SMART THINKER shifted out at the start and bumped HUMBLE STEED. SMART THINKER then lost ground when crowded for room between JOY MASTER and HUMBLE STEED which shifted in. WELL DRAGON shifted out at the start and hampered DIAMOND STAR. Then from the outside barrier, DIAMOND STAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. THE FULL BLOOM and SHANGHAI POWER bumped at the start. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, WELL DRAGON failed to muster speed and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was shifted across behind runners. Near the 1600 Metres, JOY MASTER and HAPPY ICHIBAN brushed. C Wong (SMILING SUCCESS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HAPPY ICHIBAN which resulted in that horse being directed in and shifting in across the rightful running of VEGA RHYTHM which was checked across the heels of HAPPY ICHIBAN and also lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, C Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 25 April 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 29 April 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). After the 1200 Metres, MANNA FROM HEAVEN was left racing wide and without cover. After the 1100 Metres, SHANGHAI POWER was steadied to obtain cover behind HAPPY ICHIBAN. VEGA RHYTHM, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHANGHAI POWER in consequence. When the tempo of the race slowed after the 900 Metres, VEGA RHYTHM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHANGHAI POWER which itself was awkwardly placed behind HAPPY ICHIBAN. VEGA RHYTHM then commenced to travel keenly and for some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres raced close to the heels of SHANGHAI POWER. For some distance after the 500 Metres, VEGA RHYTHM and THE FULL BLOOM raced tight. Then passing the 400 Metres, THE FULL BLOOM was held up for clear running behind SHANGHAI POWER. THE FULL BLOOM was then shifted out a number of horses rounding the Home Turn to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, WELL DRAGON shifted in under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and correct his mount. The performance of SMILING SUCCESS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SMILING SUCCESS 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 SMILING SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the performance of VEGA RHYTHM, M F Poon stated that after striking interference approaching the 1200 Metres, his mount then travelled too keenly in the middle stages and would not relax. He said VEGA RHYTHM came under heavy pressure after the 500 Metres and then did not finish off the race as anticipated which he put down to the horse travelling too keenly in the middle stages. He added having this in mind, he did recommend to connections that they consider dropping the horse back in distance in its future starts in the hope that a faster tempo would assist it in relaxing. A veterinary inspection of VEGA RHYTHM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SMART THINKER and SHANGHAI POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VEGA RHYTHM, MANNA FROM HEAVEN and SPEED TO EXCEED were sent for sampling.

GLENEALY PALS began awkwardly, shifted out at the start and bumped BRIGHT VISION which shifted in marginally. GLENEALY PALS then lost ground when crowded for room inside BRIGHT VISION which, after initially being taken in by RED ELYSEES, shifted in further away from that horse despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, GLENEALY PALS shifted in and brushed PERFECT TO PLAY which was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SOCCER MASTER. From wide barriers, METHANE, WINNING VOLATILITY and SUPERBELLA were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After initially being ridden along, OWNERS’ STAR was steadied passing the 1600 Metres to obtain cover. After the 1200 Metres, HAPPY WIN WIN was left racing wide and without cover. After the 900 Metres, SUPERBELLA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GLENEALY PALS which itself was racing close to the heels of RED ELYSEES. Passing the 600 Metres, OWNERS’ STAR was checked away from the heels of HAPPY WIN WIN after improving into very tight running inside that horse. At the 350 Metres, WINNING VOLATILITY shifted out and bumped OWNERS’ STAR. The performance of GLENEALY PALS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLENEALY PALS 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 RED ELYSEES, PERFECT TO PLAY and GLENEALY PALS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BRIGHT VISION, SUPERBELLA and METHANE were sent for sampling.

When the tongue tie carried by GRATEFUL HEART could not be fitted in the Parade Ring, the tongue tie was applied to the horse on arrival at the Start. MASSIVE POCKET was slow to begin. EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was crowded for room on jumping between WE THE SOUTH and FLYING GENIUS, both of which shifted ground. After this, from an outside barrier, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After initially being ridden along for some distance in the early stages to obtain a forward position, FLYING GENIUS was steadied passing the 900 Metres and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover after racing wide. Passing the 700 Metres, SHINING ACE was steadied away from the heels of WE THE SOUTH and in doing so bumped the hindquarters of GRATEFUL HEART which became unbalanced. Passing the 600 Metres, GRATEFUL HEART was steadied away from the heels of WE THE SOUTH (V Borges) which shifted in when not properly clear. V Borges was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Passing the 500 Metres, WIND N GRASS, which was travelling keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VALIANT DREAM which came under pressure after being crossed by WE THE SOUTH. Passing the 100 Metres and again after the 50 Metres, VALIANT DREAM raced in restricted room inside WE THE SOUTH. Throughout the race, TEAM SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover. TEAM SPIRIT was taken wider again by SHINING ACE passing the 400 Metres and after this gave ground. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRATEFUL HEART, Z Purton stated that GRATEFUL HEART normally travels strongly in the early stages and is able to take up a forward position without having to have too much use made of it. He said in tonight’s race he had to ride his mount along for a considerable distance in the early stages as GRATEFUL HEART was reluctant to stretch out. He said it was not until passing the 800 Metres that he was able to secure a forward position and after this GRATEFUL HEART did not travel as comfortably as it had previously when ridden by him. He added he placed GRATEFUL HEART under pressure rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse did not let down as anticipated and then was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground over the concluding stages. He said, in his opinion, GRATEFUL HEART may not have appreciated the "Good to Firm” racing surface tonight as the horse did not stretch out as it had previously. A veterinary inspection of GRATEFUL HEART immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of GRATEFUL HEART, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GRATEFUL HEART 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 FLYING GENIUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRATEFUL HEART, MASSIVE POCKET and WIND N GRASS were sent for sampling.

The Stewards tonight inquired into the circumstances regarding the inadvertent treatment of HAPPY LAND which was withdrawn from this race this morning by order of the Stewards. Evidence was taken from Mr C S Shum, the trainer of HAPPY LAND, Mr K F Lau and Mr W Y Yan, work riders allocated to Mr Shum’s stable. It was ascertained that HAPPY LAND was inadvertently treated with an anti-ulcer medication and as that treatment was inside the recommended withdrawal period for the medication, the Stewards acceded to a request from Mr Shum for the horse to be withdrawn. It was subsequently ascertained that Mr Lau and Mr Yan inadvertently treated HAPPY LAND despite there being a number of measures in place to ensure that the horse was not treated given that it had been declared to race. Mr Shum pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 50(2) in that as the person responsible for all matters pertaining to the running of his stable including the work of the stable staff allocated to him, he failed to ensure that HAPPY LAND was not treated in accordance with the Rules of Racing. After considering all the circumstances of this case, Mr Shum was fined the sum of $20,000. Mr Lau and Mr Yan were advised that a full report on the incident would be forwarded to the Stables Department. HEART CONQUERED shifted out at the start and bumped MOMENTUM GALAXY. NORDIC WELLSTAR shifted in on jumping and bumped DIVINE REGULUS, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced and DIVINE REGULUS shifting out, causing NORDIC WELLSTAR to be taken out towards the heels of LARSON. After the 600 Metres, SAUL’S SPECIAL was steadied away from the heels of KEEP YOU WARM which, after shifting in, was then taken in further by HARMONY AND RICH (H N Wong) which shifted in when not properly clear. H N Wong was reprimanded and told to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 550 Metres, LARSON was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, KEEP YOU WARM was bumped on the hindquarters by FABULOUS EIGHT which shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HARMONY AND RICH, H N Wong stated that he had to make a lot of use of the horse in the early stages to cross KEEP YOU WARM to his inside which was being hard ridden to obtain a forward position. He said it was not until after the 600 Metres that he was able to cross that horse and attempt to relax HARMONY AND RICH in the lead. He said he rode HARMONY AND RICH quietly rounding the Home Turn given the amount of work that the horse had done in the early stages and after placing HARMONY AND RICH under pressure shortly after entering the Straight, the horse gave him only a limited response before weakening over the latter stages. He added the amount of use that he had to make of HARMONY AND RICH, together with the horse carrying top weight, in his opinion, explained its failure to finish off the race over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of HARMONY AND RICH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton said that SAUL’S SPECIAL travelled only fairly during the race and after being shifted to the outside of runners into clear running on straightening then finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of SAUL’S SPECIAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAUL’S SPECIAL, KEEP YOU WARM and MOMENTUM GALAXY were sent for sampling.

TELECOM SMART began only fairly. SUPER COMMANDER shifted out at the start and bumped VIGOR CHAMP. Shortly after the start, SEA ELITE and HERO STAR bumped, resulting in SEA ELITE becoming unbalanced. From the outside barrier, MULTIPLE STAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. UNIVERSAL GO GO was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover from a wide barrier. Passing the 900 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of JIANGXI STAMINA. After the 500 Metres, SEA ELITE got its head on the side and lay out and then approaching the 400 Metres raced tight outside HERO STAR which commenced to improve into tight running between BULLISH BROTHER and SEA ELITE. Approaching the 400 Metres, VIGOR CHAMP and UNIVERSAL GO GO raced tight. Near the 350 Metres, HERO STAR was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of BULLISH BROTHER when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, TELECOM SMART became unbalanced when awkwardly placed behind VIGOR CHAMP after being disappointed for running between that horse and UNIVERSAL GO GO. LITTLE PLAYER was unable to obtain clear running from passing the 200 Metres until the concluding stages and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Throughout the race, SEA ELITE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SEA ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JIANGXI STAMINA, VIGOR CHAMP and TELECOM SMART were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MULTIPOWER had blood in its mouth. MULTIPOWER was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. CHATER PINS and ORIENTAL AMIGO began only fairly. CHIKORITA began awkwardly and lost ground and then was steadied away from the heels of STAR OF WUYI which was taken in by MR LUMIERES. After this, MR LUMIERES was steadied to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, STAR OF WUYI was also steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. From the outside barrier, XPONENTIAL was steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. When being steadied to obtain cover behind GRATWICK, STAR OF WUYI travelled keenly passing the 1100 Metres and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of that horse. STAR OF WUYI then raced close to the heels of GRATWICK after the 900 Metres. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, MULTIPOWER was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of FANTASTIC FABIO. After initially being directed towards the inside of PEAK TO PEAK after the 150 Metres, CHIKORITA was then directed to the outside of that horse approaching the 100 Metres to obtain clear running. When being shifted to the outside of PEAK TO PEAK, CHIKORITA was momentarily awkwardly placed behind that horse until being able to shift out in front of FANTASTIC FABIO to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, STAR OF RED travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M F Poon stated that he was asked to ride FANTASTIC FABIO positively in the early stages in an attempt to clear GOODLUCK GOODLUCK to his inside. He said he was told that if FANTASTIC FABIO did not show sufficient early speed to clear that horse, it was available to him to either remain racing to the outside of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK or to take a trailing position. He said after riding his mount positively in the early stages, FANTASTIC FABIO did not show sufficient speed to be able to clear GOODLUCK GOODLUCK and therefore after the 1100 Metres he discontinued riding his mount aggressively and initially raced to the outside of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK. He said as he was of the opinion that the pace of the race was good in the early stages and that GOODLUCK GOODLUCK and FANTASTIC FABIO had appeared to open up somewhat of a gap over the remainder of the field, he felt that it was available to him to take a trailing position and sit off GOODLUCK GOODLUCK. He said for this reason he steadied FANTASTIC FABIO making the turn near the 1000 Metres and then on entering the Back Straight near the 900 Metres he was aware that PEAK TO PEAK was commencing to improve its position to the outside of FANTASTIC FABIO. He said when CHATER PINS improved its position to be racing inside FANTASTIC FABIO after the 900 Metres, he elected to allow PEAK TO PEAK to cross FANTASTIC FABIO and obtain a trailing position. He said he continued to follow PEAK TO PEAK in the middle stages before coming under pressure rounding the Home Turn and finished off the race only fairly. He said he was concerned that if he had remained racing outside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK with PEAK TO PEAK to his outside, this may have resulted in the three horses vying for the lead which may not have allowed FANTASTIC FABIO the opportunity to finish off the race. Mr C H Yip, the trainer of FANTASTIC FABIO, confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Poon to try and lead on FANTASTIC FABIO and that if the horse was not able to do so, then he should obtain a position either outside of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK or take a trailing position depending on the tempo of the race. He said immediately following the race he questioned Jockey Poon about not maintaining the position outside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK after the 1000 Metres as he believed that this position was available for FANTASTIC FABIO rather than allowing PEAK TO PEAK the opportunity to cross FANTASTIC FABIO without having to work to do so. M F Poon was severely reprimanded and advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his riding of FANTASTIC FABIO after the 1100 Metres had lacked the necessary level of judgement and initiative expected of a senior rider. He was told that, given the tempo of the race and his instructions, it was entirely reasonable for him to remain racing outside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK rather than steadying his mount unnecessarily which allowed PEAK TO PEAK the opportunity to improve its position forward of FANTASTIC FABIO and obtain the position outside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK which was a position available for FANTASTIC FABIO. He was further told to ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner in future to ensure that they are provided with the best opportunity to finish off their races and to comply with his instructions wherever appropriate circumstances permit. After the race, Mr W Y So, the trainer of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK, stated that at its most recent start when the horse finished last, use had to be made of the horse to obtain a forward position from a wide barrier. He said tonight GOODLUCK GOODLUCK was able to obtain a softer lead from barrier 1 and with a more moderate tempo in the early and middle stages this had allowed the horse to finish off the race better than at its most recent start. Apprentice C L Chau, the rider of the 8th placed, XPONENTIAL, was fined the sum of $3,000 for initially failing to weigh in after the race. A veterinary inspection of MR LUMIERES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GRATWICK immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC FABIO immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a minor laceration to the right front pastern. GOODLUCK GOODLUCK and STAR OF WUYI were sent for sampling.

ACA POWER began awkwardly and then was bumped a short distance after the start by SWOT TROOPERS WIND which was taken out by JUNGLE BLAZE which shifted out after being bumped by MUDITA. From the outside barrier, RAINBOW LIGHT was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. For some distance approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, ACA POWER proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. ACA POWER, which continued to prove very difficult to settle, was then checked away from the heels of FEARLESS FIRE approaching the 1300 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, SUPER HONG KONG was held up for clear running when awkwardly placed behind GLORIOUS LOVER. SUPER HONG KONG was shifted to the outside of GLORIOUS LOVER passing the 300 Metres when disappointed for clear running between that horse and AMBITIOUS HEART. SUPER HONG KONG then had difficulty obtaining clear running after the 150 Metres and passing the 100 Metres was shifted out abruptly to the outside of MUDITA to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, MUDITA was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SHANGHAI GRACE which lay out. SHANGHAI GRACE continued to lay out, resulting in that horse and MUDITA racing tight approaching and passing the 150 Metres. C Y Ho (STAY CHILL) stated that he was left racing three wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres. He said at this stage he was racing outside and behind JUNGLE BLAZE which was travelling strongly and he believed that commencing to ride his mount forward of JUNGLE BLAZE would result in too much use having to be made of STAY CHILL. He said he therefore elected to remain racing outside JUNGLE BLAZE with a view to improving forward of that horse along the Back Straight if the tempo of the race slackened. He said after the 900 Metres he commenced to improve forward of JUNGLE BLAZE, however, when he did this, JUNGLE BLAZE, which was still travelling strongly, improved its position with STAY CHILL and therefore he was not able to cross that horse and was required to continue to race three wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of STAY CHILL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLORIOUS LOVER, FEARLESS FIRE and RAINBOW LIGHT were sent for sampling.

WINE AND WINE shifted in at the start and hampered KINDA COOL. NORDIC WARRIOR and AMAZING NEWS bumped at the start and were then steadied to obtain cover. WINE AND WINE lost its right hind plate in the early stages. Near the 900 Metres, AURORA PEGASUS commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of CALIFORNIA CONCORD which was being steadied to obtain cover behind WINE AND WINE. As AURORA PEGASUS was shifting out, that horse bumped with KINDA COOL which at the same time was commencing to shift in. This resulted in KINDA COOL and AURORA PEGASUS racing tight for some distance and both horses travelling keenly. AURORA PEGASUS then continued to over-race for some distance and passing the 800 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FIGHTING STAR. As the Stewards were of the opinion that AURORA PEGASUS’ racing manners at this stage had contributed significantly to this incident, no further action was taken. Approaching and passing the 800 Metres, KINDA COOL continued to travel keenly and near the 700 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 250 Metres, CAPTAIN TIGER, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong, got its head on the side, lay in and bumped the running rail for some distance, resulting in CAPTAIN TIGER becoming badly unbalanced and losing ground. The racing manners of CAPTAIN TIGER were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CAPTAIN TIGER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend and to be ridden close to the running rail. The Stewards ruled that CAPTAIN TIGER must be ridden by a senior rider in its barrier trials and future race starts. A veterinary inspection of KINDA COOL, CAPTAIN TIGER and MEHBOOB immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KINDA COOL, WINE AND WINE and CALIFORNIA CONCORD were sent for sampling.

EXCEPTIONAL NICE began awkwardly and shifted in and shortly after the start was checked away from the heels of BEAR AGAIN which shifted out. ROMANTIC COMBO began awkwardly and lost ground. From wide barriers, INCANTO PREPARED and THE HULK were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HELENE WISDOM STAR was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Near the 1250 Metres, BEAR AGAIN was momentarily crowded for room inside TELECOM FIGHTERS which was then shifted out to relieve the tightening to BEAR AGAIN. Passing the 1200 Metres, INDICATIVE VOTE was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 700 Metres, SACRED IBIS was taken wider and without cover by ROMANTIC COMBO which shifted out. SACRED IBIS then got its head on the side making the turn approaching the 500 Metres and then made the Home Turn awkwardly. ROMANTIC COMBO and INCANTO PREPARED raced tight rounding the Home Turn as INCANTO PREPARED attempted to shift out to obtain clear running. INCANTO PREPARED was then held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight behind INDICATIVE VOTE. Near the 250 Metres, GOOD BEAUTY was bumped by THE HULK which shifted to the outside of ARMOR STAR in an endeavour to obtain clear running which resulted in GOOD BEAUTY becoming unbalanced. GOOD BEAUTY was then checked passing the 200 Metres when crowded for room between THE HULK and INDICATIVE VOTE (C Y Ho) which got its head on the side and shifted in away from ROMANTIC COMBO which itself was shifting in under pressure. C Y Ho was severely reprimanded and told that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, in similar circumstances he would be expected to do more than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing interference to other runners. Passing the 150 Metres, INDICATIVE VOTE was steadied away from the heels of ROMANTIC COMBO (A Badel) which shifted in. A Badel was reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 50 Metres, THE HULK was steadied when attempting to improve between BEAR AGAIN and ROMANTIC COMBO which shifted in under pressure. As the Stewards could not be satisfied to the necessary degree that THE HULK, which was shifting out, had properly established running to the outside of BEAR AGAIN prior to ROMANTIC COMBO’s movement inwards, A Badel was reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course rather than allowing them to shift ground whilst being ridden out. A veterinary inspection of INCANTO PREPARED and SACRED IBIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TELECOM FIGHTERS and HELENE WISDOM STAR were sent for sampling.