07/11/2021  Shatin  Race 7

KA YING STAR shifted out at the start, resulting in BUTTERFIELD shifting out away from that horse, causing COLUMBUS COUNTY and CHAMPION’S WAY to be hampered. After this, COLUMBUS COUNTY and CHAMPION’S WAY were steadied to obtain cover. When being steadied approaching the 1700 Metres to obtain cover, BUTTERFIELD was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KA YING STAR. Approaching the 500 Metres, BUTTERFIELD shifted out away from TOURBILLON DIAMOND which also shifted out when racing close to the heels of KA YING STAR. BUTTERFIELD then bumped COLUMBUS COUNTY, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. BUTTERFIELD was again unbalanced when crowded for room rounding the Home Turn between TOURBILLON DIAMOND which shifted out and COLUMBUS COUNTY which lay in when unbalanced as a result of the initial contact from BUTTERFIELD. Passing the 400 Metres, BUTTERFIELD raced tight inside COLUMBUS COUNTY which got its head on the side and lay in. This resulted in BUTTERFIELD being awkwardly placed outside the heels of TOURBILLON DIAMOND after the 400 Metres as that horse shifted out away from KA YING STAR. BUTTERFIELD then continued to race in restricted room between COLUMBUS COUNTY and CHAMPION’S WAY approaching and passing the 300 Metres and near the 250 Metres became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by CHAMPION’S WAY. For some distance after the 350 Metres, SOUTHERN LEGEND and GLORIOUS DRAGON raced tight as both horses attempted to improve between RELIABLE TEAM and KA YING STAR where there was insufficient room. GLORIOUS DRAGON was then badly held up for clear running from passing the 300 Metres until passing the 100 Metres. Then after the 100 Metres, GLORIOUS DRAGON attempted to improve into tight running which presented between RELIABLE TEAM and KA YING STAR which shifted out marginally. As GLORIOUS DRAGON was attempting to improve inside KA YING STAR (M Chadwick), it shifted in and away from TOURBILLON DIAMOND which itself shifted in under pressure. This resulted in GLORIOUS DRAGON being checked when unable to continue to improve between KA YING STAR and RELIABLE TEAM. In this incident, RELIABLE TEAM became unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by GLORIOUS DRAGON. M Chadwick was advised that the Stewards were of the opinion that the run which was available to GLORIOUS DRAGON had only presented itself for a short amount of time and that his shift inwards was not significant, however, he was told to ensure that he reacts as quickly as possible to his horses shifting ground so as to prevent crowding to other runners. K Teetan (CHAMPION’S WAY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he directed his mount out when not clear of BUTTERFIELD, resulting in that horse being hampered and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled and COLUMBUS COUNTY, which was racing to the outside of BUTTERFIELD, also being inconvenienced. K Teetan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 November 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 2 December 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, Jockey Teetan was fined $30,000. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TOURBILLON DIAMOND had sustained a laceration to its left hind heel bulb. A veterinary inspection of SOUTHERN LEGEND and COLUMBUS COUNTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLORIOUS DRAGON, TOURBILLON DIAMOND and KA YING STAR were sent for sampling.