Recap by phillip woo

Odds-on favourite Ivictory toyed with them to draw clear in the drive after punching the breeze in second from a wide gate in his initial Valley start to notch a fifth win from six starts. Outsider Triumphant Jewel came from a distant last at the 650m to just get the better of Radiant Steed for second. It was a huge effort but he's a hard one to get right. Radiant Steed defied a deep run fore of midfield without cover to just miss second. It was another solid effort following back-to-back wins at Sha Tin and he appears to have the tools to score another. Jade Theatre only held his ground following a prominent run. This was a bit too rich and he's one to keep safe in a pure 60-80 range Class Three. Back In Black made only a mild bid without ever looking a threat following a midfield run on the fence. He has been going better of late but like Jade Theatre needs an easier test. Charity Glory never came on after a deep run with cover beyond midfield.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (445) - BLUE POOL HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

FAIRY TWINS began only fairly, shifted out on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of FLYING TOURBILLON which became unbalanced., From the outside barrier, TRIUMPHANT JEWEL was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Apprentice H N Wong (FORTUNE BO BO) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of CHARITY GLORY (N Rawiller), resulting in that horse being hampered and taken in onto COMFORT LIFE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Saturday, 3 March 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 8 March 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Apprentice Wong's good race riding record.

N Rawiller stated that it had been intended for CHARITY GLORY to be ridden in a forward position albeit it was anticipated that the tempo of the race would be quicker than that of its last start when the horse was able to obtain a forward position.

He said however that after being crowded in this incident, this resulted in CHARITY GLORY racing further back in the field than had been intended.

He said after the 700 Metres he considered maintaining his position inside RADIANT STEED, however, this would have resulted in CHARITY GLORY racing without cover throughout the race and therefore he elected to allow RADIANT STEED to cross CHARITY GLORY near the 600 Metres to provide his mount with cover until rounding the Home Turn.

RADIANT STEED lost its right hind plate rounding the Home Turn.

Passing the 150 Metres, FORTUNE BO BO commenced to shift out under pressure.

After receiving a call from K Teetan (BACK IN BLACK) which was positioned directly to the outside of FORTUNE BO BO, Apprentice Wong directed his mount back in to prevent causing crowding to BACK IN BLACK.

GOLDEN HARVEST (A Sanna), which was endeavouring to improve to the inside of FORTUNE BO BO at this time, became awkwardly placed inside the heels of FORTUNE BO BO after the 100 Metres and taken in which resulted in COMFORT LIFE being checked and GOLDEN HARVEST being hampered.

As the Stewards were of the view that there were some circumstances to this incident, no further action was taken, however, Apprentice Wong will be advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground which may cause interference to other runners.

A Sanna will also be advised to be alert to the changing circumstances of a race so that he is able to avoid causing interference to other runners.

Throughout the race, RADIANT STEED travelled wide and without cover.

A veterinary inspection of FLYING TOURBILLON and CHARITY GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

IVICTORY and TRIUMPHANT JEWEL were sent for sampling.