11/11/2017  Shatin  Race 3

Prior to entering the track, C Schofield was momentarily dislodged from MASTER BERNINI without incident. UNIQUE JOYOUS was slow to begin and, from a wide barrier, was shifted across behind runners as was DESTIN from the outside barrier. Shortly after the start, STAR OF HONG KONG became detached from the field and subsequently finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of STAR OF HONG KONG immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of STAR OF HONG KONG was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STAR OF HONG KONG will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. INDIGENOUS STAR lost its right front plate near the 1500 Metres. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, FINE WITH ME got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of THE SHOW. Rounding the Home Turn, FINE WITH ME was shifted in away from the heels of EVER LAUGH. For the majority of the race, GREAT TREASURE travelled wide and after the 900 Metres without cover. U Rispoli pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct under Rule 155(5) in that after PLAY IT became fractious in the barriers, he struck that horse on three occasions with an open hand in the vicinity of the upper neck. For this offence, U Rispoli was fined the sum of $5,000. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position on VIVA COUNCIL and lead the race if possible. He said VIVA COUNCIL had hung out in a number of its races, including occasions when ridden by him, and he was mindful of this as he improved his position in the early stages. He said he attempted to cross TRIUMPHANT LIGHT for a considerable distance after the 1200 Metres, however, VIVA COUNCIL was on one rein and was reluctant to shift over to the rail. He said he did not want to place any further pressure on the right rein to cross to the rail as VIVA COUNCIL had previously hung out worse when pressure had been applied to the horse in order to prevent it from hanging out. He said as a result of VIVA COUNCIL being reluctant to shift over to race on the rail, that horse continued to race one horse away from the rail outside TRIUMPHANT LIGHT. He added rounding the Home Turn VIVA COUNCIL continued to lay out and then in the early part of the Straight shifted out under pressure. A veterinary inspection of MASTER BERNINI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INDIGENOUS STAR and EVER LAUGH were sent for sampling.