02/05/2021  Shatin  Race 7

CHARITY FUN shifted out at the start and brushed PANFIELD. DELIGHTFUL LAOS began awkwardly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners. CHEFANO shifted in at the start and bumped SAVAQUIN. Then from the outside barriers, SAVAQUIN and CHEFANO were steadied to obtain cover. Near the 2200 Metres, SAVAQUIN was bumped by HO HO KHAN which got its head on the side and shifted in away from the heels of CHARITY FUN. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, CHARITY FUN shifted out away from the heels of PANFIELD after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. CHARITY FUN then shifted in, resulting in SAVAQUIN being inconvenienced. DELIGHTFUL LAOS, which was following, got its head up when being steadied in consequence. Approaching and passing the 1600 Metres, BUTTERFIELD got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed behind RELIABLE TEAM. Approaching the 800 Metres, RUSSIAN EMPEROR was crowded for room inside CHARITY FUN (A Badel) which shifted in when not properly clear. After this, RUSSIAN EMPEROR was shifted to the outside of CHARITY FUN, resulting in HO HO KHAN being taken wider and without cover. After having regard to all the circumstances of this incident, the Stewards were of the opinion that it was appropriate for A Badel to be severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides a required clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Approaching the 700 Metres, SAVAQUIN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COLUMBUS COUNTY when being shifted to the outside of that horse. For some distance approaching and passing the 600 Metres, COLUMBUS COUNTY raced in restricted room between HO HO KHAN and PANFIELD (J Moreira) which was taken out by BUTTERFIELD (M F Poon) which shifted out to follow CHARITY FUN. COLUMBUS COUNTY was then checked when crowded for room approaching the 500 Metres between HO HO KHAN and PANFIELD which, after continuing to be racing tight outside BUTTERFIELD, then shifted further away from that horse. Both M F Poon and J Moreira were told to exercise due care when shifting ground in similar circumstances to ensure that their movements do not cause interference to other horses. PACKING WALTHAM had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 100 Metres was shifted to the outside of CHARITY FUN in an attempt to obtain clear running. Then passing the 100 Metres, PACKING WALTHAM was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of BUTTERFIELD when being directed to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running. Near the 75 Metres, Z Purton (COLUMBUS COUNTY) dropped his right rein. A veterinary inspection of RUSSIAN EMPEROR, CHEFANO and HO HO KHAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUSSIAN EMPEROR, BUTTERFIELD and CHARITY FUN were sent for sampling.