, he then elected to take SEVENS HEAVEN further back after the 1200 Metres to ensure he obtained a position with cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ANIMATION, K L Chui said in the initial stages his mount travelled satisfactorily, however, near the 1300 Metres dropped the bit and seemed to lose interest. He said he continued to ride ANIMATION along to ensure it did not become detached from the field. He said on straightening ANIMATION did not quicken in the manner in which it did at its most recent start. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. ANIMATION was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ANIMATION after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of AASHIQ, reconfirmed that when the horse was disappointing at its last start, the intention had been to have it ridden in a position with cover from its wide draw. He said in the lead up to that race the stable had been very satisfied with the work of AASHIQ when it had been ridden quietly and allowed to quicken past its workmate. He acknowledged immediately following that race he advised the Stewards it would be his intention to try and have AASHIQ settle in its races in the immediate future. He said subsequent to AASHIQ’s last start, he believed the tempo of the race caused the horse to prove difficult to settle when being ridden quietly and he added AASHIQ was disadvantaged by being pushed wider on the track to a position without cover. He said when AASHIQ again drew a wide barrier today in a race which he anticipated would be run at a slower tempo than the horse’s most recent start, it was decided that the horse should go forward and endeavour to obtain a position one off the rail. He said accordingly he today instructed D Dunn to go forward and endeavour to obtain a position with cover, however, if he was left racing wide, it would be acceptable to continue to press forward. He said because of the make-up of today’s field, he felt should AASHIQ again be taken back in the early stages, due to its inexperience and the anticipated slow tempo of the race, the horse would not settle and as a consequence would not be able to finish the race off. He added AASHIQ is still a lightly raced, immature type which will improve its racing manners with experience. Mr O’Sullivan said as he was satisfied with the riding by D Whyte on AASHIQ at the horse’s most recent start, he again sought his services for today’s race. He said however D Whyte had a prior commitment to another runner and he therefore engaged D Dunn to ride AASHIQ today. Mr O’Sullivan was told his explanation would be reported. SUPER SURVEYS, AASHIQ and SOHNA were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (618) JORDAN PATH HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1800 m

The declaration of weighed-in was deferred whilst the Stewards considered whether SUPER BABY had had an unfair start. W C Marwing, the rider of SUPER BABY, explained when the gates opened the horse planted and refused to leave the barriers. The official video confirmed that when the gates opened SUPER BABY planted and failed to leave the stalls and as such took no part in the race. The Stewards ruled that SUPER BABY had not had an unfair start and therefore was deemed as a runner and weighed-in was declared on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER BABY will have to perform satisfactorily in a series of official barrier trials. TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND and GREEN GLORY were slow to begin. OCTAGONAL CANYON began very awkwardly, bounded in the air and on landing became badly unbalanced, causing W M Lai, its rider, to be almost dislodged. At the 400 Metres, RAIN OF THUNDER was steadied away from the heels of MAVERICK. Over the concluding stages, RAIN OF THUNDER hung in. Just prior to the winning post, ZEPHYRUS was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of BATURO. Throughout the race, MAVERICK travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice M Chadwick (HAPPY ALL AROUND) explained he had been instructed to endeavour to have his mount as handy as possible in the run. He said HAPPY ALL AROUND began only fairly from a wide barrier, then did not muster as it had in the past. He said as a consequence HAPPY ALL AROUND drifted to a rearward position. He said because of this he elected to allow HAPPY ALL AROUND to drift further back and shift across to race on the fence at the rear. He said HAPPY ALL AROUND did not travel well in the early and middle stages. He said making the Home Turn he shifted HAPPY ALL AROUND to the outside of the field to ensure it had clear running in the Home Straight, however, his mount closed the race off only fairly. TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, MAVERICK and HAPPY ALL AROUND were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND, MAVERICK and HAPPY ALL AROUND after the race did not show any significant findings. WIN MORE, WONG’S SUCCESS and BATURO were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (619) THE KOWLOON CRICKET CLUB CENTENARY CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

As the start was effected, HAPPY REUNION, which was fractious in its stall, put its head down and as a consequence was slow to begin. On jumping, EXTRA SPECIAL was steadied when crowded for room between SOVIET PEARL and NOBLE SILENCE. GOOD DISHES began awkwardly. In the early stages, LUCKY RED proved difficult to settle. Over the concluding stages, HAPPY REUNION hung out. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SMART CURRENCY, K L Chui was not able to offer an explanation. He said at no stage of today’s race did SMART CURRENCY travel as well as it had when it was successful at its most recent start. He said he placed SMART CURRENCY under pressure at the 500 Metres when the tempo of the race commenced to quicken and the horse failed to respond to his riding. He said after the 400 Metres SMART CURRENCY commenced to give ground and then when the horse was well beaten near the 100 Metres, he stopped riding his mount out and looked down on several occasions. He explained SMART CURRENCY has a history of leg problems and he felt something might have been amiss with the horse. SMART CURRENCY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SMART CURRENCY after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of SMART CURRENCY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SMART CURRENCY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINE WIN and HAPPY REUNION were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported GOOD DISHES was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise which had previously been reported.

Race:9 (620) THE JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 3 1800 m

BAAZIGAR was withdrawn on 15.5.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter DYNAMIC (W M Lai). Before being allowed to race again, BAAZIGAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After arriving at the Start, NEW CHAPTER, which had kicked a rail on the way to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On jumping, ROCKET FORCE was checked when crowded for room between NEW CHAPTER and ABLE DRAGON which shifted in. Also on jumping, GIVE WELL and PALAIS D’OR bumped. At the start, KING DANCER and FAT CHOY ICHIBAN bumped heavily. Near the 1500 Metres, DYNAMIC became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside REAL SPECIAL. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ABLE DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of ROCKET FORCE. On straightening, NEW CHAPTER was steadied and shifted out to obtain clear running. For some distance approaching and passing the 300 Metres, GREAT LAND’S STAR was steadied when unable to obtain clear running between ABLE DRAGON and ROCKET FORCE. Close to the winning post, ROCKET FORCE became unbalanced when bumped by ABLE DRAGON which shifted out. Throughout the race, POWER DRIFTER travelled wide and without cover. K T Yeung (CLOSERTOBELIEVING) explained the intention had been to ride the horse midfield or behind. He said CLOSERTOBELIEVING, which was stepping up in distance today, began well and immediately travelled into the bridle. He said approaching the 1600 Metres he allowed CLOSERTOBELIEVING to go forward and cross to lead on the rail to avoid being caught wide. He said after this CLOSERTOBELIEVING continued to over-race and would not relax for him. He said in the Straight CLOSERTOBELIEVING gave ground quickly. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CLOSERTOBELIEVING was in a distressed condition. The performance of CLOSERTOBELIEVING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLOSERTOBELIEVING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ROCKET FORCE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, ROCKET FORCE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. KING DANCER and FAT CHOY ICHIBAN were sent for sampling. Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FAT CHOY ICHIBAN was in a distressed condition and was displaying signs of the “thumps”. Before being allowed to race again, FAT CHOY ICHIBAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:10 (621) AUSTIN HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

INTERCHINA STAR began awkwardly, causing Apprentice M Chadwick, its rider, to become unbalanced. When the gates opened, HOME TREASURE lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. DISGUISE was slow to begin. On jumping, GALAXY TREASURE was taken back. After the 1200 Metres, AMPLE GAINS clipped the heels of LEGEND OF COLOUR and blundered after continuing for some distance to race close to the heels of LEGEND OF COLOUR after that horse was carried in by PRESTO. No action was taken. After the 1000 Metres, GRAND CRU, which had been left racing wide and without cover and was over-racing, was permitted to stride forward. On straightening, BLUE SKY was steadied when crowded for room between GRAND CRU and BOOK OF KELLS which shifted out. GRAND CRU was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GRAND CRU after the race did not show any significant findings. HOME TREASURE, LEGEND OF COLOUR and HAIL THE STORM were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that INTERCHINA STAR had lost its left front plate.

Race:11 (622) BOWRING HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1400 m

GOOD PARTNER was withdrawn on 14.5.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (swollen left fore tendon) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CAGA BOY (S K Sit). Before being allowed to race again, GOOD PARTNER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GRAND DRAGON was slow into stride. In the early stages, HURRICANE DASH was slow to muster. Near the 1000 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE, which was shifting in, was checked severely to avoid the heels of DANZULU which was checked when crowded for room between DR POSSIBLE and CAGA BOY which in turn was carried out by HURRICANE DASH which when over-racing shifted ground while being checked away from the heels of ACE OF SPADES which steadied to allow KING OF HEARTS to cross. PACHINKO, which was following, was checked severely in consequence. Although the incident was one of significance, the Stewards did not believe it appropriate to take action against any rider. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, HURRICANE DASH, which was continuing to over-race, was steadied away from the heels of DARPANA. At the 200 Metres, DANZULU was bumped by DR POSSIBLE which shifted out. Throughout the race, FLYING GALLOP travelled wide and without cover. DR POSSIBLE was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, DR POSSIBLE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was making an abnormal breathing noise. He said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a "roarer". FOREVER ELATION and ROCKET POWER were sent for sampling.