HINOKAMI KAGURA proved difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, HINOKAMI KAGURA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. SONIC BOOM and GREAT DAYS were crowded at the start between SUPER BONUS and HINOKAMI KAGURA, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, SUPER LEGENDS and JOYFUL PROSPERITY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, TELECOM DRAGON was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 850 Metres, TELECOM DRAGON momentarily raced tight to the inside of SUPER LEGENDS which was taken in by JOYFUL PROSPERITY (A Atzeni). A Atzeni was advised to exercise more care. KAHOLO ANGEL and THE CONCENTRATION raced keenly in the middle stages. Between the 400 Metres and the 300 Metres, RUBYLOT was held up for clear running behind SUPER BONUS and was unable to shift out when HINOKAMI KAGURA was positioned to its outside. Over the final 300 Metres, KAHOLO ANGEL lay in and proved difficult to ride out. Over the final 150 Metres, SUPER LEGENDS lay out under pressure and shifted ground. Approaching the winning post, JOYFUL PROSPERITY was then taken out by SUPER LEGENDS. When questioned regarding his riding of GREAT DAYS, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that his instructions were to endeavour to hold a forward position with cover. He said in the early stages, after jumping well, he endeavoured to comply with his instructions, but when his mount was caught three wide and KAHOLO ANGEL held its position behind the lead, he was obliged to race three wide and without cover for the majority of the event. He added that at the 800 Metres he contemplated allowing his mount to continue forward and cross runners to his inside, however, felt that both K Teetan, rider of HINOKAMI KAGURA, and Z Purton, rider of SUPER BONUS, were intent on holding their positions and for this reason he remained racing in a three wide position. After the race, it was noted that GREAT DAYS had lost its right hind plate. When questioned regarding his riding of TELECOM DRAGON over the final 500 Metres, C L Chau stated that making the Home Turn he contemplated shifting out to follow JOYFUL PROSPERITY. He said when he felt SONIC BOOM, which was positioned in advance of him, was travelling better, he elected to remain racing behind that runner and follow it through so as to save ground. He added that on straightening SONIC BOOM did not improve as he had expected and for this reason TELECOM DRAGON was held up for clear running between the 400 Metres and the 200 Metres. He said after shifting to the inside of SONIC BOOM and SUPER LEGENDS near the 200 Metres, TELECOM DRAGON found the line strongly. After considering his explanation, the Stewards found the tactics adopted by Jockey Chau were reasonable in the circumstances. When questioned regarding the performance of SUPER BONUS, Z Purton stated that his mount travelled comfortably in the lead, but responded only fairly to his urgings in the Home Straight. He added that having regard to the manner in which SUPER BONUS had barrier trialed in the lead up to today’s race, he was not overly disappointed with the performance of the horse. A veterinary inspection of SUPER BONUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, L Hewitson (RUBYLOT) reported that his mount jumped awkwardly and as a consequence lost ground. A veterinary inspection of SONIC BOOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUBYLOT, SUPER LEGENDS and KAHOLO ANGEL were sent for sampling.

FLYING GALLOP jumped awkwardly and lost ground. M M NEBULA jumped only fairly. Shortly after the start, GREEN LASER and DAILY BEAUTY raced tight between CALL ME TEDDY which shifted in and COLOURFUL BARON which was taken out by HIGH CLOUD. Approaching the 1500 Metres, FLYING GALLOP, which commenced to race keenly, got its head up when being steadied away from STAR OF GLORY. As a result, FLYING GALLOP shifted out, briefly crowding CHIRON which had been racing tight to the inside of STARSHIP EIGHTY. Entering the Back Straight near the 1100 Metres, DAILY BEAUTY commenced a forward move, but was then obliged to race wide and without cover thereafter when it did not show sufficient pace to cross the field. In the middle stages, COLOURFUL BARON raced keenly. The performance of FLYING GALLOP was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING GALLOP 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 GALLOP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding of SUN OF MAKFI from the 550 Metres as to whether there was an opportunity to shift to the outside of COLOURFUL BARON sooner than what he did, Z Purton stated that his mount settled towards the rear of the field as he had expected where it followed COLOURFUL BARON. He said whilst he contemplated shifting to the outside of COLOURFUL BARON approaching the 500 Metres when his mount was travelling well, he elected not to do so as he was concerned that COLOURFUL BARON would then shift out, taking SUN OF MAKFI wider. He added as soon as he entered the Home Straight near the 400 Metres, he shifted SUN OF MAKFI to the outside of COLOURFUL BARON where his mount went on strongly. The Stewards considered the tactics adopted by Jockey Purton were reasonable in the circumstances. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHIRON, K C Leung stated that his mount enjoyed a comfortable run in the event, but failed to finish the race off strongly and would derive benefit from today’s performance. A veterinary inspection of CHIRON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Trainer C W Chang confirmed the instructions were to ride CALL ME TEDDY in a more conservative manner in the early stages from its wide barrier as CALL ME TEDDY had raced in a disappointing manner at its last start when it took up a handy position. A veterinary inspection of CALL ME TEDDY immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained minor abrasions to both hind legs. After the race, COLOURFUL BARON was noted to have sustained a wound to the right hind leg. A veterinary inspection of HIGH CLOUD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HIGH CLOUD, M M NEBULA and SUN OF MAKFI were sent for sampling.

STRAIGHT ARRON jumped awkwardly. Near the 500 Metres, THE GOLDEN SCENERY raced tight between CIRCUIT STELLAR and ENCOUNTERED which shifted to the outside of CIRCUIT STELLAR to improve. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ENCOUNTERED, K C Leung stated that his mount settled back in the field as expected. He said due to the slow early pace of the event, he commenced a forward move from the 700 Metres, however, when THE GOLDEN SCENERY shifted out in advance of him, ENCOUNTERED was then taken wider from that point. He added that in the Home Straight he placed his mount under full pressure, however, it failed to respond to his riding. He said, in his opinion, ENCOUNTERED would now be better suited by being stepped up in distance for its next race start and also may not have appreciated today’s "Good” track conditions. Trainer K L Man confirmed that ENCOUNTERED had pleased the stable coming into today’s race and agreed with Jockey Leung’s assessment that ENCOUNTERED would be better suited by being stepped up in distance in its next race start which he now intends to do. A veterinary inspection of ENCOUNTERED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ENCOUNTERED, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ENCOUNTERED 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 STRAIGHT ARRON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HEALTHY HAPPY and CIRCUIT STELLAR were sent for sampling.

EL VALIENTE was withdrawn on 21.9.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right front tendon injury). Before being allowed to race again, EL VALIENTE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPECIAL HEDGE jumped only fairly and then was bumped by BEAR SLAM which shifted out. RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE and DARCI LEGEND bumped at the start. DARCI LEGEND then raced keenly in the early stages. From the 1000 Metres, BOOM ALLIANCE raced wide and without cover. RELIABLE PROFIT raced keenly in the middle stages. Approaching the 400 Metres, DARCI LEGEND was steadied when crowded by SPECIAL HEDGE (C L Chau) which shifted out and away from RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE after being taken out by that horse. C L Chau was advised to exercise more care. The performances of SPECIAL HEDGE and GOLD STERLING, both of which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPECIAL HEDGE and GOLD STERLING 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 SPECIAL HEDGE and GOLD STERLING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, Z Purton (BILLIONAIRE SECRET) reported that from the outside barrier he was requested to ride his mount conservatively in the early stages. He said after obtaining a position on the rail approaching the first turn, his mount travelled comfortably in the middle stages. He added that from the 600 Metres he was held up behind RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE and for this reason could not obtain clear running until near the 400 Metres. He further stated that he had been asked to take inside runs to save ground, therefore he elected to improve to the inside rather than looking to obtain clear running out wide. Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued. A veterinary inspection of BILLIONAIRE SECRET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FAST BUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BILLIONAIRE SECRET, BEAR SLAM and MISSION BRAVO were sent for sampling.

ISLAND GOLDEN and AUGUST MOON bumped at the start. ALWAYS FLUKE jumped only fairly. ATOMIC BEAUTY and GO HERO bumped at the start, resulting in GO HERO becoming unbalanced and blundering. From a wide barrier, CHAMPION INSTINCT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. GO HERO raced wide and without cover from the 900 Metres. Near the 900 Metres, LUCKY FUN was checked when crowded by ALWAYS FLUKE which shifted in and away from FUN TOGETHER (C L Chau) which in turn shifted in and away from GO HERO. C L Chau was severely reprimanded and advised he would be expected to make a greater effort than what he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. In assessing not to issue a charge against Jockey Chau, the Stewards also found that ALWAYS FLUKE had contributed to the interference sustained by LUCKY FUN. Near the 700 Metres, ALWAYS FLUKE was steadied when momentarily crowded by FUN TOGETHER which was racing tight to the inside of GO HERO. Near the 500 Metres, FUN TOGETHER was steadied to avoid SPEEDY FORTUNE. Passing the 400 Metres, AFFIRM shifted in, crowding AUGUST MOON for a short distance before being corrected by its rider, A Atzeni. Near the 350 Metres, FUN TOGETHER improved into a narrow run to the outside of AFFIRM which, after shifting in, then shifted back out when being corrected by its rider, A Atzeni. A Atzeni was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to exercise more care. Also near the 350 Metres, CHAMPION INSTINCT was briefly held up behind SPEEDY FORTUNE. Approaching the 200 Metres, CHAMPION INSTINCT was then disappointed for clear running between SPEEDY FORTUNE and LUCKY FUN. Near the 150 Metres, CHAMPION INSTINCT shifted out and made contact with the hindquarters of GO HERO. Approaching the 300 Metres, LUCKY FUN became held up for clear running and as a consequence could not be tested until near the 25 Metres when it shifted to the inside of FUN TOGETHER to secure clear running. A veterinary inspection of GO HERO and AFFIRM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ALWAYS FLUKE and COMMANDING MISSILE were sent for sampling.

After being loaded into the barriers, CALIFORNIA DEEPLY (B Avdulla) became fractious. CALIFORNIA DEEPLY was then removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA DEEPLY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After the race, B Avdulla was examined by the Chief Medical Officer who advised that the jockey was not fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. COTTON FINGERS was slow to begin. METRO WARRIOR knuckled on jumping. EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was crowded at the start between SHINING FORTUNE and CALIFORNIA DEEPLY. Near the 800 Metres, HAPPY MISSION became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded by PLEASANT ENDEAVOR when that runner was taken out by AMAZING ROCKY which was eased slightly and shifted out when crossed by SPARKLING KNIGHT (A Hamelin). A Hamelin was advised to ensure that he is clear when shifting ground. Between the 300 Metres and the 100 Metres, EXPLOSIVE WITNESS was held up for clear running. FLYING HIGH was held up for clear running between SINBA and CHEVAL VALIANT from the 300 Metres and could not be fully tested for the remainder of the event. RUN RUN COOL was held up for clear running between the 250 Metres and the 100 Metres. When placed under pressure near the 150 Metres, COTTON FINGERS lay out and proved difficult to ride out for the remainder of the event. After the race, Apprentice Y L Chung (PLEASANT ENDEAVOR) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of PLEASANT ENDEAVOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, L Hewitson (CHEVAL VALIANT) reported that his mount came under pressure near the 400 Metres and did not respond to his riding from that point. He added that, in his opinion, CHEVAL VALIANT would derive benefit from today’s first up performance. A veterinary inspection of CHEVAL VALIANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of RUN RUN COOL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUN RUN COOL, SPARKLING KNIGHT and COTTON FINGERS were sent for sampling.

Whilst parading, A Atzeni was dislodged from SHOW RESPECT without incident. On arrival at the barriers, SHOW RESPECT was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. SOLID SHALAA jumped only fairly and shortly after the start raced tight between YELLOWFIN and BEAUTY MISSILE, both of which shifted ground. HARRY’S HERO was slow to begin and then was crowded between TOURBILLON PRINCE and BRAVE DREAMS which shifted in. BRAVE DREAMS was then shifted across behind runners from the outside barrier in the early stages. When caught wide in the early stages, BEAUTY MISSILE was steadied near the 900 Metres to obtain cover. TOURBILLON PRINCE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY MISSILE and SOLID SHALAA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TOURBILLON PRINCE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. YELLOWFIN and TAJ DRAGON were sent for sampling.

CIRCUIT NINE was withdrawn on 23.9.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, CIRCUIT NINE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NOBLE PURSUIT jumped only fairly. SEIZE THE DREAM jumped awkwardly. GREEN N WHITE was crowded at the start between LOST CHILD and STRONGEST BOY. CASA COSMO jumped only fairly and then was crowded by CAN’T GO WONG which shifted out. Then from wide barriers, CASA COSMO and CAN’T GO WONG were both shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1200 Metres, LOST CHILD shifted out when being steadied to allow STRATHPEFFER to cross, resulting in GREEN N WHITE, which was positioned to the outside of LOST CHILD, being steadied away from that horse, shifting out and hampering E GLORY. GREEN N WHITE raced wide and without cover from after the 900 Metres. Near the 600 Metres, CAN’T GO WONG was steadied away from STRONGEST BOY. Between the 400 Metres and the 300 Metres, NOBLE PURSUIT was held up for clear running. LOST CHILD lay in when placed under pressure in the early part of the Home Straight. Over the final 50 Metres, NOBLE PURSUIT and AESTHETICISM brushed on a number of occasions due to both runners shifting ground. After the race, it was noted that RED HARE KING had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of CAN’T GO WONG and PO ON WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SEIZE THE DREAM immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, SEIZE THE DREAM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GREEN N WHITE and LOST CHILD were sent for sampling.

YOUNG BRILLIANT and LEADING FORTUNE brushed at the start. From the outside barriers, CALIFORNIA TEN and POWERFUL WINGS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BIG RED raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1100 Metres was steadied to avoid YOUNG BRILLIANT. From the 400 Metres until the 250 Metres, SNAFFLES was held up for clear running. For some distance near the 200 Metres, MASTER OF FORTUNE raced tight between BIG RED and SECRET VISION. LEADING FORTUNE raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event and subsequently finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of LEADING FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of LEADING FORTUNE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, LEADING FORTUNE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of YOUNG BRILLIANT, M F Poon stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily outside the lead and after initially responding to his riding in the early part of the Home Straight gave ground over the concluding stages. He was unable to offer any explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG BRILLIANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, K De Melo (POWERFUL WINGS) reported that his mount hung in throughout the event. Also after the race, H Bowman (CALIFORNIA TEN) could offer no excuse for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA TEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CALIFORNIA TEN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA TEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HAPPY TOGETHER and SNAFFLES were sent for sampling.

BEAUTY CHARGE jumped awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded by MASTER EIGHT which shifted out. EASON was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, FLYING ACE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the middle stages, POWER KOEPP raced keenly. Approaching the 500 Metres, IMA SINGLE MAN and ALACRITY raced in restricted room between FLYING ACE and BEAUTY CHARGE which improved into a narrow run to the outside of POWER KOEPP. Near the 150 Metres, POWER KOEPP was shifted out to attempt to secure clear running but then became held up and could not be fully tested to the finish of the event. Over the final 100 Metres, GOKO WIN (A Atzeni) shifted out whilst being ridden along, resulting in NORDIC DRAGON not being able to be ridden out to the finish of the event after having to be steadied near the 50 Metres. A Atzeni was severely reprimanded and advised that he must stop riding and straighten his mounts when they shift whilst not clear. BEAUTY CHARGE was held up for clear running between the 150 Metres and the 50 Metres. When questioned regarding the performance of NORDIC DRAGON, H Bowman stated that from his wide barrier he elected to allow his mount to settle back in the field where comfortable. He said near the 900 Metres he was obliged to correct NORDIC DRAGON to prevent it from shifting in onto ALACRITY and as a consequence was caught wide. He added that passing the 900 Metres NORDIC DRAGON was then hampered when GOKO WIN was taken out by IMA SINGLE MAN which resulted in NORDIC DRAGON being taken wider near the 800 Metres when GOKO WIN shifted out making that turn. He further stated that near the 700 Metres NORDIC DRAGON made contact with IMA SINGLE MAN as he held his position three wide before being able to obtain a comfortable trailing position behind GOKO WIN at the 600 Metres. He stated that once balanced in the Home Straight NORDIC DRAGON, which is still somewhat immature, initially responded to his riding before its run came to an end near the 100 Metres although NORDIC DRAGON was crowded at that point when GOKO WIN shifted out. A veterinary inspection of NORDIC DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of H Bowman, 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the event. A veterinary inspection of MASTER EIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COMPUTER PATCH immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, COMPUTER PATCH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NORDIC DRAGON, PACKING TREADMILL and FLYING ACE were sent for sampling.