ALL IS READY shifted out at the start and bumped heavily with VIVA A LA, resulting in ALL IS READY becoming unbalanced. In this incident, VIVA A LA was taken out, resulting in VALHALLA being crowded between VIVA A LA and OUR CREED which shifted in. FLYING GALLOP jumped awkwardly. HANG’S CHOICE jumped only fairly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, FLASH FAMOUS was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1500 Metres, VIVA A LA was steadied to avoid HAPPY JAI JAI (K C Leung) which shifted in when not quite clear. K C Leung was reprimanded. After the 600 Metres, ERNEST FEELING bumped with HANG’S CHOICE when racing tight to the inside of that runner. Approaching the 250 Metres, VALHALLA shifted out and away from HAPPY JAI JAI and as a result bumped with CHARIZARD. When giving ground near the 150 Metres, VALHALLA shifted out and crowded VIVA A LA before VALHALLA was corrected by its rider, L Currie. In this incident, VIVA A LA shifted out and brushed ANGELS HUNTER. After the race, Z Purton (ANGELS HUNTER) reported that he was obliged to make an early move on his mount approaching the 700 Metres when HANG’S CHOICE improved to his outside. He added that as a result ANGELS HUNTER was obliged to race wide and without cover thereafter and found it difficult to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of ANGELS HUNTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, M Chadwick (HANG’S CHOICE) stated that after making a forward move in the Back Straight, HANG’S CHOICE was taken out by ANGELS HUNTER which shifted out and as a result he was obliged to desist from going forward and obtain a position behind ANGELS HUNTER near the 600 Metres. He added that when placed under pressure in the Home Straight HANG’S CHOICE finished the race off only fairly. A veterinary inspection of HANG’S CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ERNEST FEELING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ANGELS HUNTER, CHARIZARD and HAPPY JAI JAI were sent for sampling.

LUCKY DIAMOND, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 30.5.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY DIAMOND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WONDER YEARS was slow to begin. SUPER HONG KONG jumped only fairly. REGENCY MASTER shifted out at the start and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. H Bowman (REACH GOAL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 2000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BULB DRAGON, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. H Bowman was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 and to expire on Monday, 19 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Bowman’s good race riding record. After the race, B Avdulla (BORN THE SAME DAY) stated that, from the inside barrier, after jumping awkwardly, his mount was able to obtain a more forward position without being pressure to do so. Also after the race, H Bowman (REACH GOAL) reported that his mount became held up behind BORN THE SAME DAY approaching the 500 Metres and as a result when it was placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight found it difficult to finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of REACH GOAL immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, REACH GOAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Following the race, Z Purton (GALLANT HERO) reported that from a favourable barrier and being up in distance tonight, GALLANT HERO was able to take up a more forward position than at its most recent starts. A veterinary inspection of AI ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. REACH GOAL, GALLANT HERO and SUPER HONG KONG were sent for sampling.

On jumping, DAZZLING FELLOW shifted in and made heavy contact with SPLENDID LIVING. DAZZLING FELLOW then struck the heels of SPLENDID LIVING and fell, causing its rider, M Dee, to be dislodged and resulting in DAZZLING FELLOW following the field riderless for the remainder of the event. Subsequently M Dee was examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. After the race, DAZZLING FELLOW was found to have sustained a laceration to its left front cannon. ASIAN ONE jumped awkwardly and shortly after the start raced in restricted room between SPLENDID LIVING and TURIN WARRIOR which shifted out and away from ARIEL. In the early stages, MILLENNIUM FALCON raced keenly. GET THE MONIES hung out throughout the middle stages and making the Home Turn ran wide after being taken out slightly by SPLENDID LIVING. As a result, FORTUNE PRESIDENT, which was following GET THE MONIES and shifting to that runner’s outside, was hampered and taken wider. Apprentice Y L Chung (FIERY FLYING ) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of PERFECT TO GREAT, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In the circumstances, Apprentice Chung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 and to expire on Monday, 26 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Apprentice Chung was fined $30,000. After the race, K Teetan (ARIEL) reported that his mount raced a little keenly in the run and under its top weight did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of ARIEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that PERFECT TO GREAT was lame in its left front leg with a laceration to the left front heel. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TO GREAT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FIERY FLYING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPLENDID LIVING and GET THE MONIES were sent for sampling.

SHINKANSEN and JUNEAU FLASH jumped only fairly. From the outside barrier, SURE JOYFUL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. HERCULES was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages and near the 600 Metres commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from JUNEAU FLASH. From the 700 Metres, MASTER OF ALL raced wide and without cover. Over the concluding stages, SURE JOYFUL could not be ridden out when disappointed for clear running between SERGEANT PEPPER and LIKE THAT which raced tight to the inside of SUMMIT CHEERS (H Bowman) when SUMMIT CHEERS lay in. As a result, H Bowman was not able to fully test his mount to the finish of the event. After the race, M F Poon (MASTER OF ALL) stated that when he felt there was something amiss with his mount in the Home Straight, he eased it down. A veterinary inspection of MASTER OF ALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MASTER OF ALL, which finished tailed out on the second occasion in recent starts, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER OF ALL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, C Y Ho (FLAMING EAGLE) stated that his mount raced in a disappointing manner, but he could offer no explanation for the performance. A veterinary inspection of FLAMING EAGLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HERCULES immediately following the race found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. GOODLUCK GOODLUCK and CHARMING STEED were sent for sampling.

On jumping, OVERSUBSCRIBED was bumped by ACE TALENT which shifted in, resulting in OVERSUBSCRIBED shifting in and bumping with SAVVY DELIGHT. Also on jumping, MR FUN shifted in and made contact with the hindquarters of ACE TALENT. Then from a wide barrier, MR FUN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages and was inclined to lay in and near the 800 Metres was steadied away from SAVVY DELIGHT. MR FUN continued to lay in throughout the middle stages. From the outside barrier, HEARTY WISH was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Close to the finish, SAVVY DELIGHT could not be ridden out when crowded between OVERSUBSCRIBED and MR VALIANT which shifted in. After the race, Z Purton (SAVVY DELIGHT) reported that his mount was obliged to race wide for the majority of the event and under its top weight found it difficult to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of SAVVY DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, A Badel (NICETOBEMET) stated that after being fractious in the barriers, his mount commenced awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its gate. He said with the fast early pace NICETOBEMET failed to show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position despite his efforts and as a consequence settled towards the rear of the field. He added that throughout the middle stages he endeavoured to encourage his mount forward, however, NICETOBEMET, due to the fast pace, became unbalanced when urged forward and for this reason he was obliged to hold his mount together in the middle stages. He further stated that on straightening he was able to place his mount under pressure and NICETOBEMET finished the race off only fairly. He said, in his opinion, NICETOBEMET would be better suited by being stepped up in distance where it could be ridden in a conservative manner and would also be better suited racing at Sha Tin. A veterinary inspection of NICETOBEMET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MR FUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER AXIOM and ACE TALENT were sent for sampling.

ORIENTAL SPIRIT, which sustained a minor abrasion to the right hock whilst being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. HIGH PERCENTAGE was slow to begin. ABOVE ALL jumped awkwardly. FLYING ON THE TURF shifted in at the start and bumped SOLAR PARTNER. From the outside barrier, YOUNG LIFE FOREVER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, CIRCUIT BOOMING was bumped by SPICY SO SMART which shifted out. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, SOLAR PARTNER commenced to race keenly and was steadied away from CIRCUIT BOOMING. Near the 600 Metres, HIGH PERCENTAGE, which was racing keenly, shifted out and bumped ABOVE ALL. HIGH PERCENTAGE had difficulty obtaining clear running making the Home Turn. For some distance approaching the 100 Metres, SOARING TOWER raced in restricted room to the inside of CIRCUIT BOOMING and could not be fully tested. Inside the 100 Metres, the whip of Apprentice Y L Chung (CIRCUIT BOOMING) became entangled in the rein of SOARING TOWER for a short distance, preventing Apprentice Chung from being able to use his whip during that section of the race. After the 100 Metres, YOUNG LIFE FOREVER was held up for clear running when endeavouring to improve into a narrow run to the inside of SPICY SO SMART which lay in. Approaching the 50 Metres, DIAMOND WINNER was held up when being shifted to the outside of WIND SPEEDER to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, HIGH PERCENTAGE and TRAVEL GOLF bumped due to both runners shifting ground. After the race, M Dee (ABOVE ALL) reported that he was instructed to hold a more forward position, but his mount failed to show sufficient pace to do so. He added that under pressure in the Home Straight ABOVE ALL did not finish the race off as expected and raced in a disappointing manner. A veterinary inspection of ABOVE ALL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, Z Purton (FLYING ON THE TURF) advised that from a wide barrier he was instructed to ride FLYING ON THE TURF in a conservative manner in the early stages. He added that FLYING ON THE TURF finished the race off fairly when asked for an effort in the Home Straight. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued. A veterinary inspection of FLYING ON THE TURF immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SOLAR PARTNER and HIGH PERCENTAGE were sent for sampling.

SMOKEY BEAR and POWER KOEPP bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, ENDEARED and CHATEAU were checked when crowded between NAMJONG SINGS and YOU’REMYEVERYTHING which jumped awkwardly and shifted in abruptly before being corrected by its rider, Apprentice Y L Chung. Also shortly after the start, OUR LUCKY GLORY raced tight to the inside of PARTY WARRIOR which lay in. SMOKEY BEAR brushed the running rail after the 600 Metres. Over the concluding stages, VICTORY SCHOLARS lay in and away from POWER KOEPP, resulting in SMOKEY BEAR being unable to be ridden out to the finish of the event when crowded between VICTORY SCHOLARS and ENDEARED. FAMILY FOLKS raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, Z Purton (PARTY WARRIOR) stated that his mount raced in a disappointing manner, but he could offer no explanation for the performance. A veterinary inspection of PARTY WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that VICTORY SCHOLARS was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY SCHOLARS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. PARTY WARRIOR, POWER KOEPP and VICTORY SCHOLARS were sent for sampling.

TOP TOP TEA shifted out at the start and bumped MALDIVES. PACKING SUCCEEDER shifted out on jumping and crowded C P BRAVE out onto ROYAL PRIDE, resulting in ROYAL PRIDE becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by C P BRAVE. RISING FROM ASHES jumped only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1400 Metres, PACKING SUCCEEDER was checked when crowded by MALDIVES (A Badel) which, after racing tight to the inside of ROYAL PRIDE, then shifted in and away from that runner prior to being corrected by its rider, A Badel. A Badel was reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort to relieve the pressure placed on the runner to his inside and make such an effort sooner than he did on this occasion. After the 600 Metres, VIVA POPCORN was momentarily crowded to the inside of TOP TOP TEA which shifted in slightly. Making the Home Turn, VIVA POPCORN lay out, resulting in PRINCE ALEX being taken wider. When questioned regarding his riding from the 800 Metres, M Dee (TOP TOP TEA) stated that after following VIVA POPCORN in the run, he became concerned that LOYAL BABY, who he considered to be one of the main chances, had commenced to establish a break on the field. He added that as he felt VIVA POPCORN was not travelling well at that stage, he elected to shift his mount out to commence a forward move, but then had to make use of TOP TOP TEA to cross VIVA POPCORN and race outside the lead. He added that in retrospect, given the manner in which his mount finished the race off, he may have been better suited by remaining racing behind VIVA POPCORN. The Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Dee at that section of the race, having regard to his explanations, were reasonable. A veterinary inspection of TOP TOP TEA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of VIVA POPCORN and PACKING SUCCEEDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SIXTH GENERATION and LOYAL BABY were sent for sampling.

LA CITY BLANCHE jumped only fairly. HANDSOME TWELVE was crowded at the start by SAVAQUIN which shifted out. BUTTERFIELD was slow to begin and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1300 Metres, LA CITY BLANCHE was steadied when momentarily crowded by HANDSOME TWELVE which shifted in. Approaching the 200 Metres, HANDSOME TWELVE was steadied when crowded between NEARLY FINE and SAVAQUIN (H Bowman) which, after improving into a tight run to the outside of TURIN REDSUN, was taken out slightly by that runner. H Bowman was advised to exercise care. SWORD POINT raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, Z Purton (ALACRITY) stated that he was instructed to take up a more forward position tonight as connections felt that it was difficult to make up ground from back in the field. He also reported that ALACRITY was making an abnormal respiratory noise during the running of the event. Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued. A veterinary inspection of ALACRITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SAVVY NINE and LA CITY BLANCHE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SWORD POINT immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SWORD POINT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SWORD POINT, MEANINGFUL STAR and BUTTERFIELD were sent for sampling.