13/05/2017  Shatin  Race 8

After being loaded into the barriers, GIOVANNI BATTISTA became fractious and reared, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K K Chiong, being dislodged. GIOVANNI BATTISTA was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, GIOVANNI BATTISTA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After being placed in the barriers, CLASSIER became fractious and reared on two occasions. WHITE MAGIC began only fairly. ROYAL PERFORMER began awkwardly. RADIANT BUNNY shifted out at the start and bumped TOP ACE. When being steadied to obtain cover shortly after the start, GIOVANNI BATTISTA blundered when awkwardly placed outside the heels of WORKS OF ART. From a wide barrier, SUPER MAN was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. D Whyte (GIANT STARS) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1500 Metres he failed to make sufficient endeavours to prevent his mount from shifting in which resulted in GIANT STARS shifting in across the rightful running of ROYAL PERFORMER, causing that horse to be severely checked. WHITE MAGIC, which was following ROYAL PERFORMER, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 7 June 2017 and to expire on Monday, 12 June 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Whyte’s good race riding record. Passing the 1400 Metres, RADIANT BUNNY shifted out and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CLASSIER. Passing the 500 Metres, NAVAS shifted out and bumped TOP ACE. Near the 450 Metres, ROYAL PERFORMER was checked when attempting to improve into tight running between GIANT STARS and CLASSIER which was giving ground abruptly. Approaching and passing the 150 Metres, WHITE MAGIC was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RADIANT BUNNY when being shifted out from behind that horse to obtain clear running. For the majority of the race, TURIN PEARL travelled wide and without cover. The performances of WHO DAT SINGA and CLASSIER, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WHO DAT SINGA and CLASSIER 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 WHO DAT SINGA and GIANT STARS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KING GENKI and ROYAL PERFORMER were sent for sampling.