TRAVEL KING began very awkwardly and lost ground at the start. After being slow to begin, LOTS OF FUN was steadied and lost ground soon after the start when crowded for room between TRAVEL KING and GOOD JOB which shifted out. Soon after the start, WINNER SMART shifted out and made contact with MERRY TOWKAY. On the first turn, TRAVEL KING and GREY WHIZZ made contact and became unbalanced when crowded for room inside STAR SON which was awkwardly placed on the heels of RUN TO WIN. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PLANET, H W Lai stated that he was instructed to ride the horse in midfield with cover if possible. He said after beginning only fairly, he rode PLANET along in the early stages, however, the horse did not muster speed and as he felt that he would be caught wide if he continued to press on, near the 900 Metres he steadied PLANET and took the horse back across behind runners to find a position closer to the fence. He added when placed under pressure prior to the Home Turn PLANET responded only for a short distance, however, after that closed off the race only one-paced and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of PLANET after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the performance of STAR SON, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he rode the horse along in the early stages to find a midfield position with cover as instructed. He said that after initially obtaining a position behind MERRY TOWKAY, when that horse crossed over towards the rail on the first turn, STAR SON was left racing in a four wide position and without cover. He said after enduring a wide run in the middle stages, STAR SON then hung in when placed under pressure in the Straight and did not stretch out satisfactorily. A veterinary inspection of STAR SON after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, STAR SON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNER SMART and GOOD JOB were sent for sampling.

After the 900 Metres, SADDLERS LODGE was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE BRAVO which shifted out after being crossed by RIGHT TIMING. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FOLLOW THE WIND, Z Purton stated that he was left racing wide and without cover in the early stages and near the 1200 Metres made contact with FASTPLUS MASTER as he attempted to shift in behind KENSWORTH KID to obtain cover. He said however that FASTPLUS MASTER maintained its position and he was not able to obtain the position behind KENSWORTH KID and for this reason FOLLOW THE WIND travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. He said FOLLOW THE WIND travelled comfortably until placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, when asked, FOLLOW THE WIND did not respond to his riding. He said although FOLLOW THE WIND had to be steadied away from the heels of FASTPLUS MASTER near the 150 Metres when that horse was taken out by KENSWORTH KID, FOLLOW THE WIND was a beaten horse at that time. He added that although FOLLOW THE WIND travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding in the early part of the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FOLLOW THE WIND after the race did not show any significant findings, however, an endoscopic examination was not able to be conducted on the horse post-race. RIGHT TIMING and FORTUNE BRAVO were sent for sampling.

LITTLE RAINFOREST and DOUBLE DRAGON bumped at the start. N Callan (PERCY JACKSON) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of LIBERTY VALANCE, causing that horse to be checked and lose its rightful running when crowded for room between PERCY JACKSON and PLENTIFUL. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 27 February 2012 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Sunday, 19 February 2012. Near the 700 Metres, GRAND DANCER commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of LONGWAH RISING. Rounding the Home Turn, PLENTIFUL and LIBERTY VALANCE bumped as PLENTIFUL attempted to shift out to obtain clear running after being held up behind MASTER GUNNER. After this, PLENTIFUL had difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 400 Metres. After the 200 Metres, PLENTIFUL was crowded for room when disappointed for running between MASTER GUNNER and PERCY JACKSON which itself was taken in slightly by LIBERTY VALANCE which got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure. Near the 150 Metres, PLENTIFUL was struck across the nose by the whip of W M Lai (LIBERTY VALANCE). After this, PLENTIFUL had difficulty obtaining clear running until the concluding stages. Near the 100 Metres, FOREVER ELATION was steadied when momentarily crowded for room between CLASSIC JEWELLERY (D Whyte) and MASTER GUNNER (Apprentice C Y Ho), both of which shifted ground. Both D Whyte and Apprentice Ho were advised to exercise care in similar circumstances. D Whyte (CLASSIC JEWELLERY) explained that after beginning only fairly he rode his mount along to take up a forward position. He said near the 1200 Metres he shifted in to race to the outside of DOUBLE DRAGON and expected that horse to cross towards the fence which would provide him with the opportunity to follow that horse across closer to the rail. He said however that DOUBLE DRAGON remained racing wide until that horse was able to clear runners to its inside and because of this he steadied his mount with a view to seeing if he could obtain cover behind LITTLE RAINFOREST. He said that DOUBLE DRAGON did not shift across LITTLE RAINFOREST and LONGWAH RISING until near the 850 Metres at which time it was then not available for him to improve his position to cross to the outside of that horse as he would have had to make too much use of CLASSIC JEWELLERY which was resuming today after having its only start in November. He said because of these circumstances CLASSIC JEWELLERY was left racing wide and without cover. He added that CLASSIC JEWELLERY responded well to his riding in the early part of the Straight and showed a good turn of foot, however, due to the circumstances of today’s race and the fact that the horse had some time off from racing, CLASSIC JEWELLERY’s condition gave out over the final 150 Metres. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC JEWELLERY after the race did not show any significant findings. CLASSIC JEWELLERY, MASTER GUNNER and LIBERTY VALANCE were sent for sampling.

KING OF FISH II and SUGAR ON TOP were slow to begin. POLYGOLD was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between HERO’S WIN and EPATANT which shifted in. From a wide barrier, SAME SAME was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, HERO’S WIN proved very difficult to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of FANTASTISCH for some distance. When continuing to over-race, HERO’S WIN got its head up and shifted in away from the heels of FANTASTISCH near the 900 Metres, resulting in SAME SAME losing ground when crowded for room inside that horse. As the Stewards were of the view that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 600 Metres, HERO’S WIN was checked away from the heels of FANTASTISCH which itself got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EPATANT. In this incident, HERO’S WIN bumped POLYGOLD. In the early part of the Straight, HERO’S WIN had difficulty obtaining clear running between SUNSEEKER and POLYGOLD. After the 300 Metres, K C Leung (GLITTERING) dropped his whip. After the 200 Metres, KING OF FISH II was steadied when disappointed for running between GLITTERING and EPATANT which shifted in. For the majority of the race, DUKE’S VICTORY travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DUKE’S VICTORY had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of KING OF FISH II after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HERO’S WIN after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, HERO’S WIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CLASSIC FIGURE and MR AWARD were sent for sampling.

ROCKET PROUD knuckled over at the start and then shifted in, resulting in COSMIC BOOM being taken across BILLION GAINS which was steadied away from the heels of that horse after being slow to begin. COSMO ONE was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, DIAMOND RAINBOW was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 800 Metres, COSMO ONE (C W Wong) got its head up when racing in restricted room between SURFER BOY and BILLION GAINS. C W Wong said that after this incident the saddle on COSMO ONE rolled to the left hand side, placing him at a disadvantage. A veterinary inspection of COSMO ONE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of COSMO ONE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COSMO ONE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Rounding the Home Turn, BILLION GAINS was steadied away from the heels of COOL BEAN which shifted out. After the 400 Metres, HOT PEPPER and SUPREME HONG KONG were taken wider by SURFER BOY which, when being shifted to the outside of DYNAMIC CROSS to obtain clear running, was then taken out by that horse. At the 200 Metres, SURFER BOY shifted wider under pressure, resulting in its rider, Y T Cheng, changing his whip into his left hand. Throughout the race, LUCKY BOY, DREAMS MAKER and HOT PEPPER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that as SURFER BOY had been finishing off its races only fairly whilst racing consistently at its most recent starts, it was decided for SURFER BOY, from barrier 10, to be ridden quietly today in the hope that it would be able to finish off the race. Trainer C H Yip stated that both himself and the connections of SURFER BOY had been disappointed with the manner in which the horse finished off its most recent start when it appeared as though it was going to be a strong winning chance when ridden behind the leaders. He said it was noticeable the manner in which SURFER BOY weakened over the concluding stages as the horse was not able to run in the first three placegetters after enjoying a good run. He said because of this it was decided today, from barrier 10, for the horse to be ridden more quietly in the hope that it would be able to finish off the race. He said following today’s race he was pleased with the manner in which the horse had quickened in the early part of the Straight albeit that he was once again disappointed with the manner in which it had finished off its race. He added depending on the circumstances of the race in which it is engaged for in the future, it will be his intention for the horse to be ridden off the speed in about a midfield position if possible. O’HALO, COSMIC BOOM and ROCKET PROUD were sent for sampling.

HORSESHOE FORTUNE began awkwardly. KING ON EARTH was slow to begin. ZEZAO and HIGH RETURN bumped at the start. After initially being ridden along in the early stages, JOHN DORY, when racing wide, was taken across behind runners approaching the 1200 Metres. Approaching the 1000 Metres, CHAMPION MOUNT was steadied away from the heels of MEGA CHAMPION which shifted in. Passing the 1000 Metres, KING ON EARTH got its head up and proved difficult to settle for some distance when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HORSESHOE FORTUNE. Then making the turn near the 850 Metres, KING ON EARTH, which was continuing to prove difficult to settle, shifted out away from the heels of HORSESHOE FORTUNE, resulting in EMPIRE CITY being hampered. Rounding the Home Turn, HIGH RETURN got its head on the side and hung out. Also rounding the Home Turn, GOOD SMILE got its head on the side and hung out, causing its rider, Apprentice T H So, to change his whip into his left hand. In the early part of the Straight, MEGA CHAMPION had difficulty shifting to the outside of the heels of GOOD SMILE which shifted out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of THANKSGIVING, T Clark stated that although he was having his first race ride on the horse today, he noted that it had raced well at its last start when covering ground. He said today, from barrier 10, he was not able to obtain cover and was obliged to race in a three wide position. He said THANKSGIVING came on and off the bridle throughout the early and middle stages and then when placed under pressure shortly after entering the Straight commenced to give ground. He added at no time when placed under pressure did THANKSGIVING respond to his riding and the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. He did say that THANKSGIVING is an inexperienced horse and is somewhat immature. A veterinary inspection of THANKSGIVING after the race did not show any significant findings. ZEZAO and CHAMPION MOUNT were sent for sampling.

CHARLES THE GREAT began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped RUMBA KING. POCKET ROCKETS, WHAT A HEART and ELITE OF CHIU TON were slow to begin. When being taken across behind runners from the outside barrier in the early stages, BEST WIN got its head up on a number of occasions. Also from a wide barrier, FLYING SMART was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 900 Metres, WITHINMYHEART got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of RUMBA KING which was steadied when CHARLES THE GREAT crossed. Near the 200 Metres, WHAT A HEART shifted in towards the running rail and became unbalanced. POCKET ROCKETS, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Throughout the race, BEST ELEVEN travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of WITHINMYHEART after the race did not show any significant findings. BEST ELEVEN and RUMBA KING were sent for sampling.

LITTLE BRIDGE and RICH UNICORN bumped at the start. From the outside barrier, SACRED KINGDOM was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, LET ME FIGHT got its head up and proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of LITTLE BRIDGE which shifted in when only just clear. After the 400 Metres, RICH UNICORN was shifted out to obtain clear running after being momentarily held up behind EAGLE REGIMENT and inside JOY AND FUN. Throughout the race, BLAZE KING travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SACRED KINGDOM, EAGLE REGIMENT and LET ME FIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. JOY AND FUN and LUCKY NINE were sent for sampling.

LOVING STAR was checked and SHIFACHI TRADITION crowded for room at the start between JIMSON THE BEST and PEPPERMINT which got its head on the side and shifted out. From the outside barrier, EASTERN EMPIRE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 200 Metres, BLESSING, which had been held up, was steadied when disappointed for running between NICE FOLKS and SHIFACHI TRADITION. After this, BLESSING was not able to obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres. After the 200 Metres, JIMSON THE BEST raced in restricted room between FLYING UNICORN and YUE LU TREASURE. Over the concluding stages, JIMSON THE BEST was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING UNICORN. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been instructed to lead on DR SUPER as it was the opinion of the horse’s trainer that it races best when able to dictate terms. He said he had to make some use of DR SUPER to cross the eventual winner, FLYING UNICORN after the 1200 Metres but after obtaining the lead he was able to steady the tempo and dictate the terms of the race thereafter. He said when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight DR SUPER initially responded well to his riding, however, came under pressure passing the 300 Metres. He said after the 200 Metres he heard DR SUPER make an abnormal respiratory noise which worsened considerably passing the winning post. He added when he had ridden DR SUPER in the past, the horse had not made a similar breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of DR SUPER after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, DR SUPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DR SUPER, FLYING UNICORN and LOVING STAR were sent for sampling.

DOMINANT, which was leaning on the inside of its barrier stall, began very awkwardly and for a short distance after the start raced tight between FINEZZA and DAN EXCEL, both of which shifted ground. CARTHAGE and TRAVEL BRAND were slow to begin. After the 1400 Metres, TURF EXPRESS was shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SUPREME. After this, TURF EXPRESS travelled wide and without cover until near the 800 Metres. After TURF EXPRESS shifted in, DAN EXCEL was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, DOMINANT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SUPREME. Near the 1100 Metres, FINEZZA got its head up and shifted out away from the heels of DAN EXCEL when proving difficult to settle. When FINEZZA shifted out, CARTHAGE was hampered. Near the 850 Metres, DOMINANT, which continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SUPREME, was steadied after momentarily improving to the inside of that horse’s heels where there was insufficient room. Also near the 850 Metres, TRAVEL BRAND was steadied away from the heels of CHEERS JOY. For some distance approaching the 300 Metres, THE UNTOUCHABLELAD was held up for clear running behind CHEERS JOY which was giving ground. Close to the finishing line, MARK UP was steadied away from the heels of CARTHAGE which got its head on the side and shifted in. Because of this, MARK UP was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, M Guyon stated that he had been instructed to ride AMITYSHIP positively in the early stages, from barrier 13, and to place the horse in 4th or 5th position if possible. He said after beginning awkwardly AMITYSHIP was beaten for speed in the early stages and rather than make too much use of the horse he elected to shift AMITYSHIP across in the hope of obtaining cover behind TURF EXPRESS. He said however that after the 1400 Metres he had to steady away from the heels of that horse when TURF EXPRESS shifted out. He added after this AMITYSHIP was left racing wide and without cover throughout the remainder of the race and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of CHEERS JOY, DOMINANT and EURO SWIFTLY after the race did not show any significant findings. BERIO and FINEZZA were sent for sampling.