Recap by phillip woo

Thor The Greatest found the front from gate nine and kept finding to score an overdue win after placing in five of eight other sprints this term. He'll remain competitive in the grade. Punted late, Winston's Lad was unlucky not to have gotten up for the win when having to duck-and-weave about for a clear run following a rails run behind midfield. He's caught the eye in his past couple over this Sha Tin trip and will be winning shortly. Tang Fleming kept on well after being posted deep without cover the entire trip travelling fore of midfield. He appears from his past two over this trip from three starts following a move to blinkers to be near a winning run. Happy Bao Bei stuck on all right on the back of the speed to inject some value into the Quartet. It was a decent effort but he requires ratings relief. Sichuan Boss came on well down the outside after travelling third from the rear in a vastly-improved effort at his fifth start. He's naturally coming to hand but is likely to need another and a longer trip. Mythical Emperor made a mild bid late after travelling three deep with cover beyond midfield. He's better when allowed to run loose on the lead. Chung Wah Spirit didn't really gain a clear run until the 150m following a patient ride fourth from the rear. He had excuses and might be better suited over the 1,400m.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (576)-THE HONG KONG LIONS CUP (HANDICAP) (Sec2) - Class 3 - 1200Metres

COLOURFUL ACHIEVER shifted out on jumping and bumped SICHUAN BOSS, causing COLOURFUL ACHIEVER to become badly unbalanced.

THOR THE GREATEST shifted out on jumping and took TANG FLEMING out onto MYTHICAL EMPEROR which began awkwardly.

CHUNG WAH SPIRIT began only fairly and then shortly after the start was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINSTON'S LAD.

From the outside barrier, RAPHAEL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the 950 Metres, COLOURFUL ACHIEVER was checked when crowded for room between CHUNG WAH SPIRIT and SICHUAN BOSS which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MYTHICAL EMPEROR.

As the Stewards believed the racing manners of SICHUAN BOSS were responsible for this incident, no further action was taken.

Making the turn near the 900 Metres, after being bumped on the hindquarters by COLOURFUL ACHIEVER, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT got its head on the side and shifted out.

K C Leung (THOR THE GREATEST) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HAPPY BAO BEI, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

DIEGO KOSTA, which was following HAPPY BAO BEI, was hampered in consequence.

K C Leung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 10 May 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 14 May 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, K C Leung was fined $45,000.

Approaching the 800 Metres, TANG FLEMING was taken wider by I'M A WITNESS which shifted out away from HAPPY BAO BEI when that horse was checked.

After this, I'M A WITNESS and TANG FLEMING raced wide and without cover.

Passing the 650 Metres, WINSTON'S LAD raced tight inside PRIMERO which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of I'M A WITNESS.

Passing the 500 Metres and again in the early part of the Straight, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRIMERO.

I'M A WITNESS got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn.

Passing the 250 Metres, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was momentarily held up for clear running when awkwardly placed outside the heels of WINSTON'S LAD which a short distance later was held up for clear running between DIEGO KOSTA and HAPPY BAO BEI.

A veterinary inspection of DIEGO KOSTA and I'M A WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

MYTHICAL EMPEROR, THOR THE GREATEST and WINSTON'S LAD were sent for sampling.