J Moreira (MASTER DELIGHT) and V Borges (BEAUTY FIT) were each fined the sum of $2,000 for failing to present themselves in the Parade Ring by the required time. SENOR TOBA was slow to begin. CALIFORNIA TEN and ALL FOR ST PAUL’S bumped at the start. COBHFIELD shifted out at the start and bumped BEAUTY FIT. BEAUTY FIT was steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. MASTER DELIGHT (J Moreira) got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn and passing the 500 Metres was bumped by COBHFIELD (K Teetan) which shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, MASTER DELIGHT shifted in and bumped COBHFIELD. MASTER DELIGHT then became unbalanced and shifted in further, resulting in COBHFIELD being crowded for room between MASTER DELIGHT and ALL FOR ST PAUL’S. J Moreira was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and making contact with other runners. After the race, K Teetan reported that after becoming unbalanced in this incident, COBHFIELD was then disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of COBHFIELD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CONQUEROR had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and then raced tight inside SENOR TOBA approaching and passing the 200 Metres. CALIFORNIA TEN was held up for clear running from near the 300 Metres until after the 150 Metres at which time the horse was shifted out from behind MASTER DELIGHT. Then after being able to be ridden out, CALIFORNIA TEN was again badly held up for clear running over the concluding stages when awkwardly placed behind FAST MOST FURIOUS. Because of this, CALIFORNIA TEN was not able to be ridden out close to the finishing line. FAST MOST FURIOUS and MASTER DELIGHT were sent for sampling.

CASIMIRO was withdrawn on 11.12.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter ROYAL AGILITY (L Hewitson). FLYING VICTORY, second Standby Declared Starter, was also withdrawn on 11.12.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, CASIMIRO and FLYING VICTORY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD RUNNER shifted out at the start and inconvenienced A A AGILITY. OUR CREED and ROYAL AGILITY bumped on jumping. CIRCUIT SPIRITANTO lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began only fairly. After this, from a wide barrier, CIRCUIT SPIRITANTO was shifted across behind runners. From the outside barriers, MOONLUCK and EEVEE were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. GOOD RUNNER lost its left hind plate in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, ROMANTIC TROVE was steadied away from the heels of LADY FIRST which was shifted to the inside of MARVEL DRAGON. Approaching the 1100 Metres, HK DRAGON and SUPER MISSION raced tight. Approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, MARVEL DRAGON travelled keenly when awkwardly placed behind COMPULSORY. MARVEL DRAGON then got its head up on a number of occasions after the 1000 Metres when left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 800 Metres, SUPER MISSION raced close to the heels of MARVEL DRAGON. LADY FIRST, which was following SUPER MISSION, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Passing the 500 Metres, ROYAL AGILITY got its head on the side and shifted out and in doing so bumped COMPULSORY. COMPULSORY then shifted out, resulting in MARVEL DRAGON and LADY FIRST racing tight outside COMPULSORY. After the race, it was noted that ROMANTIC TROVE had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of LADY FIRST immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a small wound to the right hind heel. GOOD RUNNER and SUPER MISSION were sent for sampling.

NORDIC SKY shifted out at the start and bumped PERFECT TO GREAT. CHAMPION DRAGON began awkwardly and after travelling a short distance became unbalanced when racing tight inside ENTRUSTED. After the 1300 Metres, CHAMPION DRAGON shifted out towards the heels of HELENE ALLIBOR. Then near the 1200 Metres, CHAMPION DRAGON got its head up when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed inside the heels of HELENE ALLIBOR which shifted in. After being crossed by HELENE ALLIBOR passing the 1200 Metres, CHAMPION DRAGON continued to travel keenly. After the 400 Metres, SUPERBELLA was bumped by ROYAL PRIDE which shifted out away from the heels of WORLD FAMOUS. PERFECT TO GREAT had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 250 Metres was awkwardly placed inside the heels of TEMPEST EXPRESS. Near the 250 Metres, NORDIC SKY became unbalanced when crowded for room between ENTRUSTED which shifted out and MURRAY’S PARTNERS which was shifted to the inside of PERFECT TO GREAT. Approaching the 200 Metres, MURRAY’S PARTNERS was shifted out away from the heels of FLYING TURBO. At the 200 Metres, the whip of L Ferraris (ROYAL PRIDE) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of J Moreira (SUPERBELLA). Passing the 150 Metres, PERFECT TO GREAT was shifted out away from behind CHAMPION DRAGON to obtain clear running. When PERFECT TO GREAT was shifted to the outside of CHAMPION DRAGON, CHARITY GO got its head on the side and shifted out away from that horse, resulting in WORLD FAMOUS being momentarily crowded for room inside ROYAL PRIDE passing the 100 Metres. After the race, B Shinn stated that when leading, HELENE ALLIBOR travelled well in the early and middle stages, however, came under pressure immediately upon entering the Home Straight. He said after this HELENE ALLIBOR weakened out of the race noticeably. He said the only explanation he could offer for HELENE ALLIBOR’s failure to finish off the race was that it may not have been suited by having to lead today’s race. A veterinary inspection of HELENE ALLIBOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, V Borges (WORLD FAMOUS) stated that, from the outside barrier, he was asked to obtain a position behind the leaders if possible. He said in the early stages he shifted WORLD FAMOUS across to race behind TEMPEST EXPRESS and after the 1700 Metres WORLD FAMOUS got its head up when awkwardly placed outside the heels of TEMPEST EXPRESS. He said when TEMPEST EXPRESS was steadied after the 1600 Metres, this resulted in WORLD FAMOUS having to race further back in the field than had been intended. He added WORLD FAMOUS was left racing wide and without cover near the 1000 Metres and whilst he did give consideration to allowing WORLD FAMOUS to obtain a more forward position at this time, he was of the opinion that he would have had to make use of his mount to do so and therefore he elected to allow WORLD FAMOUS to remain racing outside TEMPEST EXPRESS but in a three wide position and without cover. CHAMPION DRAGON, TEMPEST EXPRESS and CHEVALIER PRINCE were sent for sampling.

RELIABLE TEAM shifted out at the start and hampered MOGUL PYLEDRIVER stumbled at the start. Passing the 2200 Metres, GLORY VASE was crowded for room inside COLUMBUS COUNTY which shifted in when racing very tight inside BUTTERFIELD (D Lane) which shifted in. BUTTERFIELD was then shifted out after the 2200 Metres to relieve the crowding to COLUMBUS COUNTY and GLORY VASE. D Lane was severely reprimanded and told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, having been made aware that GLORY VASE was improving its position inside COLUMBUS COUNTY, he should have relieved the pressure far sooner than he did on this occasion. After this, when left racing wide and without cover, BUTTERFIELD was steadied to obtain cover behind COLUMBUS COUNTY. When being steadied, BUTTERFIELD got its head up and travelled keenly for some distance passing the winning post on the first occasion. BUTTERFIELD was able to obtain cover behind COLUMBUS COUNTY near the 1600 Metres. In the early part of the Straight, COLUMBUS COUNTY lay in under pressure. The performance of RELIABLE TEAM, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RELIABLE TEAM 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 RELIABLE TEAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MOGUL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLORY VASE and PYLEDRIVER were sent for sampling.

HOT KING PRAWN shifted out at the start and bumped COMPUTER PATCH. COURIER WONDER shifted out at the start and hampered NABOO ATTACK. PIXIE KNIGHT began only fairly and then was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. STRONGER began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, WELLINGTON was also steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early stages, AMAZING STAR travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, RESISTENCIA raced tight between STRONGER and LUCKY PATCH. In this incident, RESISTENCIA bumped the hindquarters of STRONGER. After the 900 Metres, DANON SMASH was left racing wide and without cover. After being crossed by AMAZING STAR (L Hewitson) near the 800 Metres, LUCKY PATCH commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind that horse for some distance approaching and passing the 700 Metres. Whilst the Stewards accepted that LUCKY PATCH was traveling keenly at this time when being crossed by AMAZING STAR, nonetheless L Hewitson will be advised to ensure that he provides proper clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Approaching the 600 Metres, LUCKY PATCH shifted out away from the heels of AMAZING STAR and bumped DANON SMASH. Near the 550 Metres, AMAZING STAR went amiss and fell, resulting in L Hewitson being dislodged. LUCKY PATCH, which was following, was unable to avoid AMAZING STAR and also fell, resulting in Z Purton being dislodged. NABOO ATTACK was unable to avoid LUCKY PATCH and also fell, causing K Teetan to be dislodged. PIXIE KNIGHT, which was following NABOO ATTACK, was unable to avoid the fallen AMAZING STAR, resulting in Y Fukunaga being dislodged. DANON SMASH was severely checked in this incident and was eased down. STRONGER, which was racing to the inside of LUCKY PATCH. was severely checked. When STRONGER was severely checked, RESISTENCIA was badly hampered, shifted in and inconvenienced SKY FIELD as that horse was shifting to the outside of HOT KING PRAWN. WELLINGTON was also badly hampered in consequence. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING STAR immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained injuries to both front legs. A veterinary inspection of NABOO ATTACK immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained an injury to the right front leg. A veterinary inspection of PIXIE KNIGHT immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left front leg and an endoscopic examination also showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of DANON SMASH and LUCKY PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. K Teetan was subsequently examined by the Chief Medical Officer and passed fit to fulfil his remaining race riding engagements. Before finalising this matter, the Stewards will interview L Hewitson and Z Purton who were unable to be interviewed at the track due to being transported to hospital. At the entrance to the Straight, RESISTENCIA was bumped by SKY FIELD which improved into tight running between that horse and HOT KING PRAWN which shifted out. Approaching the 300 Metres, COMPUTER PATCH raced tight inside COURIER WONDER which got its head on the side and lay in. Approaching the 200 Metres, SKY FIELD was shifted out away from the heels of COURIER WONDER (J Moreira) which shifted out abruptly. As the Stewards were satisfied that J Moreira had reacted in a timely manner in correcting COURIER WONDER, no further action was taken. B Shinn (SKY FIELD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in under pressure, resulting in COURIER WONDER being unnecessarily hampered when crowded for room inside SKY FIELD and having to be steadied away from the heels of that horse passing the winning post. In the circumstances, B Shinn was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 9 January 2022 and to expire on Monday, 17 January 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays). LUCKY PATCH, SKY FIELD and RESISTENCIA were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from AMAZING STAR and NABOO ATTACK.

ROMAN TURBO and WISHFUL THINKER began only fairly. GOOD LUCK FRIEND shifted in at the start and brushed the hindquarters of CALIFORNIA SPANGLE. From wide barriers, MASTER MONTARO and CALIFORNIA RAD were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being steadied from the outside barrier in the early stages, SPARKLING DRAGON travelled wide and without cover throughout. Passing the 1000 Metres, CALIFORNIA RAD was awkwardly placed outside the heels of MASTER MONTARO. When being steadied to obtain cover after the 1000 Metres, MASTER MONTARO got its head up on a number of occasions and proved difficult to settle. Rounding the Home Turn, GOOD LUCK FRIEND raced tight outside SCORES OF FUN which attempted to improve between that horse and VALIANT DREAM which got its head on the side and lay out as FANTASTIC WAY shifted out and improved to VALIANT DREAM’s inside. Approaching the 300 Metres, SCORES OF FUN was steadied away from the heels of VALIANT DREAM and shifted to the inside of that horse after being disappointed for running between VALIANT DREAM and GOOD LUCK FRIEND. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that as CALIFORNIA RAD was drawn towards the outside and it was felt that there were a number of horses which were better drawn than CALIFORNIA RAD which normally take up forward positions in their races, it was considered that too much use would have to be made of the horse to clear runners or that CALIFORNIA RAD may be left racing very wide and without cover, therefore he was asked to have CALIFORNIA RAD in about midfield with cover if possible. He said due to MASTER MONTARO maintaining its position to the inside of CALIFORNIA RAD, he was required to steady his mount further back in the field than had been anticipated in order to obtain a position with cover behind that horse. After the race, A Badel stated that it was intended for TRILLION WIN to be ridden in a forward position. He said after TRILLION WIN did not begin well, he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, it did not show as much early speed as it had previously and therefore he elected, rather than to continue to ride the horse along, to shift TRILLION WIN across to obtain cover behind GOOD LUCK FRIEND. He said this resulted in TRILLION WIN racing much further back in the field than had been intended. He added in the middle stages TRILLION WIN travelled only fairly and after being shifted to the outside of GOOD LUCK FRIEND at the 500 Metres came under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight. He said TRILLION WIN did not quicken as it had done previously when ridden by him and then over the concluding stages was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of TRILLION WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA RAD and ROMAN TURBO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA SPANGLE and FANTASTIC WAY were sent for sampling.

MOTHER EARTH shifted in at the start and bumped VIN DE GARDE. MORE THAN THIS shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced INDY CHAMP. DANON KINGLY began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, SKY DARCI was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. At the 1400 Metres, MOTHER EARTH became unbalanced when crowded for room between GOLDEN SIXTY and INDY CHAMP (C Soumillon) which shifted in marginally. C Soumillon was advised to exercise more care. Passing the 1200 Metres, VIN DE GARDE momentarily raced tight inside EXCELLENT PROPOSAL which shifted in away from the heels of LUCKY EXPRESS (A Hamelin) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Hamelin was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. When EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY EXPRESS, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL shifted out and inconvenienced WAIKUKU. After this, WAIKUKU was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, MORE THAN THIS raced tight between WAIKUKU and GOLDEN SIXTY. After the 700 Metres, MORE THAN THIS raced tight outside GOLDEN SIXTY which shifted out away from the heels of VIN DE GARDE. Approaching the 500 Metres, INDY CHAMP was steadied when crowded for room between WAIKUKU and GOLDEN SIXTY (C Y Ho) which shifted out. C Y Ho was reprimanded and told to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After racing tight outside SALIOS passing the 500 Metres, LUCKY EXPRESS got its head on the side and made the Home Turn awkwardly. In the early part of the Straight, SKY DARCI got its head on the side and lay in. SKY DARCI was then shifted out away from the heels of DANON KINGLY passing the 300 Metres. After the 300 Metres, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL got its head on the side and lay out under pressure and near the 250 Metres bumped WAIKUKU. A veterinary inspection of SKY DARCI and EXCELLENT PROPOSAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN SIXTY and MORE THAN THIS were sent for sampling.

LEI PAPALE began awkwardly. BERLIN TANGO lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected. BOLSHOI BALLET and RUSSIAN EMPEROR brushed at the start. From the outside barriers, TOURBILLON DIAMOND and HISHI IGUAZU were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1600 Metres, PANFIELD became unbalanced momentarily when crowded for room inside MAC SWINEY which then shifted out and improved forward of PANFIELD. For some distance approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, LEI PAPALE travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOVES ONLY YOU. After the 900 Metres, LEI PAPALE was steadied away from the heels of LOVES ONLY YOU. BOLSHOI BALLET travelled wide and without cover until near the 850 Metres at which time GLORIOUS DRAGON was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 600 Metres, DUBAI HONOUR raced very tight between PANFIELD and LEI PAPALE when improving into restricted room between those horses. At the entrance to the Straight, PANFIELD attempted to improve into tight running inside MAC SWINEY which was not fully available. As PANFIELD was attempting to improve its position, MAC SWINEY was taken in marginally by LOVES ONLY YOU which shifted in away from the heels of BOLSHOI BALLET. This resulted in PANFIELD being checked when unable to secure running to the inside of MAC SWINEY. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was not sufficient room for PANFIELD to improve inside MAC SWINEY and that the riders of both MAC SWINEY and LOVES ONLY YOU would have been unaware that that horse was attempting to improve its position at this time, no further action was taken. T Marquand (DUBAI HONOUR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 300 Metres he directed his mount to the outside of BOLSHOI BALLET and into running which was not available, resulting in DUBAI HONOUR making contact with GLORIOUS DRAGON on a number of occasions, causing GLORIOUS DRAGON to be hampered when crowded for room between DUBAI HONOUR and BERLIN TANGO. In the circumstances, T Marquand was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Monday, 27 December 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 6 January 2022 on which day he may resume race riding (4 Hong Kong racedays). Passing the 100 Metres, HISHI IGUAZU lay in under pressure and bumped LOVES ONLY YOU. After the race, LOVES ONLY YOU was found to be lame in the left hind leg and to have sustained a laceration to that leg. On return to the quarantine facility, LOVES ONLY YOU was again examined by the Veterinary Surgeon who said that there was no obvious lameness associated with the horse at that time. A veterinary inspection of PANFIELD immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported. A veterinary inspection of MAC SWINEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOVES ONLY YOU and HISHI IGUAZU were sent for sampling.

SMOKEY BEAR and WAR WEAPON bumped at the start. ALL IN MIND began awkwardly. PRIME MINISTER was crowded for room on jumping between ELIGERE and REGENCY BO BO which became unbalanced after being bumped by EXCELLENT DADDY. After this, PRIME MINISTER was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, GALLANT EXPRESS was momentarily crowded for room inside SMOKEY BEAR which was taken in by SUPREME SUPREME which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. When SUPREME SUPREME was shifted out abruptly to relieve the tightening to SMOKEY BEAR and GALLANT EXPRESS, SUPREME SUPREME bumped CIRCUIT MIGHTY. After this, CIRCUIT MIGHTY and SUPREME SUPREME travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME SUPREME immediately following the race found that horse to have bled from both nostrils. At the entrance to the Straight, CIRCUIT STELLER momentarily raced in restricted room between CIRCUIT MIGHTY and SUPREME SUPREME which shifted out. PRIME MINISTER, which was following CIRCUIT STELLER, was shifted in away from the heels of that horse in consequence. PRIME MINSTER was then held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Approaching the 350 Metres, GALLANT EXPRESS and SMOKEY BEAR raced tight as GALLANT EXPRESS shifted to the outside of LUCKY WITH YOU. Passing the 350 Metres, STAR BRITE shifted out and bumped SUPREME SUPREME. Passing the 300 Metres, EXCELLENT DADDY raced tight outside the heels of WAR WEAPON when improving into tight running between that horse and ELIGERE. A veterinary inspection of ALL IN MIND and WAR WEAPON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY WITH YOU and GALLANT EXPRESS were sent for sampling.

NAVAS TWO began only fairly. A LA KING shifted out at the start and bumped STORM LEGEND. INDIGENOUS REALM began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped LEWIS. Passing the 1100 Metres, LET’S DO IT became unbalanced of its own accord. Approaching the 900 Metres, INDIGENOUS REALM was steadied away from the heels of LEWIS which got its head on the side and shifted in away from PACKING VICTORY. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, PRIVATE ROCKET was steadied to avoid the heels of SAUVESTRE (R Moore) which shifted in when not properly clear. R Moore was severely reprimanded. At the 400 Metres, PRIVATE ROCKET was steadied when disappointed for running between SAUVESTRE and PACKING VICTORY which, after laying out rounding the Home Turn, then shifted in to resume its position outside SAUVESTRE. NAVAS TWO, which was following, was checked away from the heels of PRIVATE ROCKET in consequence after being disappointed for running between that horse and INDIGENOUS REALM which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in away from LEWIS before racing tight inside that horse. STORM LEGEND, which was following, was shifted away from the heels of NAVAS TWO in consequence. STORM LEGEND then had difficulty obtaining clear running and after being shifted to the outside of INDIGENOUS REALM near the 250 Metres was then steadied passing the 200 Metres when disappointed for running between LEWIS and INDIGENOUS REALM which shifted out marginally when giving ground. TORNADO PHANTOM had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres. Passing the 100 Metres, SUPER DYNAMITE raced tight outside the heels of PARTERRE. Approaching the winning post, PACKING VICTORY shifted out abruptly under pressure. NAVAS TWO (R Maia), which was racing outside PACKING VICTORY, shifted out away from that horse, resulting in PARTERRE being crowded for room and taken out onto SUPER DYNAMITE which was hampered. Whilst the Stewards accepted that NAVAS TWO shifted out away from PACKING VICTORY as that horse shifted out abruptly, he was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to straighten his mounts in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, PACKING VICTORY travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of SAUVESTRE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, SAUVESTRE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of TORONADO PHANTOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TORONADO PHANTOM, NAVAS TWO and PACKING VICTORY were sent for sampling.