Recap by phillip woo

Sangria came on strongly one from the outside after settling second from the rear to get up in the final few metres for a first win at his 14th start. Master Bernini got going travelling one off fore of midfield to get the bob down over outsider Istanbul Bey for second. He caught the eye in back-to-back runs with a switch to the Valley and will be winning shortly. Istanbul Bey stuck on well after a deep run with cover in midfield to just miss second by a lip. It was clearly his best run to date from 15 outings but will need to follow this up with another positive run. Wah May Baby wouldn't go down without a fight after clearing to lead from a tricky gate in his first try at 1,800m. He continues to race well but the mile suits him better. Favourite High Volatility was held up at times when trying to make his move following a box-seat run. He had excuse as did Crown Avenue who was all dressed up with nowhere to go the entire straight following a rail run in midfield.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (351) - CONNAUGHT HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1800Meters

AMAZING GOLD, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and lost ground.

ISTANBUL BEY and HAPPY CONTENDER were crowded for room on jumping between HIT A HOME RUN and SAVANNAH WIND, both of which shifted ground.

From a wide barrier, SANGRIA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, SANGRIA commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIT A HOME RUN.

Near the 1300 Metres, CROWN AVENUE got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of MASTER BERNINI which resulted in CROWN AVENUE becoming badly unbalanced and losing ground.

Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, SANGRIA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIT A HOME RUN.

A Sanna (EXCELLENCE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 300 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of HIGH VOLATILITY, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

A Sanna was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 31 January 2018 and to expire on Monday, 5 February 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Sanna's good race riding record.

After this, HIGH VOLATILITY was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres.

Near the 250 Metres, SANGRIA raced tight between HIT A HOME RUN and ISTANBUL BEY which shifted out marginally.

Passing the 250 Metres, the whip of K Teetan (FRUITFUL LIFE) became entangled in the horse's rein, resulting in him being unable to effectively use the whip until after the 100 Metres.

Passing the 100 Metres, SANGRIA (N Callan) commenced to shift out under pressure, resulting in HIT A HOME RUN being hampered near the 75 Metres.

N Callan was reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to make more of an effort than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground.

Then over the concluding stages, HIT A HOME RUN continued to be awkwardly placed outside the heels of SANGRIA.

CROWN AVENUE was unable to obtain clear running at any stage in the Straight and consequently was not able to be tested.

Throughout the race, FRUITFUL LIFE travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned, A Sanna stated that, from the wide barrier, it was felt that EXCELLENCE would not show sufficient early speed to be able to take up a forward position and therefore he was asked that if EXCELLENCE did not show early speed, then the horse should be ridden towards the rear of the field.

He said EXCELLENCE began well and therefore he rode his mount along in the early stages in an endeavour to obtain a midfield position if possible which would allow the horse the opportunity to not have to make up so much ground if the pace of the race turned out to be only fair.

He said as he was shifting EXCELLENCE across to a position closer to the rail in the early stages, he noted that the makeup of the field was going to make it difficult for him to assume a midfield position in order to clear runners to his inside which resulted in EXCELLENCE travelling further forward than had been anticipated.

He added when the tempo of the race was only fair in the middle stages, he was unable to steady EXCELLENCE sufficiently to allow FRUITFUL LIFE to cross and provide EXCELLENCE with cover.

A veterinary inspection of FRUITFUL LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

HIGH VOLATILITY, SANGRIA and MASTER BERNINI were sent for sampling.