Recap by phillip woo

Post-time favourite Amazing Gaze travelled one-out, one-back from gate nine and control near the 200m for a maiden win at his 13 starts. He was a well-rated runner on the back of three placings last term. Sunday's Serenade surged late near the outside to grab second after a patient ride third last from gate eight. He's honest. Inno Super finished well for third after a one-off trip from midfield. He is always a chance over the Valley 1,650m. Early favourite Sky Deep stayed on for fourth despite getting up until the 200m and having the leader The Lion King fall back on his lap after a handy run on the fence. He had an excuse. Old-timer Romantic Laos was doing some nice work late through the centre for fifth after making his run at the rear from gate 10. It was a good run at his first start for his new trainer. Shooting To Top was gassed 100m out after assuming the lead 350m out following a three wide without cover run prompting the pace from gate 11. He is one to keep safe if he can draw a proper gate. Mission Giant didn't have much left in the tank over the last 100m after chasing the speed one off from gate four.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four : (14) - KWUN TONG HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1650Meters

Horse No 1 SHAMZ (L097) C Y Ho A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Horse No 2 SKY DEEP (K041) E C W Wong E C W Wong was found guilty of a careless riding charge for causing interference approaching the 400 Metres (see COLOURFUL GAN).

When questioned E C W Wong stated that the instructions were to go forward and lead if possible, however, he was also given the option to take up a position with cover if his mount did not show sufficient pace to lead.

He said SKY DEEP jumped only fairly and he rode the horse along in the early stages in an endeavour to hold the lead.

He said when a number of runners to his outside were showing superior pace he was obliged to obtain a trailing position behind MISSION GIANT.

He said making the Home Turn when THE LION KING commenced to give ground he was obliged to shift to that runner's outside to improve and as a result made contact with THE LION KING near the 400 Metres when improving between THE LION KING and AMAZING GAZE.

He added that entering the Home Straight he observed MISSION GIANT shift out slightly and as a result he endeavoured to improve to that runner's inside, however, when MISSION GIANT maintained its position close to the rail he was obliged to check his mount when disappointed for clear running near the 300 Metres.

He said as a result he was obliged to shift to the outside of MISSION GIANT where his mount secured clear running near the 250 Metres.

After considering his explanation the Stewards found that Jockey Wong had endeavoured to comply with his instructions in the early stages, however, he was advised that on entering the Home Straight he had made an error of judgement in endeavouring to improve to the inside of MISSION GIANT where there was not sufficient room to do so.

Jockey Wong was further advised that he would be expected in future to show better judgement than what he did on this occasion.

Horse No 3 SHOOTING TO TOP (L039) K C Leung Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

Horse No 4 SUNDAY'S SERENADE (J231) Z Purton From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 5 MISSION GIANT (K577) M Chadwick A veterinary inspection 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, MISSION GIANT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Horse No 7 ROMANTIC LAOS (G476) C L Chau From a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Horse No 8 JOLTIN (L186) M L Yeung Was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

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

Horse No 9 COLOURFUL GAN (L054) B Avdulla E C W Wong (SKY DEEP) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 400 Metres he shifted to the outside of THE LION KING when not clear of COLOURFUL GAN, resulting in COLOURFUL GAN losing its rightful running and blundering.

E C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 1 October 2026 and to expire on Monday, 5 October 2026 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Jockey Wong was fined $15,000.

In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 1 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his very poor race riding record.

Horse No 10 AMAZING GAZE (K444) K Teetan Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 11 THE LION KING (K265) A Atzeni Near the 400 Metres, when under pressure, was checked to avoid MISSION GIANT (M Chadwick) which shifted in.

Whilst the Stewards accepted that Jockey Chadwick had made some effort to correct his mount he was severely reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he would be expected to make a greater effort than what he did on this occasion to straighten his mounts.

A Atzeni stated that his mount was able to obtain the lead in the early stages where it travelled satisfactorily.

He said on the Home Turn when pressured by MISSION GIANT his mount came under pressure and gave ground noticeably thereafter.

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

The performance of THE LION KING, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, THE LION KING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.