31/01/2021  Shatin  Race 7

After being slow to begin, HARMONY VICTORY was shifted across behind runners soon after the start. CHEFANO shifted in soon after the start, resulting in HO HO KHAN being taken in onto FURORE, causing FURORE, which began only fairly, losing ground. At the 500 Metres, FURORE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GLORIOUS DRAGON which itself became awkward when attempting to improve between SINGAPORE SLING and SAVVY NINE where there was insufficient room. After the race, C Soumillon reported that COLUMBUS COUNTY felt awkward in its action, particularly over the latter stages of the race. A veterinary inspection of COLUMBUS COUNTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, COLUMBUS COUNTY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, V Borges stated that SAVVY NINE travelled satisfactorily through the early and middle stages, however, when the tempo quickened approaching the Home Turn, the horse was immediately off the bridle and then did not respond to his riding thereafter. He said he was unable to offer any reason for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SAVVY NINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SAVVY NINE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SAVVY NINE 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, it was reported that HO HO KHAN had sustained a small cut to the right hind pastern. A veterinary inspection of CHEFANO immediately following the race found that horse to be mildly lame in its left front leg. FURORE, GLORIOUS DRAGON and EXULTANT were sent for sampling.