Recap by phillip woo

Kyrus Unicorn took control 200m out after turning the final bend one off from better than midfield for a second career win at his 36th start. He relished a rise in trip following an unlucky first run in the grade last month. Punted late Joyful Champion stayed on well for second after enjoying the perfect run from gate one. He's done well to place in his past two starts following a rise in trip. Fiery Flying got going late to fill a placing after turning the final behind two from the rear. Starship Eighty made headway late to fill the frame after showing no speed for the most part at the rear of the field. Gold Sterling ran on without threatening from towards the rear after a tardy start. It was his best run to date following a downgrade and step up in distance. Ring Bells faded after working forward three wide to eventually sit outside the leader Loyal Ambition. Favourite Splendid Star didn't offer much after getting impeded and shuffled back to near last at the 400m following a speed-chasing run one off the lead.

Racing Incident Report

Race One : (82) - WO CHE HANDICAP - Class 5 - 2000Meters

Horse No 1 KYRUS UNICORN (D267) H Bowman Was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 2 GOLD STERLING (H032) A Badel Jumped awkwardly and then was checked when crowded at the start.

Had some difficulty obtaining clear running making the Home Turn.

Horse No 3 SPLENDID STAR (G026) Z Purton A Atzeni (JOYFUL CHAMPION) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 400 Metres he directed his mount out when there was insufficient room to do so, resulting in SPLENDID STAR being crowded for room when racing to the inside of KYRUS UNICORN and causing SPLENDID STAR to be checked when it lost its rightful running.

A Atzeni was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 1 November 2023 at Happy Valley.

In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance, Z Purton stated that SPLENDID STAR settled comfortably in the early stages in a forward position.

He said after the pace increased from the 1600 Metres, his mount was crossed by RING BELLS in the Back Straight and came under pressure from the 1000 Metres.

He added with SPLENDID STAR stepping up in weight today and the pace of the event being quicker than at its last start, SPLENDID STAR, although interfered with at the 400 Metres, was still disappointing.

Trainer D J Whyte concurred with the views offered by Jockey Purton and stated that SPLENDID STAR may not have appreciated racing within two weeks from its last start and may not also have appreciated the step-up in distance.

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

The performance of SPLENDID STAR, favourite for the race and a last start winner, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, SPLENDID STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 4 FIERY FLYING (G090) K Teetan Was crowded on jumping.

In the early and middle stages raced keenly.

Horse No 5 LOYAL AMBITION (E489) E C W Wong Blundered shortly after the start.

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

Horse No 6 STARSHIP EIGHTY (H022) C Y Ho Was bumped heavily at the start when crowded.

Horse No 7 JOYFUL CHAMPION (G072) A Atzeni Jumped awkwardly and shifted out.

Was sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 8 RING BELLS (G036) M L Yeung Raced wide and without cover until near the 1000 Metres when it was allowed to stride forward and race outside the lead.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer" which had previously been reported.