JUMBO ENGINE was withdrawn on 23.1.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FOCUS (H W Lai). Before being allowed to race again, JUMBO ENGINE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DRAGON KINGDOM, which was fractious in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and lost ground. BELLA BABY was slow to begin and then was inconvenienced by SELL MY SOLE which shifted in after jumping awkwardly. E HONEY began awkwardly. HOLYSHOWCASING also began awkwardly, then shifted out and became awkwardly placed on the heels of FOCUS. MOMENTUM HAPPY and SUNNY AND GOLD bumped at the start. After passing the 400 Metres, ISLAND SUNSHINE raced greenly when placed under pressure. E HONEY had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 200 Metres and then at the 100 Metres was shifted to the inside of HOLYSHOWCASING which drifted out under pressure. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on MOMENTUM HAPPY at the request of Trainer K H Ting. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MOMENTUM HAPPY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After returning to the stables following the race, HONEY BEE was found to be distressed. Before being allowed to race again, HONEY BEE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA GUNGHO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNER METHOD and BELLA BABY were sent for sampling.

From wide barriers, EZRA and YES WE CAN were shifted across behind runners soon after the start. In the early part of the Straight, LIGHT MY DAY was awkwardly placed behind HAPPY FORTUNE which came under heavy pressure. YES WE CAN was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. YES WE CAN was then inclined to lay in when placed under pressure. For the majority of the race, FORTUNE TRIPLE travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if RAINBOW LIGHT had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey C Soumillon and Starter, Mr A Speechley. After taking evidence from both parties and after viewing the official videos, it was established that as the start was effected RAINBOW LIGHT reared simultaneously and consequently missed the start by a considerable margin. As the Stewards were satisfied that RAINBOW LIGHT had caused its own problem and had not had an unfair start, the horse was deemed to be a runner. C Soumillon reported that the effort taken for RAINBOW LIGHT to make up lost ground in the early and middle stages then took its toll on the horse’s finishing effort. Before being allowed to race again, RAINBOW LIGHT will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. A veterinary inspection of RAINBOW LIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse was noted to have blood in its mouth. When questioned, A Hamelin stated that the only reason he could offer for the disappointing performance of RED ELYSEES was that the horse began only fairly and he was therefore obliged to ride it along for some distance in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said it was not until approaching the 1200 Metres where he was able to shift in and race outside the leader HAPPY FORTUNE. He added that RED ELYSEES came off the bridle before straightening and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of RED ELYSEES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on BUNDLE OF DELIGHT at the request of Trainer D J Hall. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BUNDLE OF DELIGHT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LIGHT MY DAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FAMILY LEADER, PAKISTAN FRIEND and SHADOW BREAKER were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that BREEZE OF SPRING had blood in its mouth. BREEZE OF SPRING was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. GOLDEN FOUR was very slow to begin. From the outside barrier, CHARITY GRACE was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. BREEZE OF SPRING was also steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, WISDOM PATCH was steadied away from the heels of APEX TOP which was racing tight inside FORTUNE MASTER. At the 900 Metres, OH BRAVO was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 700 Metres, BRIGHT VISION commenced to prove difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of BRILLIANT CHINA. BRILLIANT CHINA had difficulty obtaining clear running from on straightening until after passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, GOLDEN FOUR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of BREEZE OF SPRING which shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding his riding of CHARITY GRACE in the Straight and his reason for not pulling the whip, A Badel stated that when positioned at the rear of the field on straightening, he elected to take inside runs and commenced to ride the horse along from prior to straightening. He said in the early part of the Straight he identified that he would follow the ultimate winner MASTER HERO and as CHARITY GRACE was making up good ground when under strong hands and heels riding, he did not believe it was necessary to pull the whip on the horse as it was clear to him that when he improved to be racing behind MASTER HERO, he would then be required to ride with some caution when improving to the outside of the heels of that horse given the placement of APEX TOP. He added after passing the 100 Metres he continued to ride CHARITY GRACE along whilst angling out around the heels of MASTER HERO and it was not open to him to pull the whip at this stage given that APEX TOP was close outside his heels. He said once he established clear running to the outside of MASTER HERO, this was inside the 50 Metres and as CHARITY GRACE was doing its best work under hands and heels riding, he continued to ride it out to the finishing line in this fashion. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on WISDOM PATCH at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in its trachea and also found the horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN FOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE MASTER, MASTER HERO and CHARITY GRACE were sent for sampling.

CRAIG’S STAR jumped in at the start, resulting in STAR PERFORMANCE, which began awkwardly, and GREEN REIGN being crowded for room. SACRED IBIS began only fairly. From the outside barrier, BELUGA was steadied and shifted across behind runners soon after the start. Approaching the 1200 Metres, HARMONY WIN WIN was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of CRAIG’S STAR which shifted in. At the 1100 Metres, SEA OF LIFE was steadied away from the heels of CRAIG’S STAR. FLAGSHIP GLORY raced wide and without cover from the 900 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, PERFECT PAIR lay out and was awkwardly placed near the heels of BELUGA. PRIME MINISTER was held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 200 Metres. SACRED IBIS also had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. After the race, C Schofield stated that although obliged to race wide through the middle stages, GREEN REIGN always had cover. He said however that GREEN REIGN did not let down when placed under pressure in the Straight and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of GREEN REIGN immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of E STAR and STAR PERFORMANCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BELUGA, SEA OF LIFE and PRIME MINISTER were sent for sampling.

REGENCY LEGEND, which made contact with a rail when proceeding to the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and found to be suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that BUDDIES had blood in its mouth. BUDDIES was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. WISHFUL THINKER was slow to begin., When left racing wide after the 1000 Metres, FAT TURTLE was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. STRONGER was left racing wide and without cover at the 900 Metres. Near the 50 Metres, REGENCY LEGEND momentarily raced tight inside VOYAGE WARRIOR when improving inside that horse. Over the concluding stages, BIG PARTY lay in under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding with the whip. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on REGENCY LEGEND at the request of Trainer C S Shum. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, REGENCY LEGEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY BANNER, WISHFUL THINKER and AMAZING STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HOT KING PRAWN and REGENCY LEGEND were sent for sampling.

SPLENDOUR AND GOLD jumped in at the start, resulting in CHAMPION SUPREME, which was slow to begin, being further hampered. VINCY and ENTRUSTED made contact on jumping. ABOVE and STIMULATION also made contact at the start. From wide barriers, CLEMENT LEGEND and ENRICHMENT were shifted across behind runners soon after the start. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, ABOVE shifted out and brushed VINCY which in turn shifted out and inconvenienced SPLENDOUR AND GOLD which then got its head up when steadied. When left racing wide and without cover in the early stages, ARROGANT was allowed to improve its position to settle outside the lead at the 1400 Metres at which stage ENTRUSTED was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, FLYING MIGHTY was awkwardly placed between AWE and SPLENDOUR AND GOLD. At the entrance to the Straight, HAPPY MY BROTHER shifted out off the heels of ARROGANT and bumped the hindquarters of ENTRUSTED. Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, HAPPY MY BROTHER and ENTRUSTED raced tight and made further contact as HAPPY MY BROTHER improved outside of ARROGANT. ENRICHMENT was held up for clear running from the 300 Metres until the 150 Metres. Apprentice C L Chau (VINCY) was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in passing the 250 Metres, resulting in AWE and ENTRUSTED being crowded for room. In this incident, ENTRUSTED made contact with HAPPY MY BROTHER which consequently became awkwardly placed close to the heels of ARROGANT which was losing ground. Also in this incident, CLEMENT LEGEND was obliged to shift out to avoid the heels of ENTRUSTED when that horse lost ground. Approaching the 150 Metres, AWE was shifted to the outside of the heels of VINCY to obtain clear running. When questioned, A Badel stated that from a wide barrier and from the awkward starting position at the 2000 Metres, it was agreed that NATURAL STORM should be ridden conservatively as there was concern that if the horse were to be ridden to take up a forward position, it would likely be left racing wide and without cover. He said after settling at the rear of the field, NATURAL STORM travelled comfortably, however, when the tempo quickened approaching the Home Turn, NATURAL STORM immediately came off the bridle and did not initially respond to his riding. He added it was not until over the final 200 Metres that NATURAL STORM commenced to close off the race and, in his view, the circumstances of the race did not suit the horse today. A veterinary inspection of NATURAL STORM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SPLENDOUR AND GOLD immediately following the race found that horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY MY BROTHER and ENTRUSTED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NATURAL STORM, STIMULATION and ABOVE were sent for sampling.

RISE HIGH began only fairly. At the 100 Metres, WAIKUKU lay in behind SOUTHERN LEGEND and became awkwardly placed near the heels of that horse. In the run to the finishing line, WAIKUKU remained awkwardly placed between SOUTHERN LEGEND which shifted out slightly under pressure and GOLDEN SIXTY and consequently was not able to be fully tested. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION’S WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN SIXTY and SOUTHERN LEGEND were sent for sampling.

After being loaded, TSAR became fractious and got its left hind leg caught over the back gates. TSAR was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was not fit to start. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of TSAR. Before being allowed to race again, TSAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CELESTIAL POWER became fractious just prior to the gates being released and consequently missed the start. Before being allowed to race again, CELESTIAL POWER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. THE SUMMIT and SKY DARCI bumped on jumping. From a wide barrier, RUSSIAN EMPEROR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LUCKY EXPRESS lost its left front plate in the early stages. At the 1100 Metres, ENRICH DELIGHT went amiss and lost ground abruptly. THE SUMMIT, which was following ENRICH DELIGHT, was checked in consequence. SKY DARCI, TOURBILLON DIAMOND and EXCELLENT PROPOSAL were also hampered. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ENRICH DELIGHT had sustained an injury to the left front leg. When being shifted across to obtain cover behind SHADOW HERO at the 950 Metres, BEAUTY JOY commenced to over-race and then was checked away from the heels of SHADOW HERO which was being steadied outside the leader LUCKY PATCH. When being checked, BEAUTY JOY then improved to be racing inside the heels of SHADOW HERO and shifted in, resulting in MAXIMUS being crowded in onto the rail. SKY DARCI, which was following, was forced to shift out away from the heels of BEAUTY JOY in consequence. Approaching the 900 Metres, HEALTHY HAPPY was left racing wide and without cover. TOURBILLON DIAMOND was held up for clear running from on straightening until approaching the 200 Metres. THE SUMMIT had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. LUCKY EXPRESS was also held up for clear running until after passing the 300 Metres. When questioned, J Moreira stated that although SKY DARCI was inconvenienced when BEAUTY JOY was checked on the first turn, SKY DARCI continued to travel well after this incident and he expected the horse to show its customary good acceleration when brought to the outside early in the Straight. He said however that SKY DARCI was today very one-paced in the Straight and raced "flat”. He said he was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s failure to close off as it normally does. A veterinary inspection of SKY DARCI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Z Purton stated that it was intended for SHADOW HERO to be ridden more prominently and it was hoped that this might be with cover behind the leaders. He said the connections had also indicated to him that the option to lead was also open to him if he could obtain an uncontested lead. He said SHADOW HERO jumped much better today and he rode the horse positively in the early stages and after the 1200 Metres he shifted over to follow LUCKY PATCH across when that horse assumed the lead. He said SHADOW HERO travelled satisfactorily throughout the middle stages, however, was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SHADOW HERO immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and was also found to be galloped on the right hind leg. Before being allowed to race again, SHADOW HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MAXIMUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. A veterinary inspection of CELESTIAL POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SKY DARCI, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL and LUCKY EXPRESS were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from ENRICH DELIGHT.

TIANCHI MONSTER shifted out at the start and made contact with RELIABLE TEAM. From wide barriers, CHARITY GO and HELENE LEADINGSTAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, BUTTERFIELD commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when being steadied off the heels of THINKIN’ BIG. Approaching the 900 Metres, THINKIN’ BIG commenced to travel keenly and shifted out off the heels of GREEN LUCK. THINKIN’ BIG was then allowed to improve its position to travel outside the lead at the 700 Metres. When the pace slackened near the 800 Metres, INDICATIVE VOTE was checked away from the heels of PACKING WALTHAM and shifted out, resulting in ASSIMILATE being crowded onto HELENE LEADINGSTAR. TIANCHI MONSTER was held up behind RELIABLE TEAM from on straightening until approaching the 300 Metres. SUPER OASIS was held up for clear running from on straightening until approaching the 200 Metres where it endeavoured to improve into an available run between BUTTERFIELD and PANFIELD. However, after leaving the 200 Metres, SUPER OASIS was disappointed for the run between BUTTERFIELD and PANFIELD which shifted in, resulting in SUPER OASIS being shifted back to the inside of the heels of BUTTERFIELD and making contact with GREEN LUCK. A short distance later, SUPER OASIS was then awkwardly placed inside the heels of BUTTERFIELD which shifted in after being brushed by PANFIELD. Approaching the 200 Metres, CHARITY GO was shifted out a number of horses to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, PACKING WALTHAM shifted in under pressure and raced tight with PANFIELD, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten. For the majority of the race, PANFIELD travelled wide and without cover. A Hamelin, the rider of TIANCHI MONSTER, was reminded of the requirement not to use his whip forward of the saddle. K Teetan, the rider of BUTTERFIELD, and Dr A Prabhu, Executive Manager, Veterinary Regulatory Operations, were interviewed regarding BUTTERFIELD being found to have been marked following the race. K Teetan was subsequently fined the sum of $10,000. A veterinary inspection of HELENE LEADINGSTAR and RELIABLE TEAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING WALTHAM, ASSIMILATE and CHARITY GO were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, SERIOUS LIAISON lunged at the front gates, consequently became unbalanced and lost ground. REGENCY BO BO began only fairly. EXCELLENT CHARIOT and WHEN YOU BELIEVE bumped soon after the start. WHEN YOU BELIEVE raced wide and without cover from the 900 Metres. At the 900 Metres, NOIR RIDER got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind SIGHT SUCCESS. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, NORTHERN SUPERSTAR and TRANSCENDENT bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. When questioned, Z Purton stated that MASTER MONTARO stood well in the barriers, however, when the gates opened, the horse began very awkwardly and threw its head up. He said this was not overly concerning as it was intended to ride the horse in a rearward position from an outside barrier. He said when brushed by WINNING FOR ALL which shifted out at the entrance to the Straight, MASTER MONTARO ran out away from that horse and lost momentum. He said however that MASTER MONTARO felt lethargic, was very one-paced in the Straight and was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of MASTER MONTARO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MASTER MONTARO, second favourite for today’s event, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASTER MONTARO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, K C Leung stated that, from barrier 10, he was instructed to ride EXCELLENT CHARIOT from behind midfield as the connections were concerned that if the horse were to be ridden to take up a forward position, it was highly likely that it would be left racing wide and without cover. He said the decision to ride EXCELLENT CHARIOT more conservatively today was also felt appropriate given that a number of runners had performed well when ridden from back in the field in earlier races. He added although obliged to race three wide when racing behind midfield, EXCELLENT CHARIOT always had cover but then closed off the race one-paced when brought to the outside in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT CHARIOT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, C Y Ho stated that WINNING FOR ALL travelled very keenly throughout the early and middle stages which, in his view, impacted on the horse’s finishing performance. He said although WINNING FOR ALL closed off the race fairly, the horse’s failure to settle in the early stages was the primary reason for its disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of WINNING FOR ALL immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. Also after the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that NORTHERN SUPERSTAR was mildly lame in its right hind leg. SIGHT SUCCESS and BIG FORTUNE were sent for sampling.