Recap by phillip woo

Punted late Victory Machine did it tough going forward three-deep to park outside the leader Forza Angel at the 800m, poked his head in front at the 350m and just out-bobbed newcomer Waikuku for a third straight win. Favourite Waikuku stayed on very well travelling three-deep ahead of midfield to make it a thriller on the wire. He has a good future. Well-backed late Biz Power closed well two from the right following a patient ride third from the rear to just overhaul the late-fancied Loving A Boom for a placing. Loving A Boom peaked on his run 50m out after making a bid near the inside following a one-off run in midfield in an improved second-up performance. He has ability and just needs to come into his own. Lucky Hero ran on reasonably well after covering ground beyond midfield to just miss a top-four spot. Play Wise made some ground down the outside from near the rear. The 1,200m was too short.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (280) - LUK WU HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

On jumping SOLOMON'S BAY lost ground when crowded for room between PLAY WISE and KASI FARASI, both of which shifted ground.

Soon after the start, LOVING A BOOM was steadied away from the heels of ALL BEST FRIENDS when taken in by EPTIMUM which raced tight inside PERFECT BUDDY which got its head on the side and lay in away from LUCKY HERO.

Apprentice H T Mo (FORZA ANGEL) was severely reprimanded for allowing his mount to shift in momentarily near the 1100 Metres, resulting in crowding to LUCKY HERO, PERFECT BUDDY and EPTIMUM.

In this incident, EPTIMUM made contact with the hindquarters of ALL BEST FRIENDS, resulting in both ALL BEST FRIENDS and EPTIMUM becoming unbalanced.

C Schofield (FLYING MURTY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WAIKUKU, resulting in that horse being hampered when forced inwards across the rightful running of LUCKY HERO which was also hampered when very awkwardly placed on the heels of WAIKUKU.

In this incident, LUCKY HERO shifted out and hampered CALIFORNIA TURBO.

C Schofield was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 6 January 2019 and to expire on Thursday, 10 January 2019 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

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

On the first turn after passing the 900 Metres, KASI FARASI (A Badel) struck the heels of BIZ POWER (D Whyte) and blundered badly.

After taking evidence from A Badel and D Whyte, it was established that when attempting to improve into tight running between SOLOMON'S BAY and BIZ POWER, KASI FARASI got its head on the side and was inclined to shift out towards the heels of BIZ POWER which at this stage shifted in marginally.

In all the circumstances, no further action was taken, however, D Whyte was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course.

For some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, EPTIMUM was steadied when racing keenly and awkwardly placed inside the heels of FLYING MURTY which, after shifting in when not properly clear, was then steadied to allow VICTORY MACHINE to cross.

C Schofield was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst there were some circumstances involved with this incident, in similar circumstances he would be expected to provide more comfortable racing room to runners on his inside.

In this incident, EPTIMUM lost its left hind plate.

Near the 800 Metres, WAIKUKU and LUCKY HERO were left racing wide and without cover.

SOLOMON'S BAY was held up for clear running until after passing the 300 Metres.

A veterinary inspection of EPTIMUM immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained wounds to the outside of the left hind cannon.

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

VICTORY MACHINE and WAIKUKU were sent for sampling.