Recap by phillip woo

Beauty Generation cornered near three lengths on top after jogging to the lead from a tricky gate and kept up a strong gallop to give local rider Derek Leung Ka-chun his greatest triumph. Western Express stuck on very well following a handy run to hold the fastfinishing Helene Paragon for second in a career performance. Helene Paragon came on strongly after travelling second from the rear to nearly grab second. He didn't have the ideal preparation after an eye injury but will come on for this run and will be a major force in the up-and-coming majors. Favourite Seasons Bloom ran on well after peeling into the open at the 350m but got too far back. It just wasn't his day. Beat of those from outside Hong Kong was Lancaster Bomber who ran on steadily for fifth following a midfield run. Beauty Only got closer coming to the final bend after travelling third from the rear but didn't let down as expected. He just hasn't been the same since a June start in Japan.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (260) - THE LONGINES HONG KONG MILE - Class G1 - 1600Meters

KARAR began very awkwardly, shifted out and made heavy contact with SATONO ALADDIN, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced.

LANCASTER BOMBER shifted in at the start and bumped JOYFUL TRINITY.

From a wide barrier, BEAUTY ONLY was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

LANCASTER BOMBER lost its right front plate after the 1500 Metres.

Passing the 1100 Metres, SICHUAN DAR momentarily raced in restricted room between LIGHTNING SPEAR and LANCASTER BOMBER which got its head on the side and lay in before being shifted back out to relieve the tightening.

Approaching the 1000 Metres, KARAR commenced to travel keenly and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTY GENERATION.

Passing the 1000 Metres, HELENE PARAGON shifted in when awkwardly placed behind JOYFUL TRINITY.

Making the turn after the 900 Metres, SATONO ALADDIN commenced to travel keenly and was shifted out away from the heels of BEAUTY ONLY.

SATONO ALADDIN was then allowed to improve its position wide and without cover.

Approaching the 500 Metres, ROLY POLY raced tight between LANCASTER BOMBER and BEAUTY ONLY.

Approaching the 300 Metres, SICHUAN DAR was shifted out across the heels of LANCASTER BOMBER.

For the majority of the race, both CONTENTMENT and ROLY POLY travelled wide and without cover.

After the race, J Moreira stated that it had been intended for SEASONS BLOOM to be ridden in about a midfield position, however, the horse did not show sufficient early speed despite being ridden along and consequently raced further back in the field than had been anticipated.

Following the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SEASONS BLOOM at the request of Trainer C S Shum.

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

Before being allowed to race again, SEASONS BLOOM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Also after the race, Z Purton reported that BEAUTY ONLY did not feel comfortable in its action.

A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY ONLY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.

Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY ONLY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of SATONO ALADDIN immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

SEASONS BLOOM, BEAUTY GENERATION and WESTERN EXPRESS were sent for sampling.