RACE 6 (330)

Began only fairly, raced towards rear on the inside, angled out 400M, 7 lengths back turning in, failed to make any progress in straight. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Sent for sampling post-race.

Taken back from a wide draw, raced at rear on the outside, moved closer after passing 850M, 2 lengths or so back turning in, finished off strongly to take 2nd, nearest finish.

Incident Report
Shifted in at the start and was bumped. L Ferraris stated that from a wide barrier he was instructed to go forward on his mount. He said when HONEST WITNESS showed good pace in the early stages he was able to cross to the front and lead. Trainer D A Hayes confirmed the instructions issued. Sent for sampling post-race.

Shifted out shortly after start, 2nd in the early and middle stages, travelled keenly and lost position near 700M, raced slightly better than midfield on turn, showed limited response early in straight, weakened final 100M.

Incident Report
Bumped on jumping. Sent for sampling post-race.

Bumped shortly after start, raced better than midfield on the outside, moved a bit closer after passing 700M, made slight contact near 500M, 3 wide turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened inside final furlong.

Incident Report
No report.

Began only fairly, raced at rear, hard ridden approaching 550M, 5 to 6 lengths back at 400M, closed off well without threatening.

Incident Report
C L Chau was found guilty of a careless riding charge for causing interference shortly after the start (see TACTICAL COMMAND). When questioned C L Chau stated that the instructions were to attempt to hold an on-pace position. He said in the early stages FLYING WROTE did not show sufficient pace to do so and raced in a similar manner to when it barrier trialed on 29 December 2025 when it settled back in the field. He said as a consequence FLYING WROTE settled in a midfield position behind FORTUNE WARRIOR and after improving to that runner’s outside approaching the 400 Metres his mount finished the race off well when under pressure in the Home Straight.

Bumped shortly after start, raced towards rear of midfield, 2 wide, closer on turn, made some progress in straight without threatening.

Incident Report
A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Jumped well, sent forward to take the lead, headed near 600M, 2nd on turn, showed limited response early in straight, weakened final 150M. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly. Raced keenly in the middle stages and after the 800 Metres was steadied to avoid FLYING WROTE. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of B Avdulla, 7th 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 race.

Jumped with them, raced 2 wide in midfield, 3 wide from 650M, closer on turn, kept on well in straight but always just held.

Incident Report
C L Chau (FLYING WROTE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that shortly after the start he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of SMART FIGHTER, resulting in SMART FIGHTER being crowded in onto TACTICAL COMMAND which was checked when it lost its rightful running between SMART FIGHTER and STRAIGHT TO GLORY. C L Chau was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at Happy Valley. In addition, Jockey Chau was fined $45,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 1 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his neutral race riding record.

Began well from gate 10, raced 3 wide behind midfield, sent forward after passing 850M, took the lead near 600M, led by 1/2L turning in, kept on well in straight to hold off the challengers.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly and shortly after the start became unbalanced when crowded between TACTICAL COMMAND and FLYING WROTE.

Began well from gate 1, positioned 5 lengths behind the leader on the inside, 2 wide from 650M, checked near 500M, made little progress in straight.

Incident Report
No report.

Out with rest, raced towards rear on the inside, commenced move 550M, very wide turning in, made good progress in straight to make frame.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly and then was crowded between VOYAGE BOSS and HONEST WITNESS, both of which shifted ground.

Jumped with them, raced 2 wide better than midfield, closer after passing 700M, 3 wide turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened final 150M.

Incident Report
From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.