Race:1 (752) PO TOI HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 2200 m

SWEET BEAN was slow to begin.
CLEMENT LEGEND shifted out shortly after the start and bumped HALL OF FAME.
JOY PLUS FUN began only fairly and then after travelling a short distance was steadied when crowded for room between THE JOY OF GIVING and CLEMENT LEGEND.
From the outside barrier, DOUBLE POINT was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Making the first turn near the 2000 Metres, SEMPITERNAL and THE JOY OF GIVING bumped due to both horses shifting ground.
After the 2000 Metres, JOY PLUS FUN was awkwardly placed behind BO DUKE.
Approaching the 1100 Metres, BO DUKE raced tight between SWEET BEAN and SEMPITERNAL which improved to be racing outside the heels of ROCK THE TREE.
Passing the 1100 Metres, SEMPITERNAL shifted out and bumped BO DUKE.
For the majority of the race, SWEET BEAN travelled wide and without cover and after the 1100 Metres was allowed to improve its position into the lead.
For a considerable distance after the 800 Metres, HOLY UNICORN was taken back through the field when awkwardly placed behind THE JOY OF GIVING which was giving ground. WEALTHY FORTUNE, which was following HOLY UNICORN, was also taken back through the field as a consequence. Then passing the 700 Metres, HOLY UNICORN had to be checked away from the heels of THE JOY OF GIVING.
Approaching and rounding the Home Turn, SEMPITERNAL was awkwardly placed behind BO DUKE.
After the 200 Metres, CLEMENT LEGEND got its head on the side and lay in under pressure, resulting in its rider, Apprentice M F Poon, changing his whip into his right hand. Then passing the 100 Metres, Apprentice Poon dropped his right rein.
The performance of BO DUKE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BO DUKE 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, A Sanna stated that he was asked to obtain a position in advance of midfield if possible from a wide barrier as HALL OF FAME is somewhat one-paced and it was felt that were the horse to get too far out of its ground in the early stages, this would not provide it with the best opportunity to finish off the race. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position and was left racing very wide. He said for this reason he elected to continue forward into the lead rather than covering unnecessary ground. He said after reaching the lead passing the winning post on the first occasion he attempted to steady the tempo approaching the 1000 Metres as he had to make some use of HALL OF FAME to obtain the lead. He said he did consider allowing SWEET BEAN to improve forward of HALL OF FAME after the 900 Metres, however, as it was explained to him that HALL OF FAME is one-paced, he believed that it was more appropriate to attempt to hold his position rather than being crossed as HALL OF FAME would not be suited if the tempo of the race then steadied.
When questioned, O Doleuze (THE JOY OF GIVING) stated that stepping up to 2200 Metres for the first occasion tonight, he was asked to attempt to obtain a position behind the lead if possible. He said making the first turn after the 2000 Metres he was left racing in a three wide position without cover and as he saw HALL OF FAME commencing to improve around THE JOY OF GIVING after the 1800 Metres, he elected to allow his mount to stride forward to cross into the lead with the view to handing up to HALL OF FAME and obtaining a trailing position. He added THE JOY OF GIVING came under heavy pressure after the 800 Metres and, in his opinion, did not feel comfortable in its action as the horse was under heavy pressure so far from the finish of the race. A veterinary inspection of THE JOY OF GIVING immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained small abrasions over the back of the left hock. The performance of THE JOY OF GIVING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, THE JOY OF GIVING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of BO DUKE and SWEET BEAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
PENZANCE and JOY PLUS FUN were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (753) PENG CHAU HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

As the start was effected, TRAVEL SUCCESSOR put its head down and to the left and consequently lost ground.
GLORIAM began awkwardly.
JOLLY BOUNTIFUL was crowded for room on jumping between MONEY MARSHAL which shifted in and TOP STRIKE which, after being bumped on the hindquarters by JOLLY BOUNTIFUL, shifted out. MONEY MARSHAL then continued to lay in in the early part of the race and approaching and passing the 1100 Metres got its head up when laying in badly towards the heels of TOP STRIKE which shifted out marginally.
Passing the 1100 Metres, DEAL MAKER was taken out towards the heels of SPLIT OF A SECOND by FANTASTIC FABIO which shifted out. DEAL MAKER was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPLIT OF A SECOND for a short distance before getting its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse passing the 1050 Metres.
Passing the 1000 Metres, MONEY MARSHAL got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind DEAL MAKER. MONEY MARSHAL then continued to race ungenerously for some distance.
After being ridden to obtain a forward position from a wide barrier, DOLLAR REWARD travelled wide and without cover until near the 600 Metres and consequently gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of DOLLAR REWARD immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a wound to the outside of the right hind fetlock.
Near the 450 Metres, SPLIT OF A SECOND shifted out abruptly away from the heels of GLORIAM.
Approaching the 200 Metres, AFTER ME raced tight inside DEAL MAKER which got its head on the side and lay in under pressure.
When questioned, M Chadwick stated that it was explained to him that the connections of AFTER ME were of the opinion that the horse did not finish off its race last start when ridden in a forward position and therefore from a wide barrier tonight he was asked to ride AFTER ME more patiently and shift the horse across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After taking evidence from Mr H S Fan, acting assistant trainer allocated to Mr D Cruz’s stable, and Mr M Cruz, the son of Mr D Cruz, the Stewards adjourned this matter until Mr D Cruz, who was out of Hong Kong for tonight’s racemeeting, is able to be interviewed by the Stewards.
JOLLY BOUNTIFUL and FANTASTIC FABIO were sent for sampling.
<6/7/2018 Adjourned Inquiry – Race 2 (753) – 27 June 2018 Happy Valley Racemeeting>
The Stewards today continued their inquiry which was adjourned from the Happy Valley racemeeting conducted on Wednesday, 27 June 2018. At that racemeeting, the Stewards questioned M Chadwick regarding the instructions he was provided and the tactics adopted on AFTER ME, trained by Mr D Cruz. After evidence was taken from Jockey Chadwick, Mr H S Fan, acting assistant trainer allocated to Mr D Cruz, and Mr M Cruz, the son of Mr D Cruz, the matter was adjourned so that Mr D Cruz could be interviewed as he was not in Hong Kong at that time.
The Stewards today took evidence from Mr D Cruz with further evidence being taken from Jockey Chadwick, Mr Fan and Mr M Cruz. Evidence was also taken from Mr M L Hsu, manager of the Waterfalls Syndicate, the registered owner of AFTER ME.
After considering all the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Jockey Chadwick had ridden AFTER ME in accordance with the instructions previously issued to him by Mr D Cruz and his acting assistant trainer. Accordingly, no further action was taken.

Race:3 (754) NINEPIN GROUP HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

BORNTOACHIEVE began awkwardly, shifted in on jumping and bumped AMAZING RACE.
From the outside barriers, FLYING NOBLE and PEARLY TREASURE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Near the 950 Metres, LUCKY LUCKY was steadied away from the heels of OCEAN ROAR (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in. Apprentice Wong was reprimanded.
T H So (BEAUT BEAUT) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 950 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of ORIENTAL ELITE, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and in turn taken in onto NATURAL FLARE which was taken in onto NASHASHUK which was checked when crowded for room. T H So was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 11 July 2018 and to expire on Monday, 16 July 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).
For some distance after the 550 Metres, BEAUT BEAUT was awkwardly placed behind LUCKY LUCKY which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover.
Rounding the Home Turn, ORIENTAL ELITE momentarily raced in restricted room inside BORNTOACHIEVE which shifted in marginally.
Passing the 300 Metres and again near the 250 Metres, NATURAL FLARE shifted out and bumped FLYING NOBLE, causing both horses to become unbalanced. FLYING NOBLE then lay in under pressure for a short distance after this.
Passing the 100 Metres, BORNTOACHIEVE was shifted out away from the heels of OCEAN ROAR. Then over the concluding stages, BORNTOACHIEVE was unable to be ridden out when awkwardly placed behind LUCKY LUCKY which was eased down by its rider over the concluding stages. When questioned, J Moreira (LUCKY LUCKY) stated that passing the 50 Metres LUCKY LUCKY got its head up and became unbalanced in its action as BEAUT BEAUT improved to its outside. He said as he felt that something may have gone amiss with LUCKY LUCKY, he eased the horse down over the concluding stages. He said at the time he eased down LUCKY LUCKY, the horse was not in contention for a placing. After viewing the videos, the Stewards accepted Jockey Moreira’s explanation. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY LUCKY immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a superficial wound to the inside of the right front cannon. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY LUCKY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
The Stewards inquired into T H So’s riding of BEAUT BEAUT, the 4th placegetter, over the concluding stages. Having considered the head margin between AMAZING RACE, the 3rd placegetter, and BEAUT BEAUT, the Stewards considered the riding of T H So did not affect the horse’s placing, nonetheless he was severely reprimanded and reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race.
After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that NATURAL FLARE had sustained a wound to the outside of the right hind coronary band.
A veterinary inspection of I’M THE CONQUIST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
I’M THE CONQUIST, ORIENTAL ELITE and WINFULL PATROL were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (755) LANTAU ISLAND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1650 m

At declaration time, C Schofield was declared as the rider of both FOREVER POSH and NEVER BETTER. It was established that C Schofield had a firm commitment to ride NEVER BETTER. As such, the Stewards permitted M Chadwick to be substituted as the rider of FOREVER POSH. For this declaration error, Trainer R Gibson was fined $2,000.
As the start was effected, WIN FOR CHARITY got its head up and consequently was slow to begin.
From wide barriers, ASSOCIATION FANS and NEVER BETTER were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
Despite being hard ridden in the early stages, GLORY STAR failed to muster speed.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, WIN FOR CHARITY raced tight inside FOREVER POSH after improving quickly to the inside of that horse. Then passing the winning post on the first occasion, CHARITY WINGS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FOREVER POSH which shifted out to relieve the tightening to WIN FOR CHARITY.
After the 500 Metres, FOREVER POSH got its head on the side and lay out. CHARITY WINGS, which was improving to the outside of FOREVER POSH, was inconvenienced in consequence.
Near the 250 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP was momentarily awkwardly placed between GLORY STAR and FOREVER POSH which shifted in under pressure.
When questioned, U Rispoli stated that he was asked to obtain a position in about midfield on GOLDEN SLEEP with cover if possible. He said with the blinkers removed, GOLDEN SLEEP was reluctant to improve its position in the early stages despite being niggled at in an attempt to clear horses to his inside. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he steadied his mount in an attempt to obtain cover behind CHARITY WINGS, however, at this time ASSOCIATION FANS improved to be racing between GOLDEN SLEEP and GLORY STAR which resulted in GOLDEN SLEEP racing in a three wide position. He said he rode his mount along after the 1400 Metres in an endeavour to clear ASSOCIATION FANS, however, he was not able to shift in to race behind CHARITY WINGS and because of this GOLDEN SLEEP was initially left racing in a three wide position outside that horse. He added when ASSOCIATION FANS shifted across to race on the rail behind GLORY STAR, this afforded GOLDEN SLEEP the opportunity to obtain cover behind CHARITY WINGS, however, much further back in the field than had been intended.
A veterinary inspection of GENERAL DINO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ASSOCIATION FANS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.
GENERAL DINO, MEGATRON and SICHUAN BOSS were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (756) THE MANAWATU RACING CLUB CHALLENGE TROPHY (HANDICAP) (Sec1) Class 2 1800 m

From the outside barriers, RICKFIELD and HELENE CHARISMA were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Passing the winning post on the first occasion, LITTERATEUR was crowded for room inside SHARP SAILOR which got its head on the side and lay in away from PIKACHU. In this incident, SHARP SAILOR became unbalanced after bumping LITTERATEUR.
Passing the 500 Metres, PIKACHU raced tight outside SHARP SAILOR which attempted to improve to the outside of DOCTOR GEOFF.
Throughout the race, PIKACHU travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of RICKFIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
DOCTOR GEOFF and INSAYSHABLE were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (757) LAMMA ISLAND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1000 m

When being ridden along, MR RIGHT shifted out shortly after the start and bumped the hindquarters of DREAM COME TRUE. After this, despite being hard ridden, MR RIGHT failed to muster speed and then for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover.
Shortly after the start, DIAMOND MASTER raced in restricted room between CEREFINO and HEALTHY LUCK which shifted in. Then near the 950 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER was shifted out away from the heels of CEREFINO which got its head on the side and shifted out.
From wide barriers, HAPPY TIME, WALDORF and JOYFUL FAMILY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Also from the outside barrier, MR PICASSO, after being ridden along in the early stages, was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover passing the 900 Metres.
After being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, HEALTHY LUCK was steadied near the 850 Metres to obtain cover when racing wide.
After the 500 Metres, GENERAL IRON was steadied away from the heels of SMART DECLARATION. DIAMOND MASTER, which was following, commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of GENERAL IRON in consequence.
Approaching the 50 Metres, DIAMOND MASTER was shifted in away from the heels of MR RIGHT which shifted in away from HEALTHY LUCK which also shifted in under pressure. WALDORF, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND MASTER in consequence.
Just after passing the 50 Metres, DREAM COME TRUE shifted out and brushed CEREFINO.
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CEREFINO at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, CEREFINO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
After the race, J Moreira stated that DRAGON PIONEER felt "flat” tonight and did not finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON PIONEER 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, DRAGON PIONEER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of SMART DECLARATION immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.
DRAGON PIONEER, CEREFINO and DREAM COME TRUE were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (758) GRASS ISLAND HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

HAPPY HAPPY STAR began awkwardly and lost ground.
Shortly after the start, ROCKIT shifted in and bumped ORIONIDS.
From the outside barrier, WINNING WAYS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
DOUBLE VALENTINE and IRON BOY made heavy contact at the start. DOUBLE VALENTINE then shifted in and bumped HARRIER JET which was crowded onto FLYING QUEST. A short distance later, FLYING QUEST, HARRIER JET, DOUBLE VALENTINE and IRON BOY were further crowded for room inside HAPPY COOPERATION which, after initially being taken in by EAGLE, then shifted in of its own accord despite the efforts of its rider.
Near the 1150 Metres, TELECOM BROTHERS shifted out away from the heels of EAGLE which shifted out. TELECOM BROTHERS was then crowded for room near the 1100 Metres between EAGLE and ORIONIDS which raced tight inside ROCKIT. In this incident, ORIONIDS became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by TELECOM BROTHERS.
Near the 850 Metres, TELECOM BROTHERS was severely checked when crowded for room inside ORIONIDS which, despite the efforts of its rider, H N Wong, hung in badly away from ROCKIT. As the Stewards were satisfied that Jockey Wong had made every endeavour to prevent ORIONIDS from shifting in at this time, no further action was taken. HARRIET JET, which was following, was hampered in consequence. After this, ORIONIDS continued to hang in badly and making the turn after the 600 Metres made contact with the rail and became unbalanced. The racing manners of ORIONIDS were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ORIONIDS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of ORIONIDS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. After this, HARRIET JET improved into tight running between TELECOM BROTHERS and IRON BOY which was shifted out after the 800 Metres to alleviate the tightening to HARRIER JET. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, TELECOM BROTHERS was again severely checked when crowded for room inside HARRIER JET (N Callan) which at this time was racing tight to the inside of IRON BOY (D Whyte) which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. Although the interference sustained by TELECOM BROTHERS was significant, the Stewards could not apportion any rider error to N Callan or D Whyte and accordingly no further action was taken. When TELECOM BROTHERS was severely checked, DOUBLE VALENTINE, which improved to be racing to the outside of TELECOM BROTHERS, was checked in consequence when crowded for room inside HAPPY HAPPY STAR.
Passing the 500 Metres, TELECOM BROTHERS momentarily raced tight inside DOUBLE VALENTINE.
Although TELECOM BROTHERS finished tailed out, having regard to the significant interference sustained by that horse during the race, the Stewards took no further action against the horse.
Passing the 50 Metres, IRON BY and DOUBLE VALENTINE raced tight.
A veterinary inspection of TELECOM BROTHERS and AMAZING STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of ROCKIT immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and also found the horse to have bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, ROCKIT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
EAGLE, DOUBLE VALENTINE and IRON BOY were sent for sampling.
<28/6/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>AMAZING STAR, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. AMAZING STAR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer W Y So this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING STAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Race:8 (759) CHEUNG CHAU HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1650 m

MULTI FACETS was withdrawn on 26.6.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HAR HAR HEART (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, MULTI FACETS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
SAM’S LOVE was bumped heavily at the start by CHEERFUL BOY which, after beginning awkwardly, shifted in abruptly.
From wide barriers, INTREPIC, HANG’S DECISION and SLEEP EDUCATION were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages.
Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SAM’S LOVE momentarily raced in restricted room between THE JUDGE and HANG’S DECISION which got its head on the side and shifted in. When being directed out to alleviate the tightening to SAM’S LOVE, HANG’S DECISION and INTREPIC bumped.
Approaching the 1300 Metres, MCMUNIGAL was momentarily crowded for room inside HIGH VOLATILITY (T H So) which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the tightening to MCMUNIGAL. T H So was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. In this incident, HAR HAR HEART, which was racing to the inside of MCMUNIGAL, was bumped by HAPPY SPIRIT which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of THUNDER STOMP.
Also approaching the 1300 Metres, HANG’S DECISION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHEERFUL BOY.
Passing the 100 Metres, THE JUDGE was directed out away from the heels of HAR HAR HEART (K Teetan) which shifted out under pressure. K Teetan was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion.
Over the concluding stages, DON’T MISS and THUNDER STOMP raced tight.
After the race, Z Purton stated that after shifting INTREPIC across behind runners, his mount was reluctant to maintain its position behind SAM’S LOVE after the 1000 Metres. He said he commenced to ride INTREPIC along near the 950 Metres including slapping it down the shoulder with the whip, however, the more he rode the horse, the more it wanted to give ground. He said he commenced to ride INTREPIC along vigorously after the 900 Metres and as the horse was not responding to his riding, he commenced to ride it even more urgently after the 700 Metres. He said despite being hard ridden, INTREPIC continued to lose ground, however, he continued to ride the horse until approaching the Home Turn and as it was showing no response to his riding, he felt that there may be something amiss with the horse. He said as INTREPIC was well out of contention, he therefore eased it down in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of INTREPIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of INTREPIC, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, INTREPIC will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Also after the race, J Moreira stated that after being crowded for room on jumping, SAM’S LOVE was required to race further back in the field than had been hoped. He said because of the manner in which the race was run, SAM’S LOVE was too far out of its ground to be a serious threat in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SAM’S LOVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of HANG’S DECISION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SAM’S LOVE, DON’T MISS and THUNDER STOMP were sent for sampling.