RACE 5 (291)

Made contact at start, raced at rear on the inside, 5 lengths or so back, showed limited response early in straight, weakened inside final furlong. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 350 Metres was bumped by RED MAJESTY which shifted out. Sent for sampling post-race.

Began well from gate 1, positioned 2 lengths behind the leader on rail, saved ground on turn, angled out 350M, made some progress early in straight, peaked 100M, weakened gradually thereafter.

Incident Report
Bumped on the hindquarters shortly after the start. Bumped near the 350 Metres. Sent for sampling post-race.

Bumped start, raced 3 wide in midfield early, 2 wide from 900M, 3 lengths back turning in, finished off well to take 2nd without threatening the winner.

Incident Report
No report.

Made contact at start, raced towards rear on the outside, 5 lengths back, very wide into straight, finished off well to make frame without threatening.

Incident Report
On jumping was crowded between WINDICATOR FAMILY and HAPPY TRIO which shifted out.

Jumped well from a wide draw, sent forward to race prominently, took the lead approaching 900M, led by 3/4L turning in, peaked and headed 200M, weakened gradually final 100M.

Incident Report
After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CLASSIC CENTURY at the request of Trainer M Newnham. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC CENTURY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Sent for sampling post-race.

Taken back from gate 9, raced at tail, 6 lengths or so back, same margin back on turn, made very good progress in straight to take a place, nearest finish. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
No report.

Bumped start, raced behind midfield on the outside, very wide into straight, one-paced in the run home.

Incident Report
Y L Chung (SILVER KING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1500 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of TURIN WARRIOR, resulting in TURIN WARRIOR losing its rightful running and being checked to avoid the heels of SILVER KING. Y L Chung was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Away with them, raced in 3rd, 2 wide, same position on turn, hit the front 200M, kept on strongly to the line, won by 2 lengths.

Incident Report
Y L Chung pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 1500 Metres (see TURIN WARRIOR).

Incident Report
No report.

Moderately away, raced behind midfield on the inside, 4 lengths or so back, saved ground on turn, failed to close off in straight.

Incident Report
Crowded shortly after the start. After the event, M F Poon stated that the instructions were to take up a forward position. Assistant Trainer S T Lee, representing Trainer D J Hall who was not present at tonight’s meeting, confirmed the instructions. He said such instructions were issued as WINDICATOR FAMILY had been racing in a disappointing manner when settling further back in its races.

Jumped with them, raced 2 wide slightly behind midfield, 4 lengths or so back, there to turn, kept on same pace in straight. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Jumped awkwardly, shifted out and was bumped on the hindquarters. Near the 400 Metres was eased when crowded between SILVER KING and TO INFINITY (A Badel) which, after shifting to the outside of RED MAJESTY and having HAPPY TRIO tight, was then taken out by RED MAJESTY. A Badel was advised to exercise more care. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Quickly into stride, took the early lead, headed approaching 900M, 2nd on turn, peaked early in straight, weakened and eased final furlong. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. The performance of HAPPY AGAIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY AGAIN 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.