07/10/2015  Happy Valley  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, TRENDIFUL had its left front plate refitted. TRENDIFUL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MELLIFLUENT began only fairly and from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, HANG'S DECISION shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of HAPPY HOMING. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, STAR OF WAI BO got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in SPITFIRE losing ground when crowded for room. Also near the 1000 Metres, HANG'S DECISION got its head up when awkwardly placed inside MELLIFLUENT. Near the 750 Metres, HANG'S DECISION was shifted out away from the heels of MELLIFLUENT which was being ridden along at this point of the race. After the 700 Metres, HAPPY HOMING was left racing wide and without cover. After the 200 Metres, WINNING TALENT got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. Then passing the 100 Metres, WINNING TALENT was shifted out away from the heels of GIDDY GIDDY. D Whyte (LYRIC ACE) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift out when not clear of STAR OF WAI BO, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. MELLIFLUENT, which was following STAR OF WAI BO, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. D Whyte was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 19 October 2015 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Sha Tin racemeeting on Saturday, 10 October 2015. In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration Jockey Whyte's good race riding record during the most recent 2014/2015 and current racing seasons. A veterinary inspection of SPITFIRE, STAR OF WAI BO and LYRIC ACE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL NUMBER ONE, TRENDIFUL and MR KOOL were sent for sampling.