Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Highland Reel kicked on at the top of the straight to grab the lead from Helene Charisma and repelled the challenge of Talismanic over the final 180m to notch a seven Group One win in his swansong performance. French raider Talismanic loomed the winner at the 200m following a box-seat run but couldn't match for the winner inside the last 50m. Japan's Tosen Basil improved coming to the final bend following a rail run behind midfield but found the top pair too smart in the last 100m. It was a huge run by the British entrant and rank outsider Chemical Charge closed well after travelling fourth from the rear but peaked on his run 100m out. Gold Mount was doing some fine work late for a minor pay slip despite being held up second from the rear until peeling out at the 300m. He's a top-flight stayer for Hong Kong. Max Dynamite had his chance following a midfield run but the competition was too rich over this trip.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (257) - THE LONGINES HONG KONG VASE - Class G1 - 2400Meters

Whilst in the saddling stalls, DANEHILL KODIAC had its left front plate refitted.

DANEHILL KODIAC was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

KISEKI shifted out at the start and bumped CHEMICAL CHARGE.

A short distance after this, KISEKI was steadied away from the heels of MAX DYNAMITE which shifted out.

From the outside barriers, SMART CALL and GOLD MOUNT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, EAGLE WAY got its head up when being steadied to allow HIGHLAND REEL to cross.

After the 1300 Metres, KISEKI travelled wide and without cover.

Passing the 1000 Metres, the ear plugs carried by TIBERIAN became dislodged.

Approaching the 200 Metres, GOLD MOUNT and KISEKI bumped.

J Crowley (SMART CALL) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of GOLD MOUNT, causing that horse to be hampered and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

J Crowley was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Monday, 11 December 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 21 December 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

The performance of HELENE CHARISMA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, HELENE CHARISMA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of TIBERIAN and EAGLE WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of KISEKI immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg.

HIGHLAND REEL and TALISMANIC were sent for sampling.