Recap by phillip woo

Firming favourite Wingold took control passing the 200m when gaining a clear run 280m out following a ground-saving trip in midfield for a first win at his 19th start. He had put the writing on the wall with seconds in two prior starts but is going to find it harder up in grade. Plain Blue Banner got going late between runners after travelling behind midfield along the rail to grab second. He's ultra-consistent at this level. Massive Power stayed on well after travelling fore of midfield to just hold off Danewin Express for a placing. He's in the right grade. Danewin Express finished well down the outside after travelling at the back from wide gate. He's not reliable but does have the ability to eventually win a race at this level. Power Dragon had every chance following a box-seat run. Spicy Double plodded after copping a check 300m out following a one-off run beyond midfield. Royal Spirit broke down 1,000m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (299)-MOUNT PARKER HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1400Metres

DANEWIN EXPRESS was bumped shortly after the start by PLAIN BLUE BANNER which shifted out.

In this incident, PLAIN BLUE BANNER became unbalanced.

Then from wide barriers, PLAIN BLUE BANNER, DANEWIN EXPRESS and FANTASTICLIFE were all shifted across behind runners.

ROYAL SPIRIT began awkwardly and bumped the hindquarters of HARMONY PARTNERS.

ROYAL SPIRIT then became unbalanced and stumbled.

PLAIN BLUE BANNER lost its left hind plate shortly after the start.

Passing the 1200 Metres, ROYAL SPIRIT broke down and was retired out of the race.

A veterinary inspection of ROYAL SPIRIT immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front fetlock.

Before being allowed to race again, ROYAL SPIRIT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

When being steadied approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, POWER DRAGON got its head up and proved difficult to settle.

After the 900 Metres, FUNNY BUDDIES was left racing wide and without cover.

Rounding the Home Turn, WINGOLD got its head on the side and lay out and then in the early part of the Straight was shifted in away from the heels of POWER DRAGON to obtain clear running.

FANTASTICLIFE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.

T H So (MASSIVE POWER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 350 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of SPICY DOUBLE, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

T H So was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 8 January 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 12 January 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account T H So's good race riding record.

The performance of THUNDERSTROKE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, THUNDERSTROKE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

J Moreira (SPICY DOUBLE) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the best of his ability over the concluding stages where circumstances permit.

After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on FUNNY BUDDIES at the request of Trainer D J Hall.

The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, FUNNY BUDDIES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

WINGOLD and PLAIN BLUE BANNER were sent for sampling.