RIGHTEOUS WIN was difficult to load and subsequently finished tailed out. The performance of RIGHTEOUS WIN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RIGHTEOUS WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, RIGHTEOUS WIN was noted to be making an abnormal respiratory noise. An endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a "roarer”. DIONYSUS COLLIN shifted out at the start and bumped TAILOR MADE. DIAMOND STAR began only fairly, shifted out and lost ground when bumped by PRIME STAR which shifted in. From the outside barriers, SMART COUSIN and OWNERS’ STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. LUCKY MISSILE was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, TAILOR MADE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUCCESS ALLSTARS. Passing the 1300 Metres, SUCCESS ALLSTARS and DIONYSUS COLLIN raced tight inside AMAZING BOY which, after the 1300 Metres, was left racing wide and without cover. At the 600 Metres, SMART COUSIN and LUCKY MISSILE bumped. For some distance approaching and passing the 500 Metres, PRIME STAR was taken back through the field when awkwardly placed behind SUCCESS ALLSTARS which was giving ground. For some distance passing the 250 Metres, LUCKY MISSILE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FORTUNE TRIPLE when held up for clear running behind that horse. LUCKY MISSILE was then shifted to the outside of FORTUNE TRIPLE passing the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, FORTUNE TRIPLE was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MISSILE (L Ferraris) which shifted in. Because of this, FORTUNE TRIPLE was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. L Ferraris was told to exercise more care in similar circumstances. When questioned, H Bentley stated that after being able to obtain a good position in the early stages behind WONDER WIN, SUCCESS ALLSTARS came off the bridle after the 1300 Metres and he had to commence riding his mount along to maintain its position between DIONYSUS COLLIN and AMAZING BOY. He said despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the middle stages, SUCCESS ALLSTARS was reluctant to continue to maintain its position and near the 1100 Metres he had to slap the horse down the shoulder in an endeavour to have it travel better. He said despite this SUCCESS ALLSTARS would not respond to his urgings and after the 600 Metres came up even greater pressure. He added that he continued to ride the horse along rounding the Home Turn, however, SUCCESS ALLSTARS did not respond and weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of SUCCESS ALLSTARS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUCCESS ALLSTARS, which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUCCESS ALLSTARS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, Z Purton stated that he was not given any specific instructions on how to ride AMAZING BOY in tonight’s race. He said in the early stages he was left racing wide outside PRIME STAR and therefore after the 1600 Metres he rode his mount along in an attempt to clear that horse which resulted in AMAZING BOY racing in a more forward position tonight than has been the case previously. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DIONYSUS COLLIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING BOY, TAILOR MADE and LUCKY MISSILE were sent for sampling.

EMBARKED began awkwardly, shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of CHARIZARD. GREAT TREASURE and PACKING FAMOUS were crowded for room on jumping between FAITHFUL TRINITY and AGILITY STAR which shifted out. After this, AGILITY STAR, GREAT TREASURE and PACKING FAMOUS were all steadied to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, PASSING FASHION was also steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, KING DRAGON got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CHARIZARD. KING DRAGON was then left racing wide and without cover after the 1300 Metres and was allowed to improve its position passing the 1100 Metres to race outside the lead near the 900 Metres. Passing the 1300 Metres, SEAWEED FORTUNE shifted out marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING DRAGON. PACKING FAMOUS, which was following SEAWEED FORTUNE, improved its position to then be awkwardly placed inside the heels of SEAWEED FORTUNE as that horse resumed its position one horse off the rail. PACKING FAMOUS then commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of SEAWEED FORTUNE passing the 1200 Metres. When being checked, PACKING FAMOUS shifted in, resulting in GREAT TREASURE being crowded for room after the 1200 Metres. Approaching the 1000 Metres, KUNGFUMASTER PANDA, which was travelling keenly, raced close to the heels of SEAWEED FORTUNE. Passing the 300 Metres, PACKING FAMOUS was held up for clear running and approaching the 200 Metres was directed to the inside of SICOMORO to obtain clear running. After the 300 Metres, VIVA POPCORN momentarily raced tight inside SICOMORO which got its head on the side and lay in. VIVA POPCORN and FAITHFUL TRINITY were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of TELECOM ROCKET. TELECOM ROCKET was examined by the Veterinary Officer and after the necessary consultations was passed suitable to race. A veterinary inspection of TELECOM ROCKET immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. PERFECT PEACH began only fairly and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of CHARMING STEED which shifted out after being bumped by AQUILA. MASTER ALBERT shifted out at the start and hampered HARRIER JET. MASTER ALBERT was then steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. From wide barriers, QUORUM and STORMTROUPER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. PERFECT PEACH (K Teetan), which was having its first start tonight, became unbalanced of its own accord near the 950 Metres. After the race, K Teetan stated that PERFECT PEACH then raced keenly for the remainder of the event. AQUILA travelled keenly in the lead in the middle stages and throughout the race was inclined to lay out. A Hamelin (WHAT A LEGEND) was spoken to regarding using the whip forward of the saddle on a number of occasions approaching and passing the 100 Metres when racing tight outside POISED TO STRIKE. Near the 25 Metres, V Borges (HARRIER JET) dropped his whip. Over the concluding stages, WHAT A LEGEND raced tight inside ICE LEGEND which got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure. Close to the finishing line, PERFECT PEACH was awkwardly placed inside the heels of AQUILA which shifted in away from POISED TO STRIKE. Because of this, PERFECT PEACH was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. After the race, M F Poon reported that QUORUM was making an abnormal breathing noise during the race. A veterinary inspection of QUORUM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, J Moreira (GREAT HARVEST) stated that he was instructed to attempt to obtain a position behind the leaders in the early stages if possible. He said it was felt that tonight’s race would be run at a good tempo and that a number of horses drawn inside GREAT TREASURE would likely be ridden to obtain forward positions. He said he was asked not to ride his mount along in the early stages as this may result in too much use having to be made of GREAT HARVEST to cross runners to its inside which would therefore not allow the horse the opportunity to finish the race off. He said after beginning well he steadied his mount in the early stages with a view to obtaining a position behind the speed. He said after shifting across to race behind CHARMING STEED shortly after the start when that horse was being ridden along, he was left racing outside ICE LEGEND which had two runners to its inside, in particular WHAT A LEGEND which he anticipated would be ridden to obtain a position behind the lead. He said as he was concerned that GREAT HARVEST would be left racing wide and possibly without cover, he elected to steady his mount further behind ICE LEGEND and then improved its position on the rail to follow TELECOM ROCKET which resulted in the horse having to race slightly further back in the field than had been anticipated. Mr K L Man, trainer of GREAT HARVEST, confirmed that he had asked J Moreira to attempt to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders if possible. He said although GREAT HARVEST had previously been ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, on 20 October 2021, GREAT HARVEST did not finish the race off as well as anticipated and was found to have a substantial amount of blood in its trachea following the race after being ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said as he was concerned that GREAT HARVEST may again not finish the race off if use were to be made of the horse in the early stages, he specifically instructed J Moreira not to ride his mount along in the early stages, however, he felt that GREAT HARVEST would have sufficient speed to take a trailing position behind the leaders. A veterinary inspection of GREAT HARVEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ICE LEGEND and CHARMING STEED were sent for sampling.

JOLLY HONOUR and FAIRY FLOSS were steadied to obtain cover in the early stages. From a wide barrier, SUNNY DELIGHT was also shifted across behind runners shortly after the start to obtain cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MANNA FROM HEAVEN shifted in and bumped TRAVEL GLORY. Passing the 1300 Metres, FULL POWER got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of AMAZING NEWS. MANNA FROM HEAVEN travelled wide and without cover until near the 1100 Metres. MISSION BRAVO got its head up approaching and passing the 1000 Metres when awkwardly placed behind TRAVEL GLORY. Approaching the 800 Metres, AMAZING NEWS shifted out away from the heels of LOYAL BABY after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. AMAZING NEWS was then allowed to improve its position, however, raced wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Passing the 400 Metres, JOLLY HONOUR was held up behind SUNNY DELIGHT. Passing the 100 Metres, EEVEE was directed to the inside of LOYAL BABY. A veterinary inspection of RUN THE TABLE and MANNA FROM HEAVEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOYAL BABY, TOTAL POWER and SUNNY DELIGHT were sent for sampling.

SHOWINA was withdrawn on 17.1.22 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter VAMOS. Before being allowed to race again, SHOWINA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUGAR SUGAR stumbled shortly after the start when bumped by FORTUNE CARRIER which shifted out. After this, SUGAR SUGAR was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. From the outside barrier, MY INTELLIGENT was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. AHEAD A HEAD was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain a position closer to the rail. Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, BEAUTY AMIGO was slow to muster speed. When being steadied to obtain cover, THUNDERSTRIKE got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of BEAUTY AMIGO approaching the 1100 Metres. SUGAR SUGAR made the turn near the 600 Metres awkwardly and shifted out and bumped HERCULES, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. In the early part of the Straight, HERCULES raced tight inside MY INTELLIGENT. HERCULES was then shifted to the inside of FORTUNE CARRIER approaching the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. After the 300 Metres, SUGAR SUGAR got its head on the side and lay in. Throughout the race, FORTUNE CARRIER travelled wide and without cover. After the race, J Moreira stated that in the middle stages THUNDERSTRIKE was unable to improve its position due to BEAUTY AMIGO which he was following having difficulty maintaining its position. He said he had to shift THUNDERSTRIKE out a number of horses after the 500 Metres to commence improving his position and then made the Home Turn very wide. He said after being placed under pressure in the Straight THUNDERSTRIKE was then disappointing in its failure to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of THUNDERSTRIKE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SHADOW RUNNER and LUCKY ARCHANGEL were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that BEAUTY JOY had blood in its mouth. BEAUTY JOY was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. SUNSHINE WARRIOR was slow to begin. SUNNY STAR stumbled at the start, shifted out and bumped SOLAR WAI WAI. From the outside barriers, ROCKET SPADE and C P BRAVE were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. After the 1400 Metres, SOLAR WAI WAI was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAR AGAIN. Passing the 1100 Metres, TSAR was steadied away from the heels of BEAR AGAIN which shifted out away from behind TELECOM FIGHTERS. At the entrance to the Straight, TSAR shifted out and bumped SAVAQUIN. TSAR was then crowded for room passing the 300 Metres between SAVAQUIN and BEAR AGAIN which shifted out. Also at the entrance to the Straight, BEAUTY JOY was shifted out away from the heels of SOLAR WAI WAI. Passing the 200 Metres, SUNSHINE WARRIOR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of TSAR which got its head on the side and lay out despite the efforts of its rider. After the race, H Bentley expressed concern regarding the action of BEAR AGAIN following the race. A veterinary inspection of BEAR AGAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, BEAR AGAIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of C P BRAVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY JOY and SAVAQUIN were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO became fractious, lifted its front feet off the ground and lost a significant amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. FARSHAD was crowded for room on jumping between BRILLIANT FORTUNE which shifted in marginally and MERCURIAL which shifted out. EXCELLENT CHARIOT and GRACYLOVE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Approaching the 1000 Metres, EXCELLENT CHARIOT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of THE RUNNER which shifted in. After the 1000 Metres, THE RUNNER was left racing wide and without cover and was ridden along for some distance after the 900 Metres to improve its position to race outside the lead after the 600 Metres. Approaching the 900 Metres, EXCELLENT CHARIOT commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HIGH RISE SOLDIER. After this, EXCELLENT CHARIOT continued to prove difficult to settle. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, WINNING METHOD shifted out and bumped EXCELLENT CHARIOT. Near the 300 Metres, FARSHAD became unbalanced after bumping with SEIZING THE MOMENT. At the 150 Metres, GINSON, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of SEIZING THE MOMENT (J Moreira) which shifted out. At the same time, HIGH RISE SOLDIER was also steadied away from the heels of WINNING METHOD (M Chadwick) which shifted in. Both J Moreira and M Chadwick were reprimanded and told that they must make every endeavour to prevent their mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. A veterinary inspection of EXCELLENT CHARIOT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING METHOD and THE RUNNER were sent for sampling.

ENSURED began awkwardly and then was crowded for room between SACRED IBIS and HALL OF CHAMP, both of which shifted ground. HELENE WISDOM STAR and AMAZING ONE PLUS bumped at the start. HELENE WISDOM STAR was then crowded for room between AMAZING ONE PLUS and ZONE D which shifted out shortly after the start. GORYTUS shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of CONQUEROR. After this, from a wide barrier, GORYTUS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, MEANINGFUL STAR was crowded for room between READY PLAYER ONE and EVERYONE’S DELIGHT which shifted out. Near the 1300 Metres, CONQUEROR and READY PLAYER ONE bumped. Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, ZONE D was awkwardly placed behind MEANINGFUL STAR. CONQUEROR travelled wide and without cover until near the 800 Metres at which time the horse was shifted in to race outside the lead. After the 700 Metres, EVERYONE’S DELIGHT got its head on the side and lay out. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, READY PLAYER ONE raced tight inside HELENE WISDOM STAR which improved to the outside of that horse. Also making the turn near the 600 Metres, ZONE D shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MEANINGFUL STAR, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. MEANINGFUL STAR was awkwardly placed behind READY PLAYER ONE approaching the 500 Metres and near the 450 Metres was bumped by ZONE D which shifted out. At the entrance to the Straight, L Hewitson (SACRED IBIS) was not able to use his whip when racing tight inside READY PLAYER ONE which improved into tight running inside CONQUEROR which was giving ground. Passing the 200 Metres, MEANINGFUL STAR was shifted out away from the heels of EVERYONE’S DELIGHT to continue improving. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of A Badel (EVERYONE’S DELIGHT), 6th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless told to ensure that he rides his mounts out all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit. J Moreira, the rider of 4th placegetter, ZONE D, pleaded guilty to a charge of having failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards [Rule 100(2)]. After having considered all the relevant circumstances, the Stewards believed the appropriate penalty was for J Moreira’s licence to ride in races be suspended for a period to commence on Sunday, 6 February 2022 and to expire on Thursday, 24 February 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (6 Hong Kong racedays). When questioned regarding his riding of ZONE D, particularly after the 1000 Metres, J Moreira stated that approaching the 900 Metres he was following MEANINGFUL STAR which at this time was racing to the outside of SACRED IBIS. He said after the 900 Metres MEANINGFUL STAR commenced to lose ground when racing behind READY PLAYER ONE and he had the option of shifting either to the inside or the outside of MEANINGFUL STAR rather than continue to lose ground behind that horse. He said as he was aware that HELENE WISDOM STAR was commencing to improve its position to the outside of the heels of ZONE D, he felt that to shift ZONE D to the outside of MEANINGFUL STAR would likely result in interference to HELENE WISDOM STAR and therefore he made the decision to shift to the inside of MEANINGFUL STAR and improved to race behind SACRED IBIS. He added that approaching the 600 Metres he had hoped that MEANINGFUL STAR would shift out to follow HELENE WISDOM STAR forward which would allow him the opportunity to shift out away from behind SACRED IBIS on the rail and commence to work his way to the outside of runners. He said when MEANINGFUL STAR remained racing behind READY PLAYER ONE, he was not able to shift out and therefore not able to improve when racing behind SACRED IBIS and inside MEANINGFUL STAR. He said because of the circumstances of the race rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, ZONE D was not able to obtain clear running and after the 300 Metres was shifted to the outside of CONQUEROR. He said he was able to then commence riding ZONE D along and after the 150 Metres was shifted to the outside of EVERYONE’S DELIGHT to improve into tight running between that horse and MEANINGFUL STAR. A veterinary inspection of CONQUEROR immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of SACRED IBIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ZONE D, GORYTUS and MEANINGFUL STAR were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, ALL IN MIND reared and then lost further ground after being bumped by WOOD ON FIRE which, as the start was effected, also reared and shifted in abruptly. Both ALL IN MIND and WOOD ON FIRE will be required to stalls test satisfactorily prior to being permitted to race again. DIAMOND BRILLIANT was crowded for room on jumping between MOMENTUM GALAXY and MAJESTIC STAR which shifted in. In this incident, MAJESTIC STAR became unbalanced after being bumped by DIAMOND BRILLIANT. From wide barriers, TORONADO PHANTOM, TRANSCENDENT and SIMPLY FLUKE were all steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Making the turn near the 1050 Metres, SIMPLY FLUKE was checked away from the heels of TORONADO PHANTOM which was being steadied to obtain cover behind TRANSCENDENT. Throughout the race, CALIFORNIA CONCORD travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of WOOD ON FIRE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TORONADO PHANTOM, LOVING A BOOM and EASON were sent for sampling.