Recap by phillip woo

Adios quickened nicely to take control 150m out after his one-off-the-fence trip to score his first Hong Kong win on his fifth start in the city. He relished a return to the course at which he placed second on his Hong Kong debut, and he can win again. Namjong Sings came from near last to grab second 30m out. He had been around the mark in his past two starts. Xponential came up one paced over the final 50m after hitting the front 200m out. He is as honest as the day is long. Favourite Drops Of God plugged on after being short of room at times following his prominent trip on the fence. His big weight seemed to take its toll. Diamond Brilliant weakened 100m out after rushing forward three deep approaching the 700m. He will be a force in Class Four shortly. You can forget the run of H Z Tourbillon, who was badly held up for a run along the inside after biding his time two from the rear. He should have finished closer. California Concord will sleep well after his torrid run better than midfield. Flying Bonus famed tamely after dictating the run for half the race. He is not genuine and likely has his mind set on Class Four.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (71) - TAI SHUE WAN HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

H Z TOURBILLON began only fairly and then lost ground when crowded for room between ADIOS and DROPS OF GOD which shifted out.

In this incident, ADIOS became unbalanced and lost ground when bumped on the hindquarters by H Z TOURBILLON.

STOICISM shifted out at the start and hampered NAMJONG SINGS.

Then from the outside barriers, both STOICISM and NAMJONG SINGS were shifted across behind runners.

After being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position, DIAMOND BRILLIANT was steadied approaching the 1000 Metres in an attempt to obtain cover behind XPONENTIAL.

When ADIOS improved to be racing inside DIAMOND BRILLIANT and behind XPONENTIAL passing the 1000 Metres, this resulted in DIAMOND BRILLIANT being left racing wide and without cover.

DIAMOND BRILLIANT was then again ridden along passing the 850 Metres to improve forward of XPONENTIAL and shift in to race outside the lead near the 600 Metres.

DROPS OF GOD was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn.

H Z TOURBILLON, which was following DROPS OF GOD, was also held up for clear running in consequence.

Then at the entrance to the Straight, H Z TOURBILLON was directed to the inside of FLYING BONUS in an attempt to obtain clear running inside that horse.

As H Z TOURBILLON was being shifted in, FLYING BONUS lay in away from DROPS OF GOD, resulting in H Z TOURBILLON being checked away from the heels of FLYING BONUS and then being held up for clear running until approaching the 200 Metres.

As the Stewards were satisfied that H Z TOURBILLON had not established running to the inside of FLYING BONUS prior to that horse shifting ground, no further action was taken.

Throughout the race, CALIFORNIA CONCORD travelled wide and without cover.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of V Borges (DIAMOND BRILLIANT), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless severely reprimanded and placed on notice regarding his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

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

A veterinary inspection of STOICISM immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

Before being allowed to race again, STOICISM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

DROPS OF GOD, ADIOS and NAMJONG SINGS were sent for sampling.