Recap by phillip woo

Citron Spirit got up in the dying stages after a patient ride on the fence behind midfield to cap a superb day for local rider Matthew Poon Ming-fai. Good Standing was just collared after poking his head in front 50m out following a deep run without cover in midfield. Favourite Simply Brilliant was badly held up behind California Joy until gaining a run. He should have finished closer. California Joy stuck on well after poking his head in front at the 200m following a pace-stalking run from a wide gate. Regency Bo Bo gradually gave way after leading from a middle gate. It was another honest effort after winning first up this term. Fast Most Furious left things too late travelling last in the run from a wide gate. Joyful Trinity made some ground without menacing racing behind midfield. He's trying to find a bottom. Wishful Thinker picked off handful of runners after travelling one from the rear following a troubled start in his first try over the 1,400m.

Racing Incident Report

Race Ten: (118) - GRAND SEIKO EXCELLENT HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1400Meters

SHAMAL was slow to begin and after being crossed by SIMPLY BRILLIANT a short distance after the start was obliged to race back in the field despite being ridden along.

WISHFUL THINKER began only fairly and then shortly after the start was checked when crowded for room between JOYFUL TRINITY and REGENCY BO BO which, after being bumped by PRETTY BAUHINIA, then shifted out further away from that horse.

From wide barriers, STAR MAJESTIC and FAST MOST FURIOUS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

After the 900 Metres, GOOD STANDING was left racing wide and without cover.

WISHFUL THINKER was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 400 Metres was checked away from the heels of REGENCY BO BO when unable to improve to that horse's outside when racing tight inside CALIFORNIA JOY.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT was again checked passing the 300 Metres when momentarily disappointed for running between REGENCY BO BO and CALIFORNIA JOY.

As the Stewards were satisfied that SIMPLY BRILLIANT had not established running between those horses prior to the 300 Metres, no further action was taken.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT was then shifted to the outside of CALIFORNIA JOY and GOOD STANDING approaching and passing the 200 Metres to obtain clear running.

At the 400 Metres, JOYFUL TRINITY improved into tight running between RAGING STORM and STAR MAJESTIC.

Passing the 400 Metres, FAST MOST FURIOUS was bumped and taken wider by STAR MAJESTIC which got its head on the side and shifted out after being bumped by JOYFUL TRINITY.

The Stewards will question Apprentice C Wong, the rider of JOYFUL TRINITY, regarding his riding of that horse after the 700 Metres prior to the Happy Valley racemeeting to be conducted on Wednesday, 24 October 2018.

A veterinary inspection of TIME TO CELEBRATE, WISHFUL THINKER and RAGING STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT, CITRON SPIRIT and GOOD STANDING were sent for sampling.

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GENERAL:

1.

After the running of Race 2, the track classification was officially changed from "Good??to "Good to Firm?? This change in the opinion of the Stewards should be recorded as being retrospective.

As a consequence of this, the official results will show Race 2 being run on a track rated "Good to Firm??

2.

Additional Veterinary Reports from Happy Valley Racemeeting on 18 October 2018 Subsequent official veterinary inspections (without endoscopy) of JUNZI, VERY RICH MAN, SPLIT OF A SECOND, FANTASTIC FABIO, SICHUAN BOSS, CHAPARRAL STAR, HOLY UNICORN, THE JOY OF GIVING, BUNDLE OF ENERGY, FINE WITH ME, LUCKY SHINY DAY, STORM SIGNAL, MONEY BOY, RED WARRIOR, TOP LAURELS, COUNTRY STAR and LITTLE BIRD revealed no apparent abnormality.

SUMMARY:

1.

Withdrawals Race 5: PACIFIC MASTER (standby runner) on 19.10.18 on veterinary advice.

2.

Severe Reprimand Race 5: C Y Ho (ABSOLUCOOL) for shifting in near the 100 Metres.

3.

Reprimands Race 5: A Sanna (PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT) for shifting out near the 250 Metres.

Race 6: T H So (DARK KNIGHT) for shifting in near the 1550 Metres.

4.

Warnings Race 2: C Schofield (GOLDEN FOUR) for shifting in passing the 1300 Metres.

Race 3: G van Niekerk (BINGO HERO) re his riding in the early part of the Straight.

5.

Suspension Race 6: C Y Ho (BANK ON RED) for careless riding passing the 1300 Metres (from 7 November 2018 until 11 November 2018 on which day he may resume race riding - 2 Hong Kong racedays).

6.

Barrier Trials Race 1: MIDNITE PROMISE FULL OF CHANCES Race 7: IVICTORY

7.

Official Veterinary Examinations Race 1: MIDNITE PROMISE FULL OF CHANCES Race 2: SMART CHARADE Race 5: PACIFIC MASTER FRESH POWER Race 7: IVICTORY