21/02/2010  Shatin  Race 6

HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, ALICE TOO failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Shortly after the start, SOMETHING SPECIAL was crowded for room between DASH and MEGA BULLET, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, SOMETHING SPECIAL shifted out and bumped MEGA BULLET which became badly unbalanced. From wide draws, WIN-A-LOT and BE GRATEFUL were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 500 Metres, SUPER PEGASUS was checked away from the heels of HEALTHY BLUEBERRY when disappointed for running between that horse which was commencing to give ground and OLYMPICSHIP which improved to its outside. For some distance after this, SUPER PEGASUS was continually checked to avoid the heels of the tiring HEALTHY BLUEBERRY. Passing the 200 Metres, BE GRATEFUL, which was closing off the race, was steadied and shifted out from behind FULL PACK to continue into clear running. B Prebble (PRECISION MAGIC) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of WIN-A-LOT, resulting in that horse being checked and losing its rightful running and in turn being taken in onto BEST NOODLE, resulting in that horse being crowded for room. B Prebble was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 4 March 2010 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Melbourne Racing Club meeting scheduled to be conducted at Caulfield Racecourse in Australia on Saturday, 27 February 2010. B Prebble advised the Stewards that he has confirmed to ride DAO DAO in this race should it take its place in the field. He said that he also holds a commitment to ride that horse in the Champions Mile on Sunday, 25 April 2010 should it be invited to run in the event and then subsequently travel to Hong Kong. In addition, B Prebble was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. When questioned regarding SOMETHING SPECIAL being ridden in a forward position today, Trainer A T Millard said that the horse, whilst not being beaten far in its races, had, in his opinion, been somewhat disappointing when ridden back in the field. He said as SOMETHING SPECIAL was having its first start on the All Weather surface and with the benefit of an inside draw, he instructed the rider to obtain a forward position to see if SOMETHING SPECIAL would benefit by being ridden more forward today. He said having in mind that SOMETHING SPECIAL was taken on in front by HEALTHY BLUEBERRY, he was not disappointed with the manner in which SOMETHING SPECIAL had raced today and given an inside draw in the future, consideration would again be given to riding the horse in a forward position. A veterinary inspection of HEALTHY BLUEBERRY after the race did not show any significant findings. DASH, PRECISION MAGIC and OLYMPICSHIP were sent for sampling.