01/05/2016  Shatin  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, N Rawiller expressed some concern regarding clouding of BULB MASTER's right eye. A veterinary inspection of BULB MASTER revealed no active inflammation or soreness and accordingly the horse was found to be suitable to race. VARA PEARL began only fairly and then was ridden along for some distance after the start in an endeavour to obtain a more prominent position. AMBITIOUS SPEEDY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BULB MASTER. MANHATTAN STRIKER shifted out at the start and bumped MOLLY'S JADE STAR. From the outside barrier, DANEWIN EXPRESS began awkwardly and shortly after the start became badly unbalanced after being bumped heavily by FLYING MONKEY which shifted out after initially bumping GOLDEN CANNON. This resulted in DANEWIN EXPRESS losing ground and being shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1200 Metres, MY FOLKS got its head up when proving difficult to settle and racing in restricted room inside NO LAUGHING MATTER which got its head on the side and shifted in. MY FOLKS continued to race keenly and near the 1150 Metres was crowded for room between NO LAUGHING MATTER and AMBITIOUS SPEEDY which shifted out slightly. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, WINNER ST PAUL'S got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MANHATTAN STRIKER which was steadied away from the heels of MOLLY'S JADE STAR which, when travelling keenly, was shifted out away from the heels of DYNAMIC VOYAGE. After this, WINNER ST PAUL'S lost ground as it continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of MANHATTAN STRIKER. After the 900 Metres, NO LAUGHING MATTER and MY FOLKS were left racing wide and without cover. WINNER ST PAUL'S and SUGAR CITY were unable to obtain clear running until near the 300 Metres. Near the 250 Metres, WINNER ST PAUL'S shifted out and bumped MANHATTAN STRIKER. N Rawiller (BULB MASTER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 200 Metres he shifted his mount out when not clear of GOLDEN CANNON, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. N Rawiller was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Sunday, 15 May 2016 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, 7 May 2016. In addition, N Rawiller was fined $37,500. MOLLY'S JADE STAR and VARA PEARL were held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, HOME RUN shifted out and bumped AMBITIOUS SPEEDY. N Callan, the rider of the 4th placed, DANEWIN EXPRESS, was questioned regarding his riding out of the horse over the concluding stages. N Callan stated that as he was riding the horse with the whip in the left hand and as he was aware that AMBITIOUS SPEEDY was to his inside, he put his whip down and exerted pressure on the left rein to ensure that DANEWIN EXPRESS did not continue to shift in and cause interference to AMBITIOUS SPEEDY. N Callan was advised that having regard to the fact that DANEWIN EXPRESS did shift in inside the final 50 Metres, obliging him to stop riding and that he still had pressure on the left rein, he was being afforded the benefit of the doubt in regard to his failure to ride DANEWIN EXPRESS out over the concluding stages. Nonetheless he was advised to ensure that, wherever circumstances permit, he should ride his mounts out all the way to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of VARA PEARL and DANEWIN EXPRESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BULB MASTER and HOME RUN were sent for sampling.