RACE 9 (653)

Began only fairly from a wide draw, raced behind midfield on the outside, 6 lengths back turning in, made some progress in straight.

Incident Report
Approaching the 1300 Metres was steadied when crowded between VIVA GRACIOUSNESS and FANTASTIC FUN which was racing tight to the inside of STORMI. Approaching the 1000 Metres was steadied when momentarily crowded by FANTASTIC FUN which shifted in slightly before being corrected by its rider. Sent for sampling post-race.

Bumped shortly after start, raced 2 wide towards rear, very wide turning in, made no progress in straight.

Incident Report
Bumped shortly after the start. Sent for sampling post-race.

Taken back from gate 8, raced at tail, still 9 lengths back on turn, very wide into straight, made good progress in the run home to take a place, no threat to the first two.

Incident Report
No report.

Made contact shortly after start, raced towards rear on the inside, 7 lengths back turning in, difficult to obtain clear run early in straight, made some headway thereafter.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly.

Made contact shortly after start, raced 2 wide in midfield, 4 to 5 lengths back turning in, showed no response early in straight, weakened thereafter. (Bled.)

Incident Report
No report.

Moderately away from the widest draw, raced better than midfield on the outside, moved a bit closer after passing 1100M, 2nd in the middle stages, outpaced early in straight, weakened inside final furlong.

Incident Report
No report.

Made contact shortly after start, raced at rear on the inside, saved ground on turn, made some progress in straight. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Crowded after the 1400 Metres. Near the 50 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running when improving to the inside of KEEFY which shifted in.

Began well from gate 11, sent forward to race prominently, 2 wide, found rail near 900M, 2-1/2L back turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened final furlong.

Incident Report
C L Chau stated that from the outside barrier he was obliged to make too much use of the horse in the early stages to lead as instructed. He said this resulted in STORMI giving ground under pressure in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Average to begin, raced slightly behind midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, finished off well to take 2nd without threatening the winner.

Incident Report
Raced keenly in the middle stages. E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference leaving the 1400 Metres (see SOLID WIN). Near the 500 Metres was steadied to avoid SPICY GOLD which was commencing to give ground. When questioned regarding his riding over the final 200 Metres E C W Wong stated that his mount hung in when placed under pressure in the Home Straight. He said near the 100 Metres when VIVA GRACIOUSNESS shifted out slightly he was unable to avoid VIVA GRACIOUSNESS’ heels and as a result CORLEONE could not be fully tested to the finish of the event when it raced in restricted room between LUCKY TWIN STARS and VIVA GRACIOUSNESS. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Moderately away, sent forward to take the lead, led by 1-3/4L turning in, kept on very well in straight, easily scored. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Bumped shortly after the start. Near the 1300 Metres was momentarily crowded by WITHALLMYFAITH which was positioned tight to the inside of SPICY GOLD.

Crowded shortly after start, raced 2 wide better than midfield, 3-1/4L back turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened thereafter. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
As the start was effected lowered its head, resulting in SOLID WIN being slow to begin. E C W Wong (CORLEONE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that leaving the 1400 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of LUCKY TWIN STARS, resulting in LUCKY TWIN STARS being crowded in onto SOLID WIN which also resulted in SOLID WIN having to be severely checked and losing its rightful running. E C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 17 May 2026 and to expire on Monday, 25 May 2026 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Wong was fined $20,000. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 3 and also considered his poor race riding record. H Bowman stated that after being severely checked leaving the 1400 Metres his mount raced keenly thereafter. He added after being held up making the Home Turn his mount was unable to run on in the Home Straight. Between the 450 Metres and the 300 Metres was held up for clear running behind SPICY GOLD which was giving ground. Near the 300 Metres was crowded by SPICY GOLD when improving into a narrow run to the inside of SPICY GOLD. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Jumped well from gate 1, raced slightly better than midfield on the inside, 4 lengths or so back turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened thereafter. (Blood in trachea.)

Incident Report
Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. The performance of SPICY GOLD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPICY GOLD 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 immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.