Recap by phillip woo

Sky Darci had enough left in the tank to just hold off Russian Emperor after surging to the lead 300m out, saving ground in midfield. The draw and a terrific ride by Joao Moreira won him the race. Post-time elect Russian Emperor was closing with every stride straightening midfield. He did everything right but get the win. Panfield closed nicely after settling fifth last about 15 lengths back at one point in a strung-out race. The bad gate cost him Derby glory. Early favourite Excellent Proposal ran on well down the outside to finish a non-threatening fourth after biding his time among the backmarkers. Delightful Laos ran on well from behind midfield to pick up a pay cheque. He ran well despite being badly handicapped against his peers. Healthy Happy grudgingly gave way over the last 100m after stringing the field out setting reasonable fractions in front. Silver Express faded after prompting the pace. The timing just wasn't right in his preparation.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (524) - THE BMW HONG KONG DERBY 2021 - Class 4YO - 2000Meters

MAXIMUS was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between HEALTHY HAPPY and RUSSIAN EMPEROR which shifted in after bumping PACKING WALTHAM at the start.

DELIGHTFUL LAOS was bumped on jumping by TOURBILLON DIAMOND which was taken in by PANFIELD.

From wide barriers, DELIGHTFUL LAOS, TOURBILLON DIAMOND, CONQUEROR and CONGRATULATION were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

After travelling a short distance, PACKING WALTHAM (N Callan) became badly unbalanced and lost ground.

N Callan stated that he was at a loss to explain what occurred at this stage as there was no other horse in the vicinity of PACKING WALTHAM which would have influenced the horse's stride.

He said he did give thought to easing PACKING WALTHAM out of the race, however, the horse's gait improved passing the winning post on the first occasion, so he elected to continue to allow the horse to race.

He said after this PACKING WALTHAM travelled well and at no stage replicated the early incident.

He added on trotting PACKING WALTHAM back to the unplaced saddling area, the horse appeared sound in its action and trotted out well.

A veterinary inspection of PACKING WALTHAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Before being allowed to race again, PACKING WALTHAM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

After being left racing wide and without cover passing the winning post on the first occasion, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was steadied towards the rear of the field to obtain cover.

Near the 900 Metres, MAXIMUS was taken wide and without cover by SHADOW HERO which shifted out.

After the 700 Metres, SHADOW HERO momentarily became unbalanced when racing tight between MAXIMUS and SILVER EXPRESS which got its head on the side and lay out.

Approaching the 600 Metres, DELIGHTFUL LAOS was steadied away from the heels of PACKING WALTHAM which, after improving inside the heels of RUSSIAN EMPEROR, then raced tight inside that horse which in turn was racing tight inside MAXIMUS.

When questioned, A Badel stated that he was not issued any specific instructions on how HEALTHY HAPPY should be ridden other than it was acceptable that the horse would take up a forward position.

He said he intended to lead if possible, however, if SILVER EXPRESS, which was anticipated would also take up a forward position, were to be ridden to maintain the lead, then he would either remain racing outside that horse or if the tempo of the race was strong to take a trailing position.

He said passing the winning post on the first occasion he did not believe that SILVER EXPRESS was ridden to maintain the lead, therefore he allowed his mount to improve its position forward of that horse to cross into the lead passing the 1600 Metres.

He said his mount appeared to be relaxed and travelling well within itself and as he was aware that SILVER EXPRESS was racing immediately behind HEALTHY HAPPY, he was not aware that HEALTHY HAPPY, together with SILVER EXPRESS, had opened up a significant margin over the remainder of the field.

He said given that HEALTHY HAPPY was travelling strongly, he was also not aware that the race was being run quicker than he had anticipated before the race.

He said he gradually relaxed HEALTHY HAPPY in the lead after the 1200 Metres at which stage he was aware that SILVER EXPRESS had improved its position to be racing outside HEALTHY HAPPY.

A Badel was told that, in the opinion of the Stewards, given the tempo of the race, he should have made more of an effort earlier than he did to steady HEALTHY HAPPY in the lead given that he was able to run the race at a more sedate tempo after the 1200 Metres.

He was also told to ensure that, where circumstances permit, he rides his mounts to finish off their races as best as they are able.

After the race, Z Purton stated that he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of SHADOW HERO.

He said the horse came under heavy pressure after the 600 Metres and despite being ridden along did not quicken and commenced to give ground shortly after entering the Straight.

A veterinary inspection of SHADOW HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of MAXIMUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea.

SKY DARCI and RUSSIAN EMPEROR were sent for sampling.