Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Formula Galore held off Fair Comment after clearing Kiwi Sunrise to lead 600m out to return to the winner's circle following a downgrade and move to visors. Hopefully, the gear change has been able to improve him. Fair Comment finished nicely along the inside following a patient ride third from the rear to mow down Winning Boy 50m out for second. It's taken a while but it appears from his past two starts that he's turned the corner. Winning Boy had to settle for third in the end after executing well from a wide gate to sit handy with cover. He's pretty honest at this level but has trouble winning. Peace On Earth finished well near the outside after settling fourth last from a wide gate. From a proper gate, he'll have to be kept safe at this level. Kiwi Sunrise couldn't lift his feet in the drive after vying for the early lead with the eventual winner. Connections might need to ride him for luck which was working well in Class Four.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (632) - HO CHUNG RIVER HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

HAPPY HAPPY was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever).

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

TELECOM TITAN began only fairly and then shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between FORMULA GALORE and DRAGON DANCE which shifted out when being ridden along.

PADDINGTON was steadied away from the heels of KIWI SUNRISE on jumping when that horse shifted out.

SPARKLING TALENT shifted in at the start and bumped GOLDEN DEER, resulting in SPARKLING TALENT becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by GOLDEN DEER.

After this, GOLDEN DEER was shifted across behind runners.

M Chadwick (PEACE ON EARTH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1050 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GOLDEN DEER, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

M Chadwick was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 and to expire on Monday, 28 May 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

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

Making the first turn approaching the 900 Metres, TELECOM TITAN got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of PEACE ON EARTH.

When being steadied to obtain cover behind WINNING BOY approaching the 900 Metres, PADDINGTON got its head up and proved difficult to settle.

Passing the 750 Metres, TELECOM TITAN became unbalanced when improving to be racing close to the heels of PADDINGTON.

Making the turn near the 550 Metres, TELECOM TITAN was checked and lost ground after getting its head on the side and shifting out onto the heels of PEACE ON EARTH.

Near the 250 Metres, SECRET AGENT was shifted out away from the heels of KIWI SUNRISE which was commencing to give ground.

Throughout the race, SPARKLING TALENT travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned, M Chadwick stated it was hoped that the tempo of the race would be good as it was expected that DRAGON DANCE may lead the race with FORMULA GALORE also taking up a forward position.

He said therefore, from barrier 10, he was asked to ride PEACE ON EARTH more conservatively in the hope that the horse would be able to obtain a position with cover and then finish off the race.

When questioned regarding the performance of KIWI SUNRISE, J Moreira stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden behind the leaders if possible.

He said after riding his mount positively in the early stages to obtain a forward position, KIWI SUNRISE had established a clear lead over the field after travelling a short distance and he believed that he would have had to restrain KIWI SUNRISE too heavily to allow another runner to improve to obtain cover.

He said when racing inside the eventual winner FORMULA GALORE, his mount travelled only fairly and then came under heavy pressure near the 500 Metres.

He added, despite being tested, KIWI SUNRISE was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground.

A veterinary inspection of KIWI SUNRISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

When questioned, K Teetan stated that in the early part of the Straight PADDINGTON responded well to his riding and he felt that the horse was going to finish off the race strongly.

He said however that after the 200 Metres, when being ridden out, PADDINGTON's action deteriorated noticeably and particularly over the concluding stages the horse did not feel comfortable in its action and therefore he eased it down.

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

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

A veterinary inspection of TELECOM TITAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DRAGON DANCE had sustained an overreach wound to the left front leg.

FORMULA GALORE and FAIR COMMENT were sent for sampling.