Recap by phillip woo

Panda quickened nicely after enjoying an uninterrupted run to take control 50m out after making his run behind midfield on the grandstand side for a win at his fourth start. Bowser showed a good turn of foot after biding his time four from the rear to get up late by a nose for second. It was an eye-catching run with a step back in distance at his second start. Metro Warrior just lost second after chasing speed near the stands side from an ideal draw. He should find a race shortly in this grade. Favourite Lifeline Express knocked up late after rushing to the lead 200m out following a handy run. He couldn't build on back-to-back placings but it's still early days. Mr Good Vibes stayed on well for fifth after ducking-and-weaving run from better than midfield wearing blinkers for the first time. Less Is More ran on steadily settling one from the grandstand side travelling midfield. He might be better suited over 1,200m. Sparkling Dolphin faded after dictating the run from gate one. He's not easy to get right. Gangnam Star made headway late without threatening after making his run towards the rear.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two : (389) - PEONY HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1000Meters

Horse No 1 METRO WARRIOR (D387) K C Leung Brushed inside the 50 Metres.

Horse No 2 JOLLY COMPANION (H454) C L Chau A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Horse No 3 LIFELINE EXPRESS (H439) J McDonald Shortly after the start was bumped on the hindquarters.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 5 BOWSER (H460) A Hamelin Jumped only fairly.

For some distance after the 300 Metres had difficulty obtaining clear running.

Inside the 50 Metres was shifted to the inside of PANDA and brushed METRO WARRIOR.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 7 LESS IS MORE (H406) H Bowman H Bowman pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 250 Metres (see PHILOS).

Horse No 8 LUCKY CHARM (J147) B Avdulla Jumped only fairly.

Horse No 9 PACKING BRILLIANT (H421) A Atzeni Bumped at the start.

Shortly after the start was steadied when crowded between LUCKY CHARM and GANGNAM STAR which shifted in before being corrected by its rider.

After the race, A Atzeni reported that his mount, which was having its first race start, was unable to obtain a position closer to the stand rail and raced greenly throughout the event.

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

Horse No 10 PHILOS (H371) Y L Chung Jumped awkwardly.

H Bowman (LESS IS MORE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 250 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when there was insufficient room to do so, resulting in PHILOS being bumped and then crowded for room and ultimately losing its rightful running between LESS IS MORE and VALIANT ELEGANCE and being checked.

H Bowman was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 13 March 2024 and to expire on Thursday, 21 March 2024 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Jockey Bowman was fined $120,000.

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

Horse No 11 PANDA (H466) Z Purton Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 12 GANGNAM STAR (H326) K Teetan Made contact with the right side of its barrier on jumping and then shortly after was bumped by PACKING BRILLIANT.

Horse No 14 MR GOOD VIBES (H180) A Badel From the 450 Metres until the 300 Metres was held up for clear running.