Recap by phillip woo

Old-timer Money Catcher straightened three from the rear in a suitably run race and came with a bold move with one wider out to take control 150m out for a third win and first in a long while from 49 starts. He did put the writing on the wall when third last start over 2,200m. Stunning Peach ran on nicely down the outside for second after biding his time second last from gate nine. He's run well to place twice from three starts this season off a lengthy break. The Auspicious continues to hold his form very well with a rallying third after a two-and-three-wide trip at times from behind midfield. Packing Fighter ran on steadily for fourth after a one-off trip from midfield. It was an encouraging debut run in Hong Kong. Prestige Good kept on well for fifth after coming from behind midfield to vie for the lead 900m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine : (342) - PAK SHA O HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1800Meters

Horse No 1 JOY OF SPRING (H383) E C W Wong Apprentice E C W Wong could offer no explanation for his mount's failure to finish the race off in the Home Straight.

Trainer C Fownes stated that the horse had pleased him since its last start win on 3 December 2025 and had trialed in a satisfactory manner on 30 December 2025.

He said he could offer no explanation for its performance and indicated that the horse would be given a let-up before racing again.

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

Horse No 2 STUNNING PEACH (J301) H Bowman Bumped on jumping.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 3 PRESTIGE GOOD (K131) C L Chau When questioned C L Chau stated that his instructions were to endeavour to hold a forward position but indicated to connections that due to the expected strong pace of the event it may be difficult to comply with those instructions.

He said he was also given the option of making a move during the middle stages of the race to allow the horse to hold an on-pace position, particularly as PRESTIGE GOOD races in a one-paced manner.

He said after settling behind midfield in the early stages he then after the 1400 Metres encouraged PRESTIGE GOOD to improve into the event which resulted in the horse obtaining a position outside the lead near the 900 Metres.

When questioned if there was an opportunity to attempt to hold a trailing position behind MONDIAL or THE AUSPICIOUShaving regard to the early and middle sectionals of the race being run inside of standard time, C L Chau stated that, in his view, this would be contrary to the instructions he had been issued.

Trainer P F Yiu confirmed the instructions issued and expressed satisfaction with the manner in which Jockey Chau had ridden the horse.

After considering his explanation, the Stewards advised Jockey Chau that having regard to the quick early and middle stages of the race he would have better suited by attempting to obtain a position with cover, however, they found the tactics he adopted were not unreasonable in the circumstances.

Horse No 4 EXCELLENCE VALUE (K093) A Badel Shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room.

Horse No 5 LIVEANDLETLIVE (K156) M Chadwick Noted to have blood in the mouth on arrival at the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race.

M Chadwick reported that his mount was disadvantaged by being pressured in the lead in the middle stages by PRESTIGE GOOD and as a result gave ground in the Home Straight.

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

Horse No 6 MONDIAL (K206) J Orman Made contact with a rail entering the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and passed suitable to race.

Bumped on jumping.

Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to have blood in the mouth.

Horse No 7 MISTER DAPPER (H376) B Avdulla B Avdulla stated that whilst his mount was able to hold an on-pace position, due to the early and middle stages of the race being run inside of standard time, it travelled only fairly during the middle stages.

He added under pressure in the Home Straight MISTER DAPPER did not respond to his riding which he attributed to the quick early and middle sectionals of the race.

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

Horse No 8 ROMANTIC THOR (K012) L Ferraris L Ferraris stated that from a wide barrier he was instructed to go forward.

Horse No 9 FORTUNE BOY (K098) Z Purton Jumped awkwardly.

Z Purton reported that he had some concerns with his mount's action when under pressure in the Home Straight.

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

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 10 THE AUSPICIOUS (K004) M Guyon Shortly after the start was steadied when crowded between EXCELLENCE VALUE which was taken out slightly by MISTER DAPPER and PACKING FIGHTER which was taken in by LIVEANDLETLIVE (M Chadwick).

M Chadwick was reprimanded.

Horse No 11 ENTHRALLED (K252) A Atzeni From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Leaving the 150 Metres was shifted to the outside of LIVEANDLETLIVE to continue into clear running.

Horse No 12 PACKING FIGHTER (L112) L Hewitson Jumped awkwardly.

Horse No 14 MONEY CATCHER (G171) K C Leung Jumped only fairly.

Near the 400 Metres lay in and was steadied away from THE AUSPICIOUS.

Sent for sampling post-race.