DRAGON ADMIRAL was withdrawn on 31.3.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front tendon injury) and was replaced by 2nd Standby Declared Starter PLENTY PLENTY (L Ferraris). STORMTROUPER, 1st Standby Declared Starter, was also withdrawn on 31.3.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (coughing and mucus on scoping after trackwork). CHILL WAY was withdrawn on 1.4.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON ADMIRAL, STORMTROUPER and CHILL WAY will all be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLAMINGO TRILLION was bumped on jumping by CRYSTAL POWERFUL which shifted out. VANQUISHER jumped only fairly and then shortly after the start was checked when crowded between DASHING GLORY and FIGHTING STAR which was taken in by DUBLIN STAR which also jumped only fairly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SUPER CONTENTED jumped only fairly and then was crowded by JOY COMING which blundered and shifted in. SUPER CONTENTED was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SIMPLE HEDGE was slow to begin and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When placed under pressured in the Straight, SIMPLE HEDGE was inclined to lay in. Shortly after the start, PLENTIFUL, which jumped awkwardly, shifted in and as a result bumped the hindquarters of FLAMINGO TRILLION, resulting in PLENTIFUL becoming unbalanced and losing ground. Near the 600 Metres, WATCH BUDDY was crowded between VANQUISHER and FLAMINGO TRILLION, both of which shifted ground slightly. WATCH BUDDY was then held up when racing tight to the inside of FLAMINGO TRILLION for some distance making the Home Turn. On straightening, PLENTIFUL, which was inclined to lay in, was shifted to the inside of JOY COMING to secure clear running. PLENTIFUL then continued to lay in when being ridden out in the Straight and near the 250 Metres shifted in and was checked to avoid the heels of JOY COMING, resulting in PLENTIFUL becoming unbalanced and losing ground. JOY COMING and FIGHTING STAR raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, S De Sousa (DUBLIN STAR) reported that his mount hung in in the Straight and proved difficult to ride out. When questioned regarding his riding in the Straight, K Teetan (FLAMINGO TRILLION) stated that his mount was inclined to lay in throughout the event. He said from the 500 Metres he endeavoured to maintain a position to the outside of PLENTIFUL, however, when his mount continued to lay in, he was obliged to correct his mount to hold that position. He added that soon after straightening when PLENTIFUL shifted to the outside of JOY COMING to secure clear running, FLAMINGO TRILLION, which continued to lay in, then proved reluctant to shift to the outside of PLENTIFUL and for this reason he became held up behind PLENTIFUL. He further added that as his mount was continuing to lay in and was not responding to his urgings to shift to the outside of PLENTIFUL, he elected to allow FLAMINGO TRILLION to shift in whereby he attempted to secure clear running between CRYSTAL POWERFUL and JOY COMING near the 250 Metres. He said as he endeavoured to improve into this narrow run, both JOY COMING and CRYSTAL POWERFUL shifted ground slightly which resulted in the run closing and FLAMINGO TRILLION having to be checked when disappointed for this run near the 150 Metres. He said from this point FLAMINGO TRILLION lost momentum, was held up for clear running and could not be fully tested to the finish of the event. After considering the explanation offered by Jockey Teetan and taking into account the racing manners of FLAMINGO TRILLION, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by him were reasonable in the circumstances. A veterinary inspection of FLAMINGO TRILLION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PLENTIFUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLAMINGO TRILLION, EASY SNIP and WATCH BUDDY were sent for sampling.

FANTASY SPRING was withdrawn on 31.3.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter CALL ME LU (H T Mo). SUPER CLASS was withdrawn on 31.3.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter STRIVE FOR GLORY (S De Sousa). DASHING GENIUS was also withdrawn on 31.3.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, SUPER CLASS and DASHING GENIUS will both be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A Hamelin (HEAVENLY THOUGHT) was fined the sum of $5,000 for a breach of Rule 89(2) in that he changed his riding boots after weighing out. On jumping, SMILING MOON shifted out and brushed INSPIRING CITY. CALL ME LU jumped awkwardly and from a wide barrier raced keenly when being shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, HAPPILY FRIENDS shifted out and away from INSPIRING CITY, resulting in ALL IS READY being crowded for room between HANDSOME GUYS and HAPPILY FRIENDS. Also shortly after the start, HANDSOME GUYS was hampered when crowded by HAPPY FOREVER which shifted in and away from HEAVENLY THOUGHT. From the outside barrier, ENCORE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 350 Metres, INSPIRING CITY raced tight to the inside of HAPPY FOREVER when shifting to the outside of SMILING MOON to secure clear running, resulting in INSPIRING CITY and HAPPY FOREVER making contact. Near the 300 Metres, HAPPILY FRIENDS became held up behind SMILING MOON when that runner commenced to weaken. Then passing the 300 Metres, HAPPILY FRIENDS (M Chadwick) improved into a narrow run between SMILING MOON and INSPIRING CITY where there was doubtful room. A short distance later, SMILING MOON then shifted out, resulting in HAPPILY FRIENDS being taken out, making contact with INSPIRING CITY, crowding that runner out onto HAPPY FOREVER which further resulted in HAPPY FOREVER shifting out across the running of ALL IS READY which was steadied. M Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to ensure that there is sufficient racing room for his mounts to improve in similar circumstances. In assessing penalty, the Stewards acknowledged that as HAPPILY FRIENDS shifted to the outside of SMILING MOON, that runner shifted out as it was giving ground which contributed to the interference suffered by the runners to the outside of HAPPILY FRIENDS. After the race, K C Leung (HAPPY FOREVER) stated that his mount was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event and as a consequence did not finish the race off as expected. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY FOREVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, Z Purton (INSPIRING CITY) stated that whilst the horse was hampered on several occasions in the Straight, he could offer no additional excuse for the disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of INSPIRING CITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Following the race, S De Sousa (STRIVE FOR GLORY) reported that his mount lay in when placed under pressure in the Straight and proved difficult to ride out. A veterinary inspection of HANDSOME GUYS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INSPIRING CITY, THE GOOD DEAL and DAY DAY RICH were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, TURIN REDSUN sat back in its barrier and as a result jumped awkwardly and lost ground. SPIRITED EXPRESS jumped only fairly. In the early stages, BOURBONAIRE raced keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. After the 300 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE became held up behind ALL FOR ST PAUL’S before shifting to the outside of ALL FOR ST PAUL’S and BOURBONAIRE where it secured clear running near the 200 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, CALIFORNIA TEN was inclined to lay in towards SPIRITED EXPRESS which resulted in its rider, Z Purton, having to stop riding and straighten his mount for a short distance. When questioned regarding his riding of LOOKING GREAT, S De Sousa stated that his instructions were to endeavour to find cover. He said when LOOKING GREAT jumped well, he endeavoured to find the position in advance of CALIFORNIA TEN, however, when its rider, Z Purton, held his position one-off and to the inside of LOOKING GREAT, he was obliged to steady his mount and obtain a position at the rear of the field to comply with his instructions. When questioned if there was an opportunity to hold a position outside the lead, S De Sousa stated that whilst he identified the pace was only moderate in the early stages, he was ensuring he complied with his instructions and therefore elected to obtain cover on LOOKING GREAT. S De Sousa further stated that when he placed LOOKING GREAT under pressure in the Straight, it responded only fairly to his riding and, in his opinion, was somewhat disappointing. A Badel, the rider of SPIRITED EXPRESS, was fined the sum of $10,000 for using the whip on numerous occasions forward of the saddle in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of TURIN REDSUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA TEN, SPIRITED EXPRESS and AMAZING VICTORY were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that SPEEDY CHARIOT had lost its right front plate. This plate was refitted. SPEEDY CHARIOT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. DASHING TRIUMPH jumped awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of SWEET BRIAR, resulting in both runners becoming unbalanced. FORTE jumped awkwardly and lost ground. SPARKLING DOLPHIN jumped awkwardly. HEALTHY HEALTHY jumped awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded by SPEEDY FORTUNE which shifted out, resulting in HEALTHY HEALTHY making contact with the hindquarters of GENEROUS FRIEND. Passing the 800 Metres, HEALTHY HEALTHY, which was having its first race start and inclined to race ungenerously, was steadied when crowded for room between SPEEDY FORTUNE which shifted in slightly and REGENCY STAR (A Hamelin) which shifted out slightly. A Hamelin was advised to exercise more care. Approaching the 400 Metres, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO was hampered when racing in restricted room between SPEEDY FORTUNE and HEALTHY HEALTHY which shifted out slightly. When questioned regarding his riding of SPEEDY CHARIOT, K Teetan stated that from a wide barrier Trainer D J Whyte asked him to ride SPEEDY CHARIOT in a conservative manner in the early stages and find cover as it was dropping back in distance from its first race start whereby SPEEDY CHARIOT had raced in an on-pace position and was left without a finishing effort. He said after beginning well he was able to follow the favourite in the event, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO, whereby SPEEDY CHARIOT travelled well. He added that near the 400 Metres he became momentarily held up on the heels of EQUILIBRIUM TURBO before shifting to the inside and obtaining clear running after which SPEEDY CHARIOT ran on strongly. When questioned if there was an opportunity to hold a more forward position in the early stages, K Teetan stated that given his instructions he felt he would have had to make too much use of SPEEDY CHARIOT to hold a more forward position and therefore he was content to follow EQUILIBRIUM TURBO. Mr Whyte confirmed the instructions were to find cover as SPEEDY CHARIOT gave ground after racing on pace at its first race start. The Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Teetan were reasonable in the circumstances. After the race, Z Purton could offer no excuse for the performance of EQUILIBRIUM TURBO. A veterinary inspection of EQUILIBRIUM TURBO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FORTE immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in its trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. EQUILIBRIUM TURBO, BRILLIANT LIFE and SPEEDY FORTUNE were sent for sampling.

TRAVEL GUIDE jumped awkwardly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. DRAGON STAR shifted in and brushed JOYFUL GENIUS on jumping. REGENT GLORY jumped awkwardly. On jumping, BROTHER PEARL was bumped by TURTLE AGAIN which shifted in. BROTHER PEARL was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HELENE WISDOM STAR knuckled on jumping. From a wide barrier, SEIZE THE DREAM was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, BLUE MARLIN was steadied when crowded by CHARMING STEED (C Wong) which shifted in when inclined to lay in. C Wong was advised to exercise more care. BLUE MARLIN then raced ungenerously and got its head up when being shifted in to obtain cover in the early stages. Approaching the 800 Metres, BROTHER PEARL, which was racing ungenerously, got its head up when being steadied away from JOYFUL GENIUS. Near the 250 Metres, DRAGON STAR was shifted to the outside of REGENT GLORY to continue into clear running. Near the 150 Metres, JOYFUL GENIUS improved into a narrow run between BROTHER PEARL and DREAM PURSUER and then raced in restricted room between those runners for a short distance thereafter. DREAM PURSUER raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, M Chadwick (HELENE WISDOM STAR) and K Teetan (REGENT GLORY) stated that their respective mounts were not comfortable on today’s track conditions. A veterinary inspection of HELENE WISDOM STAR and REGENT GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DREAM PURSUER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPEED FAY FAY and HAPPY FOR ALL were sent for sampling.

SUPER HONG KONG jumped awkwardly and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. PERFECT TO GREAT and WINNING STEPS bumped at the start. From wide barriers, VINCY and GO GO SIXTEEN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 800 Metres, SUNNY BABY was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, PREFECT TO GREAT was steadied to avoid SUPER HONG KONG and was held up making the Home Turn. REGENCY MASTER raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, A Badel could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of WINNING STEPS. A veterinary inspection of WINNING STEPS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WINNING STEPS, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING STEPS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, L Ferraris (ROBOT WARRIOR) stated that his mount raced too keenly in the early and middle stages and was left without a finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of ROBOT WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of INCANTO PREPARED and PERFECT TO GREAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WONDER YEARS and KOWLOON GREAT were sent for sampling.

NORDIC COMBINED jumped only fairly and then was crowded by SPEEDSTAR which shifted in. D STAR jumped only fairly. Shortly after the start, ROMANTIC LAOS was bumped by WIN WIN which shifted in. R Maia (FIRE BALL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BEAUTY TURN, resulting in that horse being checked to avoid the heels of FIRE BALL. In the circumstances, R Maia was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 12 April 2023 and to expire on Sunday, 16 April 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). Near the 900 Metres, BEAUTY TURN, which was inclined to race keenly, was steadied to avoid HERO ICON (S De Sousa) which shifted in when not quite clear. S De Sousa was advised to exercise more care. Approaching the 800 Metres, SPEEDSTAR commenced to race keenly and shifted out and away from FIRE BALL and as a result made contact with D STAR. From the 350 Metres until the 200 Metres, FIRE BALL was held up for clear running. Approaching the 300 Metres, WIDE BLUE YONDER, which had been held up behind NATURAL GOLD, was directed to the outside of that runner in an attempt to obtain clear running, but was steadied when disappointed between NATURAL GOLD and D STAR which shifted in. WIDE BLUE WONDER then did not obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. Near the 300 Metres, MAGIC TORONADO was inconvenienced when ROMANTIC LAOS shifted out to obtain clear running. Approaching the 250 Metres, NORDIC COMBINED was shifted to the inside of WIDE BLUE YONDER to obtain clear running. WIDE BLUE YONDER was then held up behind BEAUTY TURN for some distance near the 150 Metres. NATURAL GOLD raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding the performance of HERO ICON, S De Sousa stated that after being able to cross to obtain a position outside the lead in the early stages, his mount travelled comfortably. He added that approaching the 200 Metres HERO ICON came under pressure, failed to respond to his riding and, in his opinion, may not have been comfortable on today’s surface. A veterinary inspection of HERO ICON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of NORDIC COMBINED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JUNE PLANET, ROMANTIC LAOS and D STAR were sent for sampling.

CHRYSOS was slow to begin. SEASONS BLISS jumped only fairly. CHIU CHOW SPIRIT jumped awkwardly. Near the 250 Metres, GOLDEN ARTIE (S De Sousa) became held up for clear running behind JADE PHOENIX and then improved into a narrow run between JADE PHOENIX which shifted out slightly and COUNTRY BOY, resulting in COUNTRY BOY being crowded out towards CHIU CHOW SPIRIT, causing COUNTRY BOY to be steadied. S De Sousa was advised in similar circumstances to exercise more care. WIN WIN FIGHTER raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection of CAPTAIN WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHIU CHOW SPIRIT, GOLDEN ARTIE and JADE PHOENIX were sent for sampling.

DECISIVE TWELVE was withdrawn on 1.4.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, DECISIVE TWELVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD BUDDY jumped only fairly. SOLID SHALAA also jumped only fairly and then was crowded by WONDER KIT which shifted in. SPEEDY MOUSE and SUPER FORTUNE bumped at the start. From wide barriers, BRAVE DREAMS and SEIZING THE MOMENT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 900 Metres, BUNDLE OF CHARM lay in and brushed the running rail. Making the Home Turn, SUPER FORTUNE (Apprentice Y L Chung) shifted out, resulting in BUNDLE OF CHARM improving into a narrow run between SUPER FORTUNE and HERO STAR. Approaching the 400 Metres, SUPER FORTUNE was then corrected by its rider, resulting in BUNDLE OF CHARM being buffeted for room between SUPER FORTUNE and HERO STAR. Apprentice Chung was advised to exercise more care. When questioned regarding his riding making the Home Turn and the reason as to why SUPER FORTUNE shifted away from the rail which presented BUNDLE OF CHARM with clear running, Apprentice Chung stated that when positioned outside the lead in the early stages, SUPER FORTUNE did not travel comfortably and when under pressure making the Home Turn shifted out and presented the run to BUNDLE OF CHARM. The Stewards advised Apprentice Chung that, wherever possible, he should endeavour to ensure he rides his mounts in a competitive manner so as to allow them to obtain the best possible placing in the field. When questioned regarding the performance of SUPER FORTUNE, Apprentice Chung stated that, in his opinion, SUPER FORTUNE is a better horse when able to dictate in the lead and today was also not suited by the track conditions. A veterinary inspection of SUPER FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPER FORTUNE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER FORTUNE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. For a short distance near the 200 Metres, SOLID SHALAA was directed to the outside of SUPER FORTUNE to continue into clear running. HAPPY MISSION raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. When questioned regarding SHOW RESPECT settling further back in the field today, H Bentley stated that his instructions were to endeavour to obtain an on-pace position. He said in the early stages when positioned to the outside of GOOD BUDDY when that runner maintained its position one-off and he was caught in a three wide line, he elected to obtain a position behind GOOD BUDDY to avoid being caught wide and as a consequence he settled further back than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of WONDER KIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SOLID SHALAA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WONDER KIT, BRAVE DREAMS and BUNDLE OF CHARM were sent for sampling.

BULLETPROOF jumped awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with LA CITY BLANCHE. PRECISE EXPRESS jumped awkwardly and then shortly afterwards was bumped by PRINCE ALEX which shifted out. From the outside barrier, ALACRITY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. ROMANTIC CHARM raced keenly in the early stages. Near the 1300 Metres, PRINCE ALEX was eased to avoid ROMANTIC CHARM which shifted in. Near the 200 Metres, SMILING TIME, which was commencing to finish off well, was steadied and shifted to the outside of ENJOYING to continue into clear running. SUPERBELLA raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event and subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of SUPERBELLA was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPERBELLA 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 LA CITY BLANCHE immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of SATIRICAL GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ALACRITY and YOUNG BRILLIANT were sent for sampling.