Recap by phillip woo

I Am Power came on very well after settling third last on the far side to overhaul favourite California Archer 80m out for the win after a pleasing debut on the dirt. California Archer found one too good after hitting the front 150m out following a handy run. He's run nicely in back-to-back runs following a stable change and should be winning shortly. Happy Victory's condition gave out 100m out after dictating the run on the stands side. It was a good debut. Master Albert made some ground to finish a distant fourth travelling beyond midfield near the far side. Diamond Dragon produced only a mild bid travelling midfield on the grandstand side. He had his chance and may need a dip into Class Four to produce a winning run. Plunged late Dashing Gainer gave way 100m out after vying for the front underneath Happy Victory from a wide gate. Another sensationally- backed runner, Simply Big did nothing following a handy run on the far side.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (295) - THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CUP (HANDICAP) - Class 3 - 1000Meters

TRIUMPHANT JEWEL was withdrawn on 28.12.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front lateral suspensory branch injury) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUN SUN FA FA (J Moreira).

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

After entering the track, MY BEGINNER'S LUCK became fractious, resulting in M F Poon being dislodged without incident.

After being remounted, MY BEGINNER'S LUCK again became very fractious and reared over, resulting in M F Poon being dislodged and MY BEGINNER'S LUCK getting down before being recaptured.

After being remounted again, MY BEGINNER'S LUCK then proceeded to the barriers without further incident.

Following this incident, the Veterinary Officer took advice from Veterinary Officials within the vicinity of this incident.

Jockey Poon was also consulted.

After undergoing a thorough veterinary examination, MY BEGINNER'S LUCK was found to have sustained no detectable injuries and therefore passed suitable to race.

After the race, M F Poon stated that MY BEGINNER'S LUCK did not feel comfortable in its action over the latter stages of the race.

A further veterinary inspection of MY BEGINNER'S LUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of MY BEGINNER'S LUCK, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, MY BEGINNER'S LUCK will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial on the turf and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Prior to competing in a barrier trial, MY BEGINNER'S LUCK will also be required to proceed to the Start in a satisfactory manner.

SUN SUN FA FA began awkwardly and lost ground and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of WINNING WAYS.

DASHING GAINER stumbled at the start.

REEL BIZZY shifted in at the start and bumped MY BEGINNER'S LUCK which began awkwardly.

Approaching the 600 Metres, REEL BIZZY shifted in, resulting in MY BEGINNER'S LUCK being taken in and bumping CALIFORNIA ARCHER which became unbalanced.

MASTER ALBERT, which was following, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALIFORNIA ARCHER in consequence.

Passing the 600 Metres, BRIGHT KID was shifted in away from the heels of WINNING WAYS.

Over the final 400 Metres, I AM POWER hung out and at times proved difficult to ride.

Apprentice H T Mo (I AM POWER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 200 Metres he permitted his mount, which was hanging out, to shift out, causing MASTER ALBERT, which was racing to its outside, to be steadied away from the heels of I AM POWER.

Apprentice Mo was advised that whilst the interference sustained by MASTER ALBERT was not severe, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had exhibited a high degree of carelessness by using the whip in the right hand on a horse which was clearly hanging out.

After considering all the circumstances of this matter, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for Apprentice Mo's licence to ride in races to be suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 6 January 2019 and to expire on Thursday, 10 January 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

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

Apprentice Mo was also spoken to about permitting his mount to shift ground after the winning post, causing interference to CALIFORNIA ARCHER which also at this time shifted in marginally.

Passing the 150 Metres, WINNING WAYS was steadied away from the heels of DASHING GAINER which shifted out marginally.

WINNING WAYS then had difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages and consequently was not able to be properly tested.

Over the final 100 Metres, BRIGHT KID was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be properly tested.

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

I AM POWER and CALIFORNIA ARCHER were sent for sampling.