Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Startling Power enjoyed the box-seat run, came one off at the 300m and quickened nicely to win going away 120m out for a maiden win at outing six. Grand Plus came to the straight with three behind him and one wider out following a very deep run without cover and finished willingly to snatch second in a three-horse photo. The unpredictable Sunshine Kid set a steady pace on the lead, cornered a length on top and grudgingly gave way under the whip when headed. Star Of Wai Bo kept up a good gallop to just miss a placing. Ambitious Glory came up flat over the final 100m after moving to third at the 250m following a handy run. Confucius Elite made some ground from behind midfield without ever looking a threat. Lovely Naughty ran on all right from the tail of the field despite veering off the course soon after the break. Fair Wind made his run third from the rear and only got by beaten rivals.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (219)-MIDDLE HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Metres

As the start was effected, LOVELY NAUGHTY shifted out abruptly, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground.

Before being allowed to race again, LOVELY NAUGHTY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial.

STARTLING POWER and FAIR WIND bumped on jumping.

After this, FAIR WIND failed to muster speed despite being vigorously ridden.

REAL FIT and CONFUCIUS ELITE also bumped on jumping.

M Demuro (PALEPALE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 600 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CONFUCIUS ELITE, resulting in that horse being taken in across the rightful running of SLEDGE HAMMER which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

M Demuro was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Friday, 2 January 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 17 December 2014.

An inspection by the Veterinary Surgeon of CONFUCIUS ELITE after the race found it to have sustained wounds over the left hind leg with an associated swelling.

Near the 550 Metres, FAIR WIND became unbalanced when crowded for room inside CONFUCIUS ELITE which got its head on the side and shifted in away from PALEPALE.

Rounding the Home Turn, LOVELY NAUGHTY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAND PLUS.

For the majority of the race, STAR OF WAI BO travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of REAL FIT, D Whyte stated that his mount travelled very well in the early and middle stages in a position outside of the leader SUNSHINE KID.

He said however that REAL FIT came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and although the horse received a bump from STARTLING POWER when that horse shifted out near the 400 Metres, REAL FIT was already under pressure at this time.

He said despite being ridden out in the Straight, REAL FIT gave ground and the horse's action shortened noticeably over the concluding stages.

A veterinary inspection of REAL FIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Before being allowed to race again, REAL FIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

After the race, it was noted that AMBITIOUS GLORY had sustained a minor cut to the right front leg.

A veterinary inspection of PALEPALE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

Before being allowed to race again, PALEPALE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of SLEDGE HAMMER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

STARTLING POWER and GRAND PLUS were sent for sampling.