04/12/2016  Shatin  Race 8

Whilst in the saddling stalls, GO GO WIN had its right front plate refitted. GO GO WIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. NORTHERN FALLS shifted out at the start and bumped TURIN PEARL which began awkwardly. WUSHU CHAMPION jumped awkwardly and was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Also from a wide barrier, SEE ME NOW was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For some distance after the 900 Metres, SEE ME NOW travelled keenly and passing the 800 Metres was checked away from the heels of WUSHU CHAMPION. N Rawiller (NORTHERN FALLS) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 800 Metres he failed to make sufficient endeavour to prevent that horse from shifting in, resulting in MAJESTIC ANTHEM being crowded for room and consequently being checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled. N Rawiller was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Thursday, 12 January 2017 and to expire on Thursday, 19 January 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In addition, N Rawiller was fined $60,000. For the majority of the race, TURIN PEARL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he had been instructed to ride DEJA VU in a positive manner towards the lead. He said whilst he was riding his mount along in the early stages there were a considerable number of horses which were drawn more favourably than DEJA VU which were also being ridden along and he believed that he would have had to make too much use of DEJA VU to obtain the position as instructed. He said therefore passing the winning post on the first occasion he elected to steady DEJA VU and shift that horse across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail. A veterinary inspection of DEJA VU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that MAJESTIC ANTHEM had a sore left eye. A veterinary inspection of NORTHERN FALLS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. The performance of NORTHERN FALLS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NORTHERN FALLS 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 TURIN PEARL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PEOPLE’S KNIGHT and RED MARVEL were sent for sampling.