30/10/2013  Shatin  Race 5

CANNY FRANCO was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of G-ONE LEADER which shifted out abruptly. TURIN PEARL was slow to begin. QUEENS'S WHISTLE began awkwardly and then shortly after the start became badly unbalanced after being bumped by ABLE WARRIOR which shifted in after making contact with SIR JOHN. Making the first turn near the 700 Metres, CANNY FRANCO was checked when it hung out across the heels of G-ONE LEADER, resulting in QUEEN'S WHISTLE being crowded for room inside NINTH GALAXY. CANNY FRANCO continued to hang out badly until entering the Home Straight. The racing manners of CANNY FRANCO were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CANNY FRANCO will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. Also making the turn near the 700 Metres, ALL FRIENDS momentarily raced tight inside BOULD MOVER which got its head on the side and hung in despite the efforts of its rider. Just prior to the winning post, NINTH GALAXY lost its left front plate. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if HYPERSONIC had been afforded a fair start. Evidence was taken from Jockey D Whyte and Starter, Mr T McGovern. After viewing the official videos, it was established that just prior to the start being effected, the blindfold was removed from HYPERSONIC and then as the start occurred, the horse lifted its front feet off the ground and lost a significant amount of ground. As the Stewards were of the opinion that HYPERSONIC had been afforded a fair start, the horse was deemed to be a runner. Having in mind HYPERSONIC's previous record in relation to barrier manners, the Stewards ruled that it must barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards prior to the next race start. D Whyte stated that in the early stages HYPERSONIC was reluctant to stretch out, therefore he balanced the horse up, however, it soon became detached from the field. He added he rode the horse along thereafter to have it make up lost ground, however, it remained detached from the field. D Whyte was advised that whilst the Stewards accepted that HYPERSONIC had lost a substantial amount of ground at the start, nonetheless he must endeavour to recover lost ground wherever possible. When questioned regarding his riding of SIR JOHN in the Straight, W M Lai stated that he had ridden the horse in two barrier trials leading into tonight's race and it had raced tractably in those trials. He said however that in tonight's race the horse got its head on the side and hung out shortly after entering the Straight and then continued to lay out under pressure. He said he rode the horse out vigorously hands and heels, however, he was reluctant to use the whip on it until the concluding stages due to its inclination to hang out. W M Lai was advised that this was the second occasion this season that he had been questioned regarding his riding of horses in the Straight, therefore he must ride his mounts in such a manner so as to ensure that it is not open to query. A veterinary inspection of HYPERSONIC and TURIN PEARL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TURIN PEARL, HIGHEST ACCLAIM and ALL FRIENDS were sent for sampling.