When being unloaded from the transporter after arriving at Happy Valley from Sha Tin, EVER STRONG became fractious, slipped and got down. Acting on veterinary advice that EVER STRONG had sustained a laceration to the left elbow and was not suitable to race, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, EVER STRONG will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. The Veterinary Officer reported that on arrival at the Start CHEEKY BEE was found to be lame in the right hind leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, CHEEKY BEE was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, CHEEKY BEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EXCEL DELIGHT began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, EXPONENTS shifted out and bumped FLYING MONKEY. Also shortly after the start, JIMSON THE DRAGON shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of ISLAND WINNER. From a wide barrier, EXPONENTS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 950 Metres, FLYING MONKEY momentarily raced in restricted room inside LA BOMBA which, after shifting in, was then directed out to relieve the tightening to FLYING MONKEY. Near the 850 Metres, JIMSON THE DRAGON and BANDY bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Near the 750 Metres, CHARITYDREAM was awkwardly placed outside BANDY which continued to race tight outside JIMSON THE DRAGON. After the 700 Metres, FLYING MONKEY was left racing wide and without cover and making the turns after the 600 Metres lay out. WHISTLE UP made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in JIMSON THE DRAGON being bumped and becoming unbalanced. CHARITYDREAM, which was following JIMSON THE DRAGON, shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence, resulting in EXPONENTS being hampered and taken wider. Approaching the 200 Metres, LA BOMBA was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ISLAND WINNER (K C Leung) when being taken out by that horse which shifted out under pressure. K C Leung was reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts. EXCEL DELIGHT, ISLAND WINNER and ROMAN ODYSSEY were sent for sampling.

NEXTMODEL was withdrawn on 9.12.19 by order of the Stewards (stable transfer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter TARGET FINDER. On jumping, BRILLIANT became badly unbalanced and lost ground when bumped by LORIZ which shifted out. BRAVE POWER began awkwardly, shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of FOREVER SHARP. A short distance later, BRAVE POWER was crowded for room between FOREVER SHARP and FORTUNE PATROL which shifted in slightly. HAPPY HAPPY STAR began awkwardly and then travelled wide and without cover before commencing to give ground after the 700 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY HAPPY STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HAPPY HAPPY STAR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY HAPPY STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From wide barriers, LOTUS BREEZE and SUCCESS ALLSTARS were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. In the middle stages, BRAVE POWER raced greenly and, despite being vigorously ridden, was reluctant to maintain its position inside FORTUNE PATROL. Passing the 300 Metres, LOTUS BREEZE was awkwardly placed behind SUCCESS ALLSTARS and then BRILLIANT when being shifted to the outside of those horses to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, SUCCESS ALLSTARS was bumped by FORTUNE PATROL which, when attempting to shift to the outside of TARGET FINDER (M Chadwick), was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse as TARGET FINDER shifted out under pressure. In this incident, FORTUNE PATROL was held up for clear running when awkwardly placed behind TARGET FINDER. M Chadwick was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that FORTUNE PATROL had not fully established running to the outside of TARGET FINDER, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Close to the finishing line, FORTUNE PATROL raced tight inside LOTUS BREEZE (M F Poon) which shifted in under pressure. As LOTUS BREEZE was shifting in, M F Poon put the whip away and attempted to straighten his mount. Nonetheless he was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of A Badel (FOREVER SHARP), 5th 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. A veterinary inspection of NICE FANDANGO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. POWERMAX and IRON BOY were sent for sampling.

AIOLOS was withdrawn on 9.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WIND PACIFIC. Before being allowed to race again, AIOLOS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Happy Valley holding stalls, it was noted that VICTORY IN HAND had sustained a minor laceration to the left nostril when being transported from Sha Tin. VICTORY IN HAND was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that VICTORY IN HAND had sustained a laceration above the right front fetlock. WIND PACIFIC, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly. FLYING EMPEROR began awkwardly. ALL TIMES GRATEFUL shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER ALLIANCES. WONDER WIN, which was racing outside SUPER ALLIANCES, shifted out away from that horse, resulting in THE ONE (S de Sousa), which was being ridden along, being crowded onto HERE COMES TED, causing THE ONE and HERE COMES TED to bump. After this, THE ONE was ridden along to obtain a forward position and after the 1100 Metres was steadied in an attempt to obtain cover whilst HERE COMES TED was shifted across behind runners. S de Sousa stated that it was intended for THE ONE to take up a forward position, however, after being crowded for room shortly after the start his mount did not show as much early speed as anticipated and therefore he had no option but to attempt to obtain cover on THE ONE. Also from wide barriers, DIAMOND LEGEND and HUMBLE STEED were steadied to obtain cover. Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, HUMBLE STEED became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of DIAMOND LEGEND. Passing the 900 Metres, NAVAS was steadied away from the heels of THE ONE (S de Sousa) which shifted in. S de Sousa was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. THE ONE then commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ALL TIMES GRATEFUL. NAVAS, which was following, was hampered in consequence. THE ONE continued to travel keenly and near the 750 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of ALL TIMES GRATEFUL and consequently raced wide and without cover. SUPER ALLIANCES travelled wide and without cover in the early and middle stages and after the 800 Metres was steadied to obtain a position with cover behind WIND PACIFIC. WIND PACIFIC made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and lay out. After the race, A Badel stated that on straightening he placed WIND PACIFIC under pressure, however, its action deteriorated and the horse commenced to give ground after the 200 Metres. He said as he was not comfortable with the horse’s action, he eased it down over the final 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of WIND PACIFIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, WIND PACIFIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of EIGHT TRIGRAMS, C Y Ho stated that as the start was effected the horse turned its head to the right and was consequently slow to begin. He said he then rode EIGHT TRIGRAMS along in the early stages to obtain a prominent position and he was able to shift in to race on the rail behind the eventual winner VICTORY IN HAND near the 800 Metres. He said EIGHT TRIGRAMS did not travel comfortably throughout the middle stages and he had to continually ride his mount along to maintain its position. He said he had to place EIGHT TRIGRAMS under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and then in the Straight the horse did not close off the race as anticipated. He added he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of EIGHT TRIGRAMS. A veterinary inspection of EIGHT TRIGRAMS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of EIGHT TRIGRAMS, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EIGHT TRIGRAMS 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 HERE COMES TED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EIGHT TRIGRAMS, VICTORY IN HAND and SUPER ALLIANCES were sent for sampling.

DASHING DART shifted out at the start and bumped CHEERFUL STAR. GOOD DAYS began only fairly. DOR DOR was bumped on jumping by GREAT SMART which was taken out by CURING LUXURY. After this, DOR DOR was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. BULLISH GLORY was also steadied in the early stages and from the outside barrier PERFECT TO PLAY was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Near the 1600 Metres, BULLISH GLORY momentarily raced in restricted room between DASHING DART and DOR DOR, both of which shifted slight ground. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, PERFECT TO PLAY commenced to travel keenly and was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of BULLISH GLORY. Passing the 1300 Metres, DASHING DART got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of GREAT SMART. DASHING DART then travelled keenly and when the tempo slackened near the 950 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of KING’S MAN which was awkwardly placed behind CHEERFUL STAR. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, PERFECT TO PLAY raced tight outside the hindquarters of DOR DOR which shifted to the outside of GREAT SMART. For a short distance after the 300 Metres, KING’S MAN raced tight inside CHEERFUL STAR. CHEERFUL STAR was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of CURLING LUXURY passing the 200 Metres when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running. Near the 150 Metres, HEAVENLY THOUGHT raced in restricted room inside CURLING LUXURY which got its head on the side and lay in. After the race, Z Purton stated that PERFECT TO PLAY was not suited by the slow tempo of the race in the middle stages. He said due to PERFECT TO PLAY racing back in the field, the horse is better suited by a more consistent tempo. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TO PLAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAGNETISM and HEAVENLY THOUGHT were sent for sampling.

LUCKY QUALITY and VIGOR CHAMP bumped at the start. VIGOR CHAMP then shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of CASIMIRO. From wide barriers, SPICY REALLY, HERO TIME and FARSHAD were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When improving into tight running between E GENERATION and CONFUCIUS DAY near the 75 Metres, LUCKY QUALITY was brushed by CONFUCIUS DAY which shifted out away from the heels of FLYING GODSPELL which shifted out marginally. In this incident, LUCKY QUALITY then bumped E GENERATION which became unbalanced. CONFUCIUS DAY was then awkwardly placed inside LUCKY QUALITY passing the 50 Metres. Close to the finishing line, VIGOR CHAMP was bumped by SPEEDY DRAGON which shifted in away from the heels of FLYING GODSPELL before being corrected by its rider. Consequently SPEEDY DRAGON was not ridden out all the way to the end of the race. When questioned regarding the performance of DR RESPECT, J Moreira stated that after enjoying a good run throughout the race, he switched the horse to the inside of the leader FLYING GODSPELL at the top of the Home Straight and from this point onwards had clear running. He said DR RESPECT was finishing off the race satisfactorily until about the 100 Metres at which stage the horse appeared to become unbalanced in its action and was reluctant to maintain its position inside VIGOR CHAMP. He added DR RESPECT also made an abnormal breathing noise throughout the race which it had done previously. A veterinary inspection of DR RESPECT 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, DR RESPECT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of HERO TIME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. DR RESPECT, AFTER ME and FARSHAD were sent for sampling.

EXALTATION began only fairly. Shortly after the start, ARCATRAZ raced in restricted room between MONSTER KAKA and SMILING CITY, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, RICKFIELD, RACING LUCK and HARRIER JET were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SMILING CITY commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of MONSTER KAKA (A Badel) which shifted in when not quite clear. A Badel was advised that whilst the racing manners of SMILING CITY had played a significant part in this incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Passing the 1000 Metres, RICKFIELD commenced to travel very keenly and shifted out after being checked away from the heels of PERFECT GLORY. This resulted in RICKFIELD travelling wide and without cover before being allowed to improve its position passing the 900 Metres to obtain the lead near the 700 Metres. Near the 650 Metres, FRESH POWER was crowded for room between SUMSTREETSUMWHERE and SMILING CITY which, after initially being awkwardly placed inside the heels of RICKFIELD, then got its head on the side and lay in. SURREALISM, which was following FRESH POWER, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse in consequence. Passing the 300 Metres, FRESH POWER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SMILING CITY when attempting to improve to the outside of that horse. FRESH POWER then raced in restricted room for some distance between SMILING CITY and TRIUMPHANT HORSE and passing the 200 Metres was shifted to the outside of TRIUMPHANT HORSE when disappointed for running. Also passing the 300 Metres, PERFECT GLORY was directed towards the inside of MONSTER KAKA to obtain clear running. However, due to ARCATRAZ being positioned inside PERFECT GLORY, that horse was straightened and consequently was awkwardly placed behind MONSTER KAKA approaching the 200 Metres. After the 200 Metres, SMILING CITY shifted in and momentarily raced close to the heels of SUMSTREETSUMWHERE. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT GLORY, SMILING CITY and FRESH POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RICKFIELD and SURREALISM were sent for sampling.

On entering the track, NITRO EXPRESS became fractious and bumped a running rail which resulted in K Teetan being dislodged without incident. On arrival at the Start, NITRO EXPRESS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. EVERYONE’S ELITE was crowded for room on jumping between BREAK RECORD and VEGA RHYTHM, both of which shifted ground. This contact resulted in all three horses becoming unbalanced. GREEN GENERATION was slow to begin. From the outside barriers, NITRO EXPRESS, TURF BRILLIANT and CITY LEGEND were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SPEEDY WALLY was also steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start. After the 1300 Metres, FLAME LILY was left racing wide and without cover and passing the 900 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead after the 800 Metres. Near the 1250 Metres, BREAK RECORD became unbalanced of its own accord. Approaching the 1200 Metres, GREEN GENERATION got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind MISCHIEVOUS SUNDAE. Near the 750 Metres, EVERYONE’S ELITE was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, BREAK RECORD was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPEEDY WALLY which got its head on the side and lay in. At the 100 Metres, B Shinn (SONIC FIGHTER) dropped his whip. Passing the 100 Metres, TURF BRILLIANT was shifted out away from the heels of CITY LEGEND to continue improving. A veterinary inspection of SONIC FIGHTER and GREEN GENERATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BREAK RECORD immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. FLAME LILY and EVERYONE’S ELITE were sent for sampling. <12/12/2019 Additional Veterinary Report>BREAK RECORD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. BREAK RECORD was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have inappetence. Before being allowed to race again, BREAK RECORD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

CALIFORNIA LEVEE began awkwardly. SPECIAL STARS lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected. GENTLE BREEZE and FRUSTRATED bumped at the start. DRAGON PIONEER was checked on jumping when crowded for room between VICTORIAM which shifted in marginally and HARMONY AND RICH which became badly unbalanced when bumped by UTOPIA LIFE which shifted out. In this incident, HARMONY AND RICH was badly hampered and VICTORIAM became unbalanced and lost ground when taken out by HARMONY AND RICH which continued to shift out away from UTOPIA LIFE. This resulted in HARMONY AND RICH, DRAGON PIONEER and VICTORIAM all being shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 600 Metres, UTOPIA LIFE was left racing wide and without cover outside the lead and was steadied in an attempt to obtain cover behind WINNING METHOD, however, continued to travel wide and without cover throughout. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, THE WEATHERMAN momentarily raced tight inside KASI FARASI which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening to THE WEATHERMAN. Near the 50 Metres, VICTORIAM and FRUSTRATED bumped. CALIFORNIA LEVEE, which was following FRUSTRATED, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Throughout the race, KASI FARASI travelled wide and without cover. After the race, J Moreira stated that after being able to obtain a midfield position from its inside barrier, SPECIAL STARS travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages, however, after being placed under pressure in the Straight finished off the race only one-paced and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL STARS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of UTOPIA LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING METHOD, GENTLE BREEZE and VICTORIAM were sent for sampling.

TRANSCENDENT, which was very fractious when being transported to Happy Valley from Sha Tin, was examined by the Veterinary Officer in the holding stalls and found to have sustained a left front foot injury and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, TRANSCENDENT was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, TRANSCENDENT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FIRST RESPONDER began awkwardly, shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside STARLIGHT. SHINING ACE and SHANGHAI MASTER bumped at the start. CUE THE MUSIC shifted out on jumping and bumped NORDIC WARRIOR. E MASTER was crowded for room on jumping between PRIVATE ROCKET and LE TERROIR which shifted in. From the outside barrier, SEATTLE CHOICE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages and approaching the 1000 Metres was awkwardly placed behind MY DARLING. Passing the 1100 Metres, NORDIC WARRIOR was momentarily crowded for room inside LE TERROIR (J Moreira) which shifted in before being directed out abruptly to relieve the tightening to NORDIC WARRIOR. J Moreira was reprimanded. When being directed out away from NORDIC WARRIOR, LE TERROIR then raced tight inside PRIVATE ROCKET which was shifting in. In the early stages, MY DARLING was shifted across in an attempt to obtain cover, however, after the 900 Metres raced wide and without cover. Passing the 900 Metres, SEATTLE CHOICE commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of MY DARLING. Near the 850 Metres, LE TERROIR was awkwardly placed inside the heels of PRIVATE ROCKET. After this, LE TERROIR travelled keenly and raced close to the heels of PRIVATE ROCKET. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, SHANGHAI MASTER and SHINING ACE raced tight as SHINING ACE shifted out away from the heels of CUE THE MUSIC. Passing the 400 Metres, SHANGHAI MASTER became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by SHINING ACE (B Shinn) which shifted out from behind CUE THE MUSIC. B Shinn was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Rounding the Home Turn, E MASTER and NORDIC WARRIOR raced tight. After the 200 Metres, NORDIC WARRIOR improved into tight running inside SEATTLE CHOICE and to the outside of MY DARLING. NORDIC WARRIOR and SEATTLE CHOICE then raced tight for some distance passing the 100 Metres, causing both horses to become unbalanced. SEATTLE CHOICE then lay in, resulting in NORDIC WARRIOR being inconvenienced near the 50 Metres. J Moreira (LE TERROIR) stated that the intention was to obtain a forward position on the horse. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, LE TERROIR did not show as much early speed as a number of horses which were drawn more favourably. He said therefore, after travelling a short distance, he believed it was in the best interests of LE TERROIR to obtain cover rather than continuing to ride forward in an attempt to clear runners to his inside. He said this resulted in LE TERROIR racing further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, S de Sousa expressed concern regarding the action of PRIVATE ROCKET. A veterinary inspection of PRIVATE ROCKET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, PRIVATE ROCKET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LE TERROIR and SHANGHAI MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LE TERROIR, CUE THE MUSIC and STARLIGHT were sent for sampling.