UNITE SPIRIT and KUNGFUMASTER PANDA were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1900 Metres, UNITE SPIRIT shifted out away from the heels of CHAMPION PAL, resulting in KUNGFUMASTER PANDA being taken wider and without cover. KUNGFUMASTER PANDA was then steadied at the 1800 Metres to obtain cover. Passing the 1600 Metres, AWE lay out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LUCKY DIAMOND. A veterinary inspection of VICTORIOUS SEEKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AWE and GO BALLISTIC were sent for sampling.

UNIVERSAL CROWN began only fairly. VIVA CHEF and ENJOY MY LIFE bumped at the start, resulting in ENJOY MY LIFE losing ground. RAGING BLAZE lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between CIGAR BUDDIES which shifted out abruptly and WINNING STRIKES which shifted in. After this, CIGAR BUDDIES continued to shift out, resulting in WINNING STRIKES being inconvenienced. RAGING BLAZE was then shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. Shortly after the start, NITRO EXPRESS shifted out and bumped XIANG LAN QI. After travelling a short distance, WINNING STRIKES commenced to buck and continued to do so for a considerable distance which resulted in its rider, C L Chau, being dislodged from WINNING STRIKES near the 850 Metres. A veterinary inspection of WINNING STRIKES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING STRIKES will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial carrying a raceday saddle. C L Chau was subsequently examined by the Club’s Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. After the race, M F Poon stated that when being vigorously ridden in the early stages, VIVA CHEF did not feel comfortable in its action behind. He said he balanced VIVA CHEF up passing the 900 Metres after which the horse felt more comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of VIVA CHEF immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the 700 Metres, CASA KINGDOM was left racing wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of ENJOY MY LIFE and CIGAR BUDDIES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. UNIVERSAL CROWN and SHANGHAI POWER were sent for sampling.

SHOWINA was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, SHOWINA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SAVVY DELIGHT shifted in at the start and bumped AHEAD A HEAD which in turn was taken in onto MASTER AQUA, resulting in MASTER AQUA being crowded for room outside the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD. THE JOLLY shifted out at the start and bumped CORDYCEPS TWO. After this, from wide barriers, THE JOLLY and CORDYCEPS TWO were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, JUBILATION was also steadied in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail. SAVVY DELIGHT travelled keenly after the 1100 Metres when being steadied to obtain cover. Then after the 1000 Metres, when continuing to travel keenly, SAVVY DELIGHT was crowded for room between AHEAD A HEAD and SMART IDEA which, when also travelling keenly, shifted in away from INNO LEGEND. CORDYCEPS TWO made the turn near the 1000 Metres awkwardly. Passing the 900 Metres, SMART IDEA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INNO LEGEND. Passing the 600 Metres, SAVVY DELIGHT became unbalanced when racing keenly and awkwardly placed behind AHEAD A HEAD. SAVVY DELIGHT was then steadied away from the heels of AHEAD A HEAD after the 500 Metres and again approaching the 400 Metres. THE JOLLY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, AHEAD A HEAD (C L Chau) was shifted to the inside of MOON PEAKS to obtain clear running. When being shifted in, AHEAD A HEAD shifted in abruptly despite the efforts of its rider which resulted in MASTER AQUA (B Shinn) becoming unbalanced when crowded for room inside AHEAD A HEAD. As the Stewards were of the opinion that C L Chau had made every endeavour to prevent AHEAD A HEAD from shifting in abruptly at this time, no further action was taken. B Shinn stated that he was unable to offer an explanation for the manner in which MASTER AQUA weakened over the latter stages after being crowded for room. He said the horse had travelled well to that point of time behind the lead and he anticipated that it would finish off the race, however, as soon as MASTER AQUA became unbalanced passing the 300 Metres, it did not stretch out. A veterinary inspection of MASTER AQUA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAVVY DELIGHT had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. After the 150 Metres, AHEAD A HEAD raced in restricted room when improving into tight running between TREASURE OF FIELD and MOON PEAKS. Close to the finishing line, AHEAD A HEAD and MOON PEAKS raced tight. After the race, J Moreira stated that, in his opinion, the horse’s failure to finish off the race was primarily attributable to it having to travel in a three wide position and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of INNO LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INNO LEGEND, SMART IDEA and MOON PEAKS were sent for sampling.

VIRTUS STAR began only fairly. TELECOM CHEETAH shifted out at the start and bumped THIS IS CHARISMA. TAILOR MADE shifted in abruptly on jumping and bumped SUPER HONG KONG which was crowded for room outside WHO’S HORSE. GRAND POWER began only fairly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. From wide barriers, SMILING FACE and DIAMOND STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, TAILOR MADE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WHO’S HORSE. After the 1300 Metres, SUCCESS ALLSTARS momentarily raced in restricted room between VIRTUS STAR and TAILOR MADE which shifted in. TAILOR MADE was then shifted out abruptly to relieve the crowding to SUCCESS ALLSTARS. Passing the 500 Metres, SUCCESS ALLSTARS was bumped by DIAMOND STAR which shifted out from behind SMILING FACE. DIAMOND STAR then shifted out when unbalanced and bumped SUCCESS ALLSTARS, resulting in SUCCESS ALLSTARS racing tight between DIAMOND STAR and SUPER HONG KONG. After racing tight between those horses, SUCCESS ALLSTARS was checked near the 400 Metres when crowded for room between SUPER HONG KONG which shifted in marginally after being bumped on the hindquarters by SUCCESS ALLSTARS and DIAMOND STAR which was taken out by SMILING FACE which shifted out when being checked away from the heels of VIRTUS STAR. Despite SUCCESS ALLSTARS being checked in this incident, the Stewards were of the opinion that no rider had ridden carelessly and accordingly no further action was taken. At the entrance to the Straight, DIAMOND STAR shifted out away from the heels of THIS IS CHARISMA and bumped SUPER HONG KONG, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Then passing the 300 Metres, SUPER HONG KONG was shifted in away from the heels of WHO’S HORSE which also shifted in when commencing to give ground. This resulted in SUPER HONG KONG being taken in onto DIAMOND STAR which was hampered when awkwardly placed behind TELECOM CHEETAH. When being shifted out to relieve the crowding to SUPER HONG KONG, WHO’S HORSE inconvenienced TAILOR MADE. Then passing the 250 Metres, DIAMOND STAR was shifted in away from the heels of TELECOM CHEETAH which was commencing to give ground. DIAMOND STAR then raced tight inside TELECOM CHEETAH approaching the 150 Metres. DIAMOND STAR shifted out near the 100 Metres and inconvenienced TELECOM CHEETAH which was continuing to give ground. Passing the 300 Metres, K H Chan (TAILOR MADE) dropped his whip. THIS IS CHARISMA was shifted in away from the heels of WAH MAY LUCK after the 300 Metres when held up for clear running behind that horse. THIS IS CHARISMA then improved into restricted room between VIRTUS STAR and WAH MAY LUCK and then continued to race tight between those horses until near the 150 Metres. In this incident, VIRTUS STAR raced tight inside THIS IS CHARISMA. SMILING FACE, which was following VIRTUS STAR, had difficulty obtaining clear running in consequence. THIS IS CHARISMA, SUPER HONG KONG and SUCCESS ALLSTARS were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, PRANCE DRAGON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. In the early stages, PRANCE DRAGON was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. After travelling a short distance, TRUST ME shifted out and bumped A SMILE LIKE YOURS which shifted out and hampered KOKUSHI MUSOU. KOKUSHI MUSOU then shifted out away from the heels of A SMILE LIKE YOURS, resulting in EVER JOY, which was being steadied from a wide barrier, being bumped, becoming unbalanced and shifting out abruptly, resulting in WHAT A LEGEND, which was also being steadied to obtain cover from the outside barrier, being hampered. From a wide barrier, WINS ALL was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. THETA HEDGE made the turn near the 1000 Metres awkwardly when travelling keenly. Passing the 900 Metres, WINS ALL was shifted away from the heels of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED which shifted in marginally which resulted in WINS ALL brushing the hindquarters of KOKUSHI MUSOU. KOKUSHI MUSOU then shifted out when racing greenly, resulting in WINS ALL being hampered and losing ground when taken out towards TAKE WHAT YOU NEED. EVER JOY, which was travelling very keenly when following WINS ALL, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. EVER JOY then continued to travel strongly for some distance after this. After this, KOKUSHI MUSOU continued to race greenly and near the 450 Metres shifted out away from behind E LEGEND after improving to race close to the heels of that horse. This caused KOKUSHI MUSOU to bump WINS ALL which became unbalanced and KOKUSHI MUSOU to be severely checked away from the heels of E LEGEND. EVER JOY, which was following KOKUSHI MUSOU, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. After the 900 Metres, EVER JOY got its head on the side and lay in. Also after the 900 Metres, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 250 Metres, THETA HEDGE was shifted out away from the heels of LORIZ to improve into tight running between that horse and TRUST ME. Then passing the 200 Metres, THETA HEDGE was held up for clear running when racing in restricted room between TRUST ME which got its head on the side and shifted in marginally and LORIZ which shifted out. WINS ALL lay in under pressure in the Straight. When questioned, L Hewitson stated that it was felt that TAKE WHAT YOU NED would have sufficient early speed to be able to take up a forward position behind the leaders if possible. He said TAKE WHAT YOU NEED began very well and he immediately rode his mount along to ensure that it was able to obtain a forward position. He said he anticipated that LORIZ, which was racing to the inside of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, would show sufficient speed to be able to cross runners to its inside and therefore he intended to shift across with that horse and race outside LORIZ. He said despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, after initially showing early speed, then would not respond to his riding and after the 1000 Metres, despite continuing to ride it vigorously, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED commenced to give ground. He added along the Back Straight he continued to ride his mount along in an attempt to obtain as forward a position as possible on TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, however, the horse would not respond to his riding and raced much further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of TRUST ME, LORIZ and TAKE WHAT YOU NEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A SMILE LIKE YOURS and PRANCE DRAGON were sent for sampling.

When being saddled up, PROPICE became fractious and flipped over. The Veterinary Officer reported that PROPICE was found to be lame in the left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, PROPICE was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, PROPICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TELECOM SMART, which began only fairly, became badly unbalanced on jumping when bumped by ESCAPE ROUTE which was taken out by EQUALETTA BLITZ which in turn was taken out by SERGEANT PEPPER. From the outside barriers, MEGA HEART and BIRDSVILLE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 900 Metres, TELECOM SMART went amiss and was eased out of the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TELECOM SMART had sustained an injury to the left front leg. Approaching the 800 Metres, TRIPLE TRIPLE lay in when being ridden along. TRIPLE TRIPLE then again lay in approaching the 600 Metres and brushed EQUALETTA BLITZ. After this, TRIPLE TRIPLE was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, EQUALETTA BLITZ shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of TRIPLE TRIPLE which became unbalanced. After being crossed by JOYFUL WIN (M Chadwick), SERGEANT PEPPER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse near the 550 Metres. M Chadwick was told to ensure that he does not slacken the pace too abruptly. A veterinary inspection of TRIPLE TRIPLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOYFUL WIN and DECISIVE TWELVE were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from TELECOM SMART.

PRIDE OF DRAGON shifted out at the start and bumped HAPPY GATHERING. I BELIEVE IN MAGIC began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of DASSIT, resulting in DASSIT becoming unbalanced and I BELIEVE IN MAGIC losing ground. POISED TO STRIKE and ILLUSTRIOUS bumped on jumping. From the outside barrier, LUCKY ARCHANGEL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1000 Metres, WIN CHARM was eased away from the heels of ILLUSTRIOUS. I BELIEVE IN MAGIC, which was following, was inconvenienced in consequence. Near the 900 Metres, I BELIEVE IN MAGIC, which was racing greenly, shifted in away from ILLUSTRIOUS, resulting in DAILY BEAUTY momentarily racing tight inside I BELIEVE IN MAGIC. Passing the 800 Metres, ILLUSTRIOUS shifted in away from DASSIT and became unbalanced when racing in restricted room between that horse and I BELIEVE IN MAGIC which shifted out. Passing the 700 Metres, SINGAPORE SPIRIT shifted out away from the heels of COLONEL when awkwardly placed behind that horse. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, SINGAPORE SPIRIT again shifted out away from the heels of COLONEL. HAPPY GATHERING (M Chadwick), which was following SINGAPORE SPIRIT, improved its position to be racing tight inside the heels of that horse which was then corrected by its rider. This resulted in HAPPY GATHERING having to be checked away from the heels of SINGAPORE SPIRIT and shifting in, causing PRIDE OF DRAGON to lose ground when crowded for room inside HAPPY GATHERING which was then shifted out to relieve the crowding to PRIDE OF DRAGON. DAILY BEAUTY, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of PRIDE OF DRAGON in consequence. M Chadwick was told that whilst the Stewards accepted that SINGAPORE SPIRIT had shifted out which presented the impression that that horse would continue to shift ground which would allow HAPPY GATHERING the opportunity to improve inside that horse, they were of the opinion that he had been somewhat premature in attempting to advance inside SINGAPORE SPIRIT prior to that horse shifting out into a three wide position. He was therefore reprimanded and advised to exercise due care when improving into tight runs so as to ensure that he does not cause crowding to other runners. Approaching the 150 Metres, L Hewitson (I BELIEVE IN MAGIC) dropped his whip. Throughout the race, DASSIT travelled wide and without cover. HAPPY GATHERING, POISED TO STRIKE and SINGAPORE SPIRIT were sent for sampling.

Shortly after the start, XIANG BAI QI and TOTAL POWER were crowded for room between SAVVY KINGMAN and TIANCHI MONSTER. SUPER OASIS began awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1600 Metres, XIANG BAI QI was awkwardly placed outside the heels of TIANCHI MONSTER when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TOTAL POWER got its head up when being checked away from the heels of XIANG BAI QI. After the 1300 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE shifted in and brushed the running rail. LEAP OF FAITH travelled wide and without cover until passing the 900 Metres. After the 900 Metres, XIANG BAI QI was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FAST PACE. Passing the 750 Metres, XIANG BAI QI improved to be racing tight inside FAST PACE. FAST PACE then shifted in marginally, resulting in XIANG BAI QI being taken in and causing DYNAMIC EAGLE to be momentarily crowded for room. Passing the 700 Metres, SUPER OASIS was shifted out in an endeavour to improve its positon. After this, SUPER OASIS travelled wide and without cover. After the 500 Metres, BEAUTY SPIRIT got its head on the side and lay out. Near the 450 Metres, LEAP OF FAITH raced tight outside RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE which shifted to the outside of WORLD FAMOUS. After the 150 Metres, FAST PACE lay in and near the 50 Metres was bumped by TOTAL POWER which also got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. BEAUTY SPIRIT, which was racing to the inside of FAST PACE, was inconvenienced in consequence. Passing the 50 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE was shifted out away from the heels of RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE to continue improving. DYNAMIC EAGLE, which was racing outside GIFT OF LIFELINE, was momentarily inconvenienced as GIFT OF LIFELINE shifted out. A veterinary inspection of LEAP OF FAITH, SUPER OASIS and FAST PACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TIANCHI MONSTER and SAVVY KINGMAN were sent for sampling.

DIAMOND BRILLIANT shifted out at the start and bumped FIRST RESPONDER which resulted in FIRST RESPONDER being taken out onto FAMILY FOLKS which was crowded for room after initially shifting out and bumping ROCK YA HEART. When being ridden along in the early stages, HARRIET JET was crowded for room shortly after the start between YOU’REMYEVERYTHING and THE RUNNER which shifted out. After this, HARRIET JET and YOU’REMYEVERYTHING were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, HARMONY N HOME was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. THE RUNNER got its head on the side and lay out making the turn after the 500 Metres. When improving into tight running between DIAMOND BRILLIANT and FIRST RESPONDER after the 150 Metres, FAMILY FOLKS raced tight outside the heels of DIAMOND BRILLIANT approaching the 100 Metres as that horse shifted out marginally under pressure. After the 100 Metres, HARMONY N HOME was shifted out away from the heels of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK after being disappointed for running between that horse and FIRST RESPONDER. At the 50 Metres, ROCK YA HEART was bumped by HARRIET JET which was shifted in away from the heels of SPECIAL M as that horse was giving ground. Throughout the race, QUADRUPLE DOUBLE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, K C Leung (GOODLUCK GOODLUCK) stated that it was felt that tonight’s race would be run at a good tempo and that there were runners drawn both inside and outside of GOODLUCK GOODLUCK which would be ridden to obtain a forward position in the early stages, in particular it was anticipated that DIAMOND BRILLIANT, FIRST RESPONDER, FAMILY FOLKS and ROCK YA HEART, which were all drawn inside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK, would be ridden positively which may have resulted in GOODLUCK GOODLUCK having to race wide and without cover or too much use having to be made of the horse in the early stages to clear those runners. He said he was therefore asked to ride GOODLUCK GOODLUCK behind the speed if the horses drawn more favourably than GOODLUCK GOODLUCK showed early speed as anticipated. He said when runners drawn inside GOODLUCK GOODLUCK did show early speed, he elected to obtain a trailing position passing the 1100 Metres to provide his mount with the best opportunity to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ROCK YA HEART, C Y Ho stated that the horse, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley tonight after having not previously barrier trialed at the circuit, was able to obtain a forward position without having to be made use of. He said when ROCK YA HEART was racing in a three wide position passing the 1000 Metres, he allowed the horse to use its early speed and clear FIRST RESPONDER and DIAMOND BRILLIANT. He said in obtaining the lead he did not have to ride the horse along at any stage. He said along the Back Straight ROCK YA HEART would not relax as he had hoped with SPECIAL M and QUADRUPLE DOUBLE racing to its outside. He said whilst ROCK YA HEART did not travel any more keenly tonight than it had at its previous starts, nonetheless the horse did not relax as he had hoped. He added ROCK YA HEART travelled only fairly after the 600 Metres and, in his opinion, was already under pressure prior to the 400 Metres. He said he rode his mount along rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, ROCK YA HEART did not respond to his riding and then gave ground noticeably over the latter stages. He said, in his opinion, ROCK YA HEART’s failure to relax in tonight’s race, together with the horse still being immature and racing at Happy Valley for the first time, were the principle reasons for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of ROCK YA HEART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ROCK YA HEART, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROCK YA HEART will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, C L Chau stated that after obtaining a good run behind the speed in the early and middle stages, FIRST RESPONDER quickened satisfactorily rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. He added over the concluding stages FIRST RESPONDER did not finish off the race as anticipated and, in his opinion, was disappointing tonight. A veterinary inspection of FIRST RESPONDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL M immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAMILY FOLKS and THE RUNNER were sent for sampling.