Race Report: Chaotic Start, Unsettled Finish
Date: November 15, 2025
Venue: Sha Tin
Race: LUKFOOK JEWELLERY HEXICON HANDICAP, Class 4R, 1200 meters
A thrilling yet tumultuous race unfolded at Sha Tin, with several incidents and close calls. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Incident Analysis:
LIGHT YEARS GLORY (K204):
- M. Chadwick's mount shifted in at the start, causing a bump. Near the 350-meter mark, it shifted out again while being corrected, leading to another bump. Chadwick explained that he was instructed to take a forward position and follow GEORGIAN SIGMA. However, the horse struggled to maintain pace, racing wide and without cover for most of the race.
GEORGIAN SIGMA (L007):
See AlsoGreyhound Racing Ban in Wales: Legal Battle in Court!Remembering Brian Rouse: A Legendary Jockey's Journey from Electrician to Royal Ascot Hero- Z. Purton's mount shifted in abruptly at the start, causing a bump. Near the 900-meter mark, it made contact with RUBY THRIVE when that horse shifted out. GEORGIAN SIGMA was sent for post-race sampling.
COOL BOY (L014):
- J. Orman's mount was bumped by GEORGIAN SIGMA, which shifted in abruptly. Near the 350-meter mark, it shifted in again and was bumped.
ELITE GOLF (L023):
- H. Bentley's mount had its right front plate adjusted in the saddling stalls and passed the veterinary examination. Near the 900-meter mark, it was steadied to take a position behind SALON S. RUBY THRIVE, racing greenly, shifted in abruptly after contact with GEORGIAN SIGMA, causing ELITE GOLF to be steadied when crowded.
EXCELLENT BOY (K435):
- R. Kingscote's mount jumped fairly. C. L. Chau's mount, initially aiming for a midfield position with cover, became wide and without cover until near the 700-meter mark. Chau explained that he intended to hold a position behind TURIN CHAMPIONS but lost touch with the field after the 800-meter mark due to increased pace.
FALCON HUNTER (K503):
- C. L. Chau's mount became unbalanced when bumped by LIGHT YEARS GLORY, which shifted in. It raced wide and without cover until near the 700-meter mark, aiming for a midfield position with cover.
FOREVER FANCY (K354):
- D. Probert's mount was bumped by TURIN CHAMPIONS, which shifted in. Near the 350-meter mark, it was steadied when crowded between COOL BOY and LIGHT YEARS GLORY, which shifted out.
JOLLY BRILLIANT (K498):
- H. Doyle's mount lay out making the first turn and was steadied to avoid WORD OF KINDNESS. Near the 250-meter mark, it was steadied again to avoid RUBY THRIVE, which shifted out.
RUBY THRIVE (L098):
- C. Y. Ho's mount, having its first race start, raced ungenerously and became unbalanced near the 900-meter mark, checked while positioned inside GEORGIAN SIGMA. The horse's racing manners and performance were deemed unacceptable.
SALON S (K585):
- M. F. Poon's mount shifted in at the start and was bumped. It was sent for post-race sampling.
STAR ELEGANCE (K536):
- L. Ferraris' mount was steadied near the 1000-meter mark when momentarily crowded by WORD OF KINDNESS. It was steadied away from JOLLY BRILLIANT when making the first turn.
TURIN CHAMPIONS (L024):
- K. De Melo's mount shifted in at the start and was bumped. Near the 850-meter mark, it lay out towards FOREVER FANCY, became unbalanced, and blundered.
WORD OF KINDNESS (K569):
- Y. L. Chung's mount was bumped by SALON S, which shifted in. Near the 850-meter mark, it lay out towards FOREVER FANCY, became unbalanced, and blundered. It raced tight to the inside of ELITE GOLF near the 200-meter mark.
SUPER DRAGON (K389):
- J. McDonald's mount jumped fairly and was briefly held up on the Home Turn. It was again held up for clear running between the 400-meter and 250-meter marks.
Stewards' Verdict:
The Stewards determined that RUBY THRIVE's racing manners were the primary cause of the incident. Z. Purton, the rider of GEORGIAN SIGMA, was advised to ensure sufficient racing room for runners inside.
Post-Race Actions:
- RUBY THRIVE will undergo a barrier trial and official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.
- Both J. Orman and M. Chadwick were warned to exercise more care.
