Recap by phillip woo

Post-time favourite G Liner kept Mayhem at bay despite lugging out in the run to the wire over the last 100m after rushing to the lead 1,450m out for a second straight win following a switch to the dirt. Mayhem came up just short after a box seat run. He was able to build on back-to-back fourths over the dirt 1,200m and a win is around the corner. First-up specialist Bear Slam came from near last to finish a close third. It was another good effort. Amazing Teens just edged Fast Victory for fourth with a bid three off the fence after a wide trip travelling towards the rear from gate 14. Fast Victory ran on well to just miss the frame after settling wide with cover travelling four from the rear. It was a much-improved effort. Californiatotality weakened in the run to the wire after rushing forward three wide to track the speed 1,250m out. The change in tactics and switch in surfaces failed to have the desired effect. Early favourite Mission Bravo ran on without threatening settling last from gate six. Viva Hunter was eased down upon straightening.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five : (431) - TVB PO LEUNG KUK GALA SPECTACULAR HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1650Meters

Horse No 1 VIVA HUNTER (E369) Z Purton Apprentice E C W Wong (BONUS PAL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that leaving the 450 Metres he allowed his mount, which was giving ground, to shift in when insufficiently clear of VIVA HUNTER, resulting in VIVA HUNTER having to be severely checked, shifting in and crowding SIR HURRICANE and also resulting in HARRY'S HERO, which was following VIVA HUNTER, having to be checked.

Taking into account his record, Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 25 February 2024 and to expire on Monday, 4 March 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 3 and the consequences grade

3.

In addition, in lieu of a fine and having regard to his inexperience as an apprentice, Apprentice Wong was directed to appear before the Riding Skills Panel for remedial training under the provisions of Rule 12(46).

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

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

Horse No 3 BLISSFUL STAR (E168) A Hamelin After the 350 Metres was held up behind LUCKY BANNER and was directed to the outside of that runner shortly after and as a result made contact with WINNING SEVEN.

Near the 100 Metres was awkwardly placed on the heels of FAST VICTORY when it shifted out and away from CALIFORNIATOTALITY.

Horse No 6 BONUS PAL (H360) E C W Wong When caught wide in the early stages was ridden forward near the 1100 Metres to avoid covering additional ground.

Apprentice E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference leaving the 450 Metres (see VIVA HUNTER).

Horse No 7 MISSION BRAVO (E383) L Ferraris After the race, L Ferraris stated that despite riding his mount along in the early stages MISSION BRAVO failed to show sufficient pace to hold a more forward position.

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

Horse No 8 LUCKY BANNER (G354) L Hewitson Bumped on jumping and became unbalanced.

After the race, L Hewitson stated that after being caught wide and without cover from the 800 Metres and making the Home Turn wide, LUCKY BANNER failed to respond to his riding in the Home Straight.

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

Horse No 9 HARRY'S HERO (H332) M F Poon Jumped awkwardly and lost ground and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Checked approaching the 400 Metres.

Horse No 10 CALIFORNIATOTALITY (H418) Y L Chung Shifted out at the start and was bumped.

Near the 100 Metres shifted out and away from MAYHEM.

Horse No 11 SIR HURRICANE (H449) B Thompson Jumped awkwardly.

In the early stages raced keenly and for some distance near the 1300 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from MAYHEM.

Badly crowded near the 450 Metres.

The performance of SIR HURRICANE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

A veterinary examination immediately following the race found that horse to be distressed.

Horse No 12 G LINER (H072) K Teetan Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 13 MAYHEM (H226) M L Yeung Prior to the declaration of weighed-in, the Stewards viewed the videos to ascertain if there were grounds for a protest/objection against G LINER being declared the winner due to G LINER shifting out near the 200 Metres and again near the 150 Metres, taking MAYHEM wider.

Having regard to the margin of three quarters of a length between the two horses at the finish of the event, the Stewards declined to lodge a protest/objection when they were satisfied that there were not sufficient grounds to do so and declared weighed-in on the numbers semaphored by the Judge.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 14 WINNING SEVEN (J005) B Avdulla Crowded shortly after the start.

Over-raced in the early and middle stages and near the 1200 Metres was steadied away from LUCKY BANNER.

When giving ground near the 300 Metres was bumped by BLISSFUL STAR.