Recap by phillip woo

Dragon General quickened to grab a narrow lead 100m out after travelling midfield in the centre of the course and just held off the late surge of class dropper My Little Friend to open his win account following a promising debut run in October. My Little Friend travelled fourth from the rear from a tough draw and finished nicely one from the far side to make it a thriller on the wire. He'll be winning if he can remain in the grade. Plunged late, Triumphant Jewel travelled up on the speed in the centre of the course, assumed the lead 220m out and grudgingly gave way. No Money No Talk was handy in the run two off the stands side, loomed a chance 200m out and came up flat over the last 100m. Forever Posh made a nice steady bid after travelling behind midfield in the centre of the course in an encouraging debut. He'll be winning races in no time. Aerospeed ran on well near the far side after travelling third from the rear.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (231)-MIDDLE HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1000Metres

At the time of declarations, K C Leung was declared to ride FANTASTICO at 114 lbs plus 2 lbs allowable overweight.

Following the running of Race 7, Jockey Leung advised that he would not be able to ride FANTASTICO at the declared weight.

As it was ascertained that there was no other eligible rider who was able to ride FANTASTICO at its allocated weight even with allowable overweight, Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of FANTASTICO, advised the Stewards that he was comfortable for K C Leung to ride FANTASTICO 3 lbs overweight.

Acting under the powers of Rule 82(3), the Stewards approved for Jockey Leung to ride FANTASTICO 3 lbs overweight and an announcement was made to this effect.

K C Leung was subsequently fined the sum of $7,000.

Due to K C Leung weighing out late, the start of the race was delayed.

When proceeding to the Start, LUCKY CELEBRITY bumped its left hip on a rail, resulting in the horse sustaining mild abrasions.

On arrival at the Start, LUCKY CELEBRITY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultation the horse was suitable to race.

GLOBE TROTTER knuckled over at the start.

DA VINCI shifted out at the start and bumped MY LITTLE FRIEND.

FOREVER POSH began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped TRIUMPHANT JEWEL.

Shortly after the start, FOREVER POSH raced in restricted room between NO MONEY NO TALK and TRIUMPHANT JEWEL which shifted out marginally.

After the 500 Metres, MY LITTLE FRIEND was shifted in away from the heels of DRAGON GENERAL.

For some distance after the 400 Metres, NO MONEY NO TALK was held up for clear running behind LUCKY CELEBRITY.

Near the 250 Metres, CHATER ROCK was severely checked after being disappointed for running outside TRAVEL COMFORTS which shifted out marginally.

Whilst this incident was one of some significance, as the Stewards were satisfied that CHATER ROCK did not establish running to the outside of TRAVEL COMFORTS, no further action was taken.

Also near the 250 Metres, NO MONEY NO TALK shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of TRAVEL COMFORTS which became unbalanced.

Near the 100 Metres, DRAGON GENERAL shifted out and raced tight inside TRIUMPHANT JEWEL.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LUCKY CELEBRITY, J Moreira stated that after making contact with a rail after leaving the Parade ring, the horse proceeded to the barriers normally and there did not appear to be any problem with its action.

He said because of this he was in accord with the Veterinary Officer's decision to clear the horse to start in the race.

He said after having to be ridden along in the early stages to obtain a good position, LUCKY CELEBRITY travelled keenly, however, he was not overly concerned by the manner in which the horse travelled.

He said however he became concerned that LUCKY CELEBRITY was not going to finish off the race after the 500 Metres at which time he had to ride the horse along as horses around LUCKY CELEBRITY were improving their positions.

He said the horse quickly came off the bridle and was inclined to shift ground on a number of occasions when under pressure.

He added the manner in which LUCKY CELEBRITY was giving ground was concerning and for this reason he eased it down over the latter stages of the race.

Trainer W Y So stated that he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse's disappointing performance as he expected it to race well.

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

The performance of LUCKY CELEBRITY, a favourite for today's race, was considered unacceptable.

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

After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on AEROSPEED at the request of Trainer P O'Sullivan.

The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

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

LUCKY CELEBRITY, DRAGON GENERAL and MY LITTLE FRIEND were sent for sampling.