PRIME TIME was withdrawn on 14.1.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BLAZING PARTNERS. Before being allowed to race again, PRIME TIME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TAILOR MADE lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently missed the start. BLAZING PARTNERS threw its head up on jumping and began awkwardly. RIGHTEOUS WIN shifted in at the start and bumped MANNA FROM HEAVEN. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, DAILY CHARM failed to muster speed. Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, BLAZING PARTNERS got its head up and raced ungenerously when being steadied. EASY DAZZLING was left racing wide and without cover approaching the 900 Metres. EASY DAZZLING then commenced to lay out and was reluctant to shift over to race closer to MANNA FROM HEAVEN. EASY DAZZLING hung out making the Home Turn, resulting in TAILOR MADE, which was improving to its outside, being severely hampered and forced extremely wide. A veterinary inspection of EASY DAZZLING immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. The racing manners and performance of EASY DAZZLING, which weakened badly in the Straight and finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EASY DAZZLING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After leaving the 800 Metres, BRAVERY AND POWER shifted out off the heels of BLAZING PARTNERS and approaching the 600 Metres commenced to hang out. BRAVERY AND POWER then hung out severely in the Straight and consequently was not able to be tested. A veterinary inspection of BRAVERY AND POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners of BRAVERY AND POWER were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BRAVERY AND POWER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Passing the 600 Metres, BLAZING PARTNERS again got its head up when awkwardly placed behind SMART THINKER. For a short distance after straightening, DAILY CHARM and WONDER WIN raced tight as WONDER WIN shifted out around the heels of CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE to improve and DAILY CHARM endeavoured to improve inside the heels of RIGHTEOUS WIN. Near the 350 Metres, when unable to proceed inside the heels of RIGHTEOUS WIN, DAILY CHARM was then shifted back to the outside of that horse in order to obtain clear running. After leaving the 400 Metres, SMART THINKER and SANGRIA raced tight due to both horses shifting ground. WONDER WIN was held up for clear running behind SPEED FORCE from approaching the 300 Metres until the 200 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, DAILY CHARM was steadied away from the heels of SANGRIA (B Shinn) which shifted in when placed under pressure. B Shinn was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes more effort to keep his mounts straight. A veterinary inspection of DAILY CHARM and TAILOR MADE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DAILY CHARM, SHANGHAI DRAGON and MANNA FROM HEAVEN were sent for sampling.

STRONG ALLIANCE was slow to begin. SUN OF MAKFI shifted out at the start and made contact with SAVVY KINGMAN which in turn shifted out and hampered ALL YOU WANT. On jumping, GOLD 'N’ BOLD was crowded for room between CHAMPION PRIDE and SUPER TEN which jumped in. After making contact with GOLD 'N’ BOLD, SUPER TEN then shifted out and inconvenienced LAND POWER which was then steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From wide barriers, SWEETLY BABY and PACKING MILES were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After leaving the 1200 Metres, SWEETLY BABY shifted out off the heels of KING’S HORN which got its head up when being steadied. On the Home Turn, LAND POWER was awkwardly placed between ALL YOU WANT and SAVVY KINGMAN when attempting to improve between those runners. When endeavouring to improve between SWEETLY BABY and ALL YOU WANT on straightening, PACKING MILES was obliged to shift out away from the heels of ALL YOU WANT which was taken out slightly by LAND POWER. This resulted in PACKING MILES bumping the hindquarters of SWEETLY BABY which, due to contact on its hindquarters, became badly unbalanced and shifted in across the running of PACKING MILES which was severely checked. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. V Borges, the rider of the 3rd placegetter, GOLD 'N’ BOLD, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts right out to the end of the race. For the majority of the event, SAVVY KINGMAN and ALL YOU WANT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of GOLDEN LINK, Trainer P F Yiu stated that he considers the horse to be better suited at 1400 Metres, however, at its last start GOLDEN LINK tended to over-race after being crowded for racing room in the early stages. He said in today’s race GOLDEN LINK, which was racing without blinkers, settled better and was consequently able to finish off the race strongly. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KING’S HORN had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of LAND POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER TEN, GOLDEN LINK and SAM’S LOVE were sent for sampling.

ELUSIVE STATE began awkwardly. Approaching the 800 Metres, GLORIOUS ARTIST was left racing wide and without cover. GLORIOUS ARTIST then lay out and made the Home Turn awkwardly. When questioned regarding the performance of KINGS SHIELD, Z Purton stated that the horse did not stretch out today and felt stiff in its action. He said mid-race he was concerned that the horse would not close off the race given the manner in which it was travelling and, when placed under pressure well before the Home Turn, KINGS SHIELD failed to respond to his riding and was particularly disappointing. Trainer F C Lor advised the Stewards the only excuse he could offer was that the horse may have taken some harm from its last start where it struck interference on the Home Turn. He added however that KINGS SHIELD had appeared to come out of that race without any particular issue and had worked and done well leading into today’s event. A veterinary inspection of KINGS SHIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of KINGS SHIELD, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, KINGS SHIELD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT GLORY immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. KINGS SHIELD, ELUSIVE STATE and ENCORE BOY were sent for sampling.

LUMEN BABA was crowded for room on jumping between SKYEY SUPREME and KING’S RACE, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, IMPECCABLE FELLOW, WEALTHY EMPLOYEE, SUN SUN FA FA and EL VALIENTE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being left racing wide and without cover at the 1300 Metres, SO AWESOME was allowed to improve its position to obtain the lead after the 800 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, DOUBLE TAKE was held up for a short distance behind RED ELYSEES. After the 200 Metres, LONDON LUCKYSTAR was directed back to the inside of KING’S RACE due to that horse shifting out under pressure. The performance of IMPECCABLE FELLOW, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, IMPECCABLE FELLOW 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, N Callan voiced concern regarding the action of LONDON LUCKYSTAR. A veterinary inspection of LONDON LUCKYSTAR immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LONDON LUCKYSTAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SKYEY SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of KING’S RACE immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils and also confirmed it to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. KING’S RACE, LADY FIRST and SO AWESOME were sent for sampling. <18/1/2021 Additional Veterinary Report>KING’S RACE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was found to have bled from both nostrils and also confirmed it to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. KING’S RACE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer K H Ting this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, KING’S RACE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, N Callan voiced concern regarding the action of LONDON LUCKYSTAR. LONDON LUCKYSTAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in its trachea. LONDON LUCKYSTAR was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D E Ferraris this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be mildly lame in its left hind leg. As previously advised, LONDON LUCKYSTAR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

NEW FUTURE and GLADSOME RYDER began only fairly. ALLOY KING and MULTIMORE bumped on jumping. From a wide barrier, SUPER RED DRAGON was shifted across behind runners soon after the start. Passing the 900 Metres, SUNDAY BETTING momentarily raced tight inside CLASSIC POSH which was taken in by NEW FUTURE which shifted in before being corrected. At the 850 Metres, LITTLE PLAYER got its head up when being steadied after racing in restricted room between ALL BEST FRIENDS and GALACTIC which shifted in. Approaching the 500 Metres, NEW FUTURE and SUPER RED DRAGON made contact. NEW FUTURE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 300 Metres, STEEL WIN and TOUCH FAITH were momentarily held up for clear running. For some distance after leaving the 200 Metres, STEEL WIN was checked and lost ground when it remained badly held up behind ALLOY KING which commenced to weaken and inside the heels of MULTIMORE before being shifted to the outside of the heels of MULTIMORE at the 100 Metres. GLADSOME RYDER was held up for clear running from approaching the 300 Metres until after passing the 150 Metres. DANDY YEARS was unable to obtain clear running in the Straight and then approaching the 100 Metres made contact with the hindquarters of ALL BEST FRIENDS when endeavouring to improve into tight running between that horse and GALACTIC. DANDY YEARS continued to race in restricted room between ALL BEST FRIENDS and GALACTIC over the concluding stages and consequently was not able to be fully tested. Throughout the race, GALACTIC travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that after being placed under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, LITTLE PLAYER did not respond to his riding. He said the horse then came under pressure to maintain its position and lost ground despite being ridden along until the 200 Metres. He said at this stage of the race LITTLE PLAYER felt particularly awkward in its action and as he was concerned that something may be amiss with the horse, he eased it down over the final stages. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE PLAYER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LITTLE PLAYER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TOUCH FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TOUCH FAITH, NEW FUTURE and CLASSIC POSH were sent for sampling.

EVERYONE’S DELIGHT jumped out at the start and made contact with INNO LEGEND which in turn shifted out and bumped YOUNG VICTORY which consequently shifted out, causing severe crowding to LEISURE AND GOLD and VICTORIA GENERAL, both of which were checked. In this incident, VICTORIA GENERAL was tightened onto the hindquarters of CIRCUIT HERO which became unbalanced. Approaching the 1000 Metres, EVERYONE’S DELIGHT travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind HOT CHILI PEPPER. Approaching the 900 Metres, INNO LEGEND was left racing wide and without cover. Z Purton, the rider of EVERYONE’S DELIGHT, was found guilty of a charge of improper conduct in that after pulling up on EVERYONE’S DELIGHT, he did unnecessarily and forcefully strike that horse down the left shoulder on three occasions with his whip. For this offence, Z Purton was fined the sum of $10,000. After the race, B Shinn stated that after being badly crowded at the start, VICTORIA GENERAL settled at the rear of the field. He said coming from a rearward position, the horse was not suited by the slow tempo in the early and middle stages and consequently was left flat-footed when the pace quickened approaching the Home Turn. He added that VICTORIA GENERAL is still quite inexperienced and was again inclined to race greenly when placed under pressure. A veterinary inspection of VICTORIA GENERAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of JUDY’S STAR and INNO LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EVERYONE’S DELIGHT, FAMILY FOLKS and HOT CHILI PEPPER were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that FLASHCARD had blood at its mouth. FLASHCARD was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. After being loaded, GOOD LUCK CHARM became fractious and reared. GOOD LUCK CHARM was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who advised the horse was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, GOOD LUCK CHARM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. BALTIC WHISPER began only fairly. PING HAI BRAVO was held up for clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY GOOD GUYS and WINNING BREW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CARROLL STREET, PING HAI BRAVO and VALIANT DREAM were sent for sampling. <18/1/2021 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNING BREW, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNING BREW was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer F C Lor this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING BREW will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

From wide barriers, AMAZING NEWS, CONQUEROR and PARTY EVERYDAY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, RUBY STARS commenced to race fiercely and was checked away from the heels of FOODIE PRINCESS when being shifted across behind that runner. Then passing the 1400 Metres, RUBY STARS shifted out away from the heels of FOODIE PRINCESS, resulting in PARTY EVERYDAY being hampered and forced wider. RUBY STARS continued to race ungenerously for some distance after the 1400 Metres. NOTHING NEW raced wide and without cover until approaching the 1000 Metres where ELITE PATCH was left racing wide and without cover. PARTY EVERYDAY also raced wide and without cover from approaching the 1000 Metres and was inclined to lay out. After the race, K C Leung stated that TURIN REDSTAR was not suited by the strong tempo of the race as the horse was never travelling comfortably on the bridle. A veterinary inspection of TURIN REDSTAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ELITE PATCH and BIZ POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PARTY EVERYDAY, HONGKONG GREAT and PING HAI TREASURE were sent for sampling. <18/1/2021 Additional Veterinary Report>BIZ POWER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. BIZ POWER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P O’Sullivan this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, BIZ POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

CZARSON began awkwardly. Passing the 800 Metres, MEGA HEART was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WELLINGTON which shifted out. For some distance after passing the 100 Metres, BEAUTY APPLAUSE and WELLINGTON raced tight due to WELLINGTON’s inclination to lay out when placed under pressure. Approaching the 50 Metres, GREEN AEON was inconvenienced by LARSON which shifted in. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of C Schofield, the rider of the 5th placegetter, GREEN AEON, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out all the way to the finishing line. After the race, K C Leung was unable to offer any reason for CLASSIC UNICORN’s disappointing performance. He said the horse travelled satisfactorily in the early stages, however, was under pressure prior to the 400 Metres and weakened noticeably over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC UNICORN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WINNER SUPREME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY APPLAUSE and WELLINGTON were sent for sampling.

ABLE REIGN was withdrawn on 15.1.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SMART FOLKS (N Callan). Before being allowed to race again, ABLE REIGN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TELECOM CHEETAH and STAR OF YUEN LONG made contact at the start. THE HULK struck its head on the side of the gate on jumping. SPARKY TRAIL jumped out at the start, taking SMART FOLKS out onto MING WARRIOR which in turn shifted out and crowded TALENTI onto the hindquarters of AMARA WIN which became unbalanced. In this incident, TALENTI was checked and lost ground. THE HULK was left racing wide and without cover passing the 900 Metres. At the entrance to the Straight, TELECOM CHEETAH was directed back to the inside of the heels of TALENTI which shifted out to improve. For a short distance at the entrance to the Straight, VITRALITE was held up for clear running before being shifted to the inside of SPARKY TRAIL at the 350 Metres to continue improving. A veterinary inspection of AMARA WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MY SUGAR, TEMPEST EXPRESS and THE HULK were sent for sampling.