Recap by phillip woo

Well backed late to jump favourite, Splendid Living kept up a strong gallop after getting his own way in front for an easy first Hong Kong win at his 16th local start. He had been knocking on the door in three of his past four Sha Tin runs and found a suitable race at Happy Valley. Fearless Fire just got the better of Ready Player One after rushing forward three deep to track the leader from gate 10. He is always a chance over this Happy Valley trip. Ready Player One stayed on reasonably well for third following his prominent run. It was a good effort on his seasonal return after a fetlock injury in August. Theta Hedge plugged away to take fourth after his handy run one off the fence. He has gone all right in two of his past three starts in this grade following his Class Five win. Samarkand gradually faded after chasing the speed in the one-one position. It was a better effort from him following his downgrade. Kung Fu Tea made good ground late near the inside after a patient ride. He was not suited by the tempo of the race. Early favourite Sunny Delight was eased down 200m out after making his run two from the rear.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (420) - SAI KUNG HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1650Meters

THETA HEDGE was slow to begin and shortly after the start then raced tight to the inside of HERCULES which jumped awkwardly.

SURREALISM jumped only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

From wide barriers, KUNG FU TEA and DEAR SIBLING were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, THETA HEDGE was steadied to avoid the heels of SPLENDID LIVING (H Bentley) which shifted in when not quite clear.

H Bentley was advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HERCULES lay in when placed close to NUNCHUKS and as a result bumped AI ONE.

Apprentice Y L Chung (SAMARKAND) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the winning post on the first occasion he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of THETA HEDGE, resulting in that horse being checked away from the heels of SAMARKAND.

In the circumstances, Apprentice Chung was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 5 March 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 9 March 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Apprentice Chung was fined $30,000.

FEARLESS FIRE raced wide and without cover in the early stages before being allowed to stride forward and obtain a position outside the lead near the 1000 Metres.

HERCULES raced keenly in the middle stages and approaching the 900 Metres was shifted out and away from NUNCHUKS and then raced wide and without cover thereafter.

Over the final 150 Metres, SPLENDID LIVING lay out under pressure.

Near the 75 Metres, NUNCHUKS was shifted to the outside of THETA HEDGE to continue into clear running.

Passing the 50 Metres, SURREALISM was eased when disappointed for running between SAMARKAND and THETA HEDGE which shifted in slightly.

Over the concluding stages, KUNG FU TEA raced in restricted room between READY PLAYER ONE and FEARLESS FIRE.

A veterinary inspection of SUNNY DELIGHT immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.

SUNNY DELIGHT, SPLENDID LIVING and FEARLESS FIRE were sent for sampling.