Recap by phillip woo

Post-time favourite Ace travelled in the box seat from gate one before taking control 100m out to make it three wins from 16 starts. It was a winning debut at the Valley for the five-year-old. Punted late Happy Promise found one too good in the end after taking off four wide to lead 500m out following a one-off trip from midfield. Like the winner, it was a solid effort at his maiden start at the Valley. Well Enough stayed on nicely near the inside for third travelling midfield on the fence after getting impeded early on. He was able to build on a fifth last start over 1,400m. Early favourite Glorious Journey stayed on fourth best after a patient ride third last from gate four. It was another honest effort over the Valley 1,650m. Refusetobeenglish ran on late for fifth after making his run at the rear following a squeeze soon after the start. He should find his mark shortly in this grade. Ragga Bomb made headway late to make it close for fifth. It was an improved effort at his second start this term. Viva Graciousness disappointed after getting his own way in front from gate 10. Mission Giant was on empty late after circling the field mid-race.

Racing Incident Report

Race One : (119) - RACING SPIRIT HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1650Meters

Horse No 1 REFUSETOBEENGLISH (K362) J Orman Jumped only fairly and shortly after the start was checked to avoid WELL ENOUGH.

Near the 400 Metres was steadied to avoid JUMBO STEPS.

Horse No 2 GLORIOUS JOURNEY (J137) C Y Ho Shortly after the start was crowded by HAPPY PROMISE which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider.

Horse No 3 VIVA GRACIOUSNESS (J079) P N Wong Apprentice P N Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference approaching the 1400 Metres (see MISSION GIANT).

Apprentice Wong could offer no excuse for her mount's disappointing performance.

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

Horse No 4 RAGGA BOMB (K162) R Kingscote Near the 600 Metres was steadied when carried wider by HAPPY PROMISE (A Atzeni) which shifted out when not sufficiently clear.

A Atzeni was severely reprimanded.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of R Kingscote, 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ensure that he fully rides his mounts out to the finish of the race.

Trainer D Eustace confirmed that from the outside barrier he had instructed R Kingscote to ride the horse in a conservative manner in the early stages as it raced too keenly at its most recent start when it raced in a forward position.

Horse No 5 WELL ENOUGH (L029) M L Yeung Shortly after the start became badly unbalanced when bumped heavily by MISSION GIANT.

When being shifted in leaving the 1600 Metres got its head up when being steadied to avoid GLORIOUS JOURNEY.

Horse No 6 ACE (K307) Z Purton Leaving the 1100 Metres was steadied when momentarily crowded by I AM BACK (E C W Wong) which shifted in before being corrected by its rider.

E C W Wong was advised to exercise more care.

Leaving the 500 Metres raced tight to the inside of I AM BACK which shifted in slightly when giving ground.

Bumped near the 150 Metres.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 7 JUMBO STEPS (L269) K C Leung Crowded approaching the 1400 Metres.

E C W Wong (I AM BACK) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1300 Metres he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of JUMBO STEPS, resulting in JUMBO STEPS having to be checked.

E C W Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 28 October 2026 and to expire on Thursday, 5 November 2026 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Jockey Wong was fined $50,000.

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

Approaching the 400 Metres raced tight between GLORIOUS JOURNEY and I AM BACK which was giving ground.

Near the 400 Metres was checked to avoid MISSION GIANT which lost ground when being checked.

K C Leung advised that from a wide barrier he was instructed to take up a forward position as connections were of the opinion there was a lack of pace engaged in the event.

Trainer P C Ng confirmed the instructions issued.

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

Horse No 8 MISSION GIANT (K577) M Chadwick Crowded shortly after the start.

Apprentice P N Wong (VIVA GRACIOUSNESS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1400 Metres she allowed her mount to shift in when insufficiently clear of I AM BACK, resulting in I AM BACK being taken in onto JUMBO STEPS and forcing JUMBO STEPS across the running of MISSION GIANT which was checked.

Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 8 November 2026 and to expire on Thursday, 12 November 2026 on which day she may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered her good race riding record.

When commencing to give ground near the 400 Metres was checked when crowded between GLORIOUS JOURNEY (C Y Ho) which shifted in slightly and ACE (Z Purton) which shifted to the outside of VIVA GRACIOUSNESS.

Both Jockeys Ho and Purton were advised to exercise more care.

In assessing the incident the Stewards found that the fact that MISSION GIANT was under pressure and giving ground at this point had contributed to the severity of the interference.

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

A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils.

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

Horse No 10 I AM BACK (L061) E C W Wong Crowded approaching the 1400 Metres.

E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 1300 Metres (see JUMBO STEPS).

Jockey Wong stated that from his wide barrier he was instructed to ride the horse in a conservative manner in the early stages.

He said when his mount commenced well and raced keenly he was obliged to allow it to stride forward.

He said I AM BACK continued to race keenly in the early and middle stages before giving ground in the Home Straight.

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

The performance of I AM BACK, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

Horse No 11 HAPPY PROMISE (L266) A Atzeni Shifted out at the start and made contact with GLORIOUS JOURNEY.

When placed under pressure in the Home Straight lay in and near the 150 Metres shifted in and made contact with ACE.

Sent for sampling post-race.

Horse No 9 INNO SUPER (K319) C L Chau Withdrawn on 20.10.26 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind).

Before being allowed to race again, INNO SUPER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.