RACE 8 (354)

Moderately away from a wide draw, raced 2 wide slightly better than midfield, 3 wide from 600M, peaked on run 300M, weakened gradually in straight.

Incident Report
When questioned regarding the horse leading, K Teetan stated that with blinkers being applied tonight he was asked to ride the horse in the lead. He said such instructions were issued as DEFINITIVE had raced well in the lead wearing blinkers when it raced in New Zealand prior to arriving in Hong Kong. Trainer D Eustace confirmed the instructions issued and the reasons as to why such instructions were issued. Sent for sampling post-race.

Bumped on the hindquarters on jumping, raced at rear, 5 lengths back turning in, very wide into straight, made some progress in the run home.

Incident Report
Shifted out at the start and was bumped. In the middle stages raced keenly and near the 800 Metres shifted out when being checked away from PRAY FOR MIR. Shifted out near the 600 Metres and was bumped. Over the concluding stages shifted in slightly and made contact with DEFINITIVE. Prior to declaring weighed-in, the Stewards viewed the patrol film to ascertain if there were grounds for a protest/objection. When the Stewards were satisfied that the contact between DEFINITIVE and SOLEIL FIGHTER had occurred principally due to SOLEIL FIGHTER shifting in over the concluding stages, they declined to lodge a protest/objection and weighed-in was declared on the numbers semaphored by the Judge. Sent for sampling post-race.

Jumped with them, raced towards rear on the outside, moved closer after passing 600M, 2 lengths back turning in, kept on evenly in straight.

Incident Report
After the 1600 Metres was steadied away from GLORIOUS JOURNEY. After the 700 Metres was checked to avoid GOLDEN ARTIE.

Made contact shortly after start, raced 2 wide behind midfield, angled out and made contact near 600M, very wide into straight, made no impression in the run home.

Incident Report
No report.

Moderately away from a wide draw, raced prominently, took the lead 1150M, headed 900M, 2nd in the middle stages, peaked early in straight, weakened final furlong. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event and near the 600 Metres made contact with SOLEIL FIGHTER when that runner shifted out.

Began well from gate 1, raced in midfield on the inside, 2 wide turning in, kept on well in straight to take a place, no threat to the first two.

Incident Report
Near the 1600 Metres became unbalanced when bumped by PRAY FOR MIR which was taken out slightly by SOLEIL FIGHTER.

Made contact shortly after start, positioned 1-1/2L behind the leader on the inside, saved ground throughout, hit the front 200M, kept on well to the line and scored.

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

Began well from a wide draw, positioned 2 wide, a length or so back, 3 wide from 500M, peaked early in straight, weakened thereafter.

Incident Report
No report.

Jumped with them, raced behind midfield on the inside, saved ground throughout, kept on well in straight to take 2nd.

Incident Report
On jumping shifted in, made contact with the right side of its barrier and shortly after was steadied when crowded by SOLEIL FIGHTER which shifted out. Bumped near the 1600 Metres. After the event, Z Purton stated that his mount raced too keenly in the early and middle stages and as a result gave ground in the Home Straight, particularly in circumstances where it was withdrawn from its previous engagement on 1 January 2025. Trainer W K Mo stated that after being withdrawn from its engagement on 1 January 2025, PRAY FOR MIR had pleased him in its track work and he expected the horse to run well tonight. Mr Mo agreed with the assessment of Jockey Purton that PRAY FOR MIR raced too keenly in the early and middle stages after being bumped shortly after the start. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of PRAY FOR MIR was considered disappointing as compared to its previous race starts. Before being allowed to race again, PRAY FOR MIR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Shifted out at start and bumped, raced prominently, took the lead near 900M, led by 3/4L turning in, peaked and headed early in straight, weakened final furlong.

Incident Report
After the 1600 Metres was bumped by GLORIOUS JOURNEY. Near the 700 Metres was steadied to avoid SOLEIL FIGHTER. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Out in line, raced 2 wide in midfield, there to turn, peaked early in straight, weakened final furlong.

Incident Report
Jumped awkwardly and lost ground.

Began only fairly and crowded, raced at rear on the inside, 6 lengths back turning in, made little progress in straight.

Incident Report
After the event, A Atzeni stated that he was asked to ride his mount where comfortable. He said after commencing well he was able to obtain a position outside the lead in the early stages. He added I CAN travelled satisfactorily during the race before failing to respond to his riding in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.