Recap by phillip woo

After rushing to the front 250m out following a pace-stalking run, Gallant Hero held on by the slimmest of margins over Super Hong Kong for a third straight win under Zac Purton following a rise in trip. Super Hong Kong sustained a bid down the outside to make it close on the wire after being asked for an effort from near last 700m out. It was his best run from four 2,200m starts but he did live up to a rallying fourth last start over 1,600m. Born The Same Day stayed on nicely for third without threatening the top two following a box-seat run. It was one of his better efforts from 16 local runs. Happy Angel just held on for fourth after finding the lead underneath Gallant Hero 1,900m out. It was another honest effort. Helene Allibor plugged on reasonably well to just miss the frame after rushing forward three wide to sit prominent 1,500m out from gate 11. Wonder Years finished next best after being roused for a run 800m out from the rear following a slow start. Favourite Reach Goal never fired from midfield. It was an out-of-character effort after he finished in the mix in four prior starts.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (704) - MIN FAT HANDICAP - Class 4 - 2200Meters

LUCKY DIAMOND, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 30.5.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore).

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

WONDER YEARS was slow to begin.

SUPER HONG KONG jumped only fairly.

REGENCY MASTER shifted out at the start and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

H Bowman (REACH GOAL) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 2000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BULB DRAGON, resulting in that horse being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

H Bowman was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 and to expire on Monday, 19 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

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

After the race, B Avdulla (BORN THE SAME DAY) stated that, from the inside barrier, after jumping awkwardly, his mount was able to obtain a more forward position without being pressure to do so.

Also after the race, H Bowman (REACH GOAL) reported that his mount became held up behind BORN THE SAME DAY approaching the 500 Metres and as a result when it was placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight found it difficult to finish the race off strongly.

A veterinary inspection of REACH GOAL 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, REACH GOAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Following the race, Z Purton (GALLANT HERO) reported that from a favourable barrier and being up in distance tonight, GALLANT HERO was able to take up a more forward position than at its most recent starts.

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

REACH GOAL, GALLANT HERO and SUPER HONG KONG were sent for sampling.