09/10/2011  Shatin  Race 6

SPEEDY, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. FRIENDS SUPPORT began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped TRAVEL KING. LUCKY NISTELROOY travelled wide and without cover until near the 500 Metres. After leaving the 400 Metres, REAL GENEROUS, which was commencing to hang in, made contact with SPEEDY on a number of occasions, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced. REAL GENEROUS then hung in badly for the remainder of the Straight. M Du Plessis (REAL GENEROUS) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 100 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting in, resulting in REAL GENEROUS shifting in across the rightful running of SHINY DAY, causing that horse to be checked when crowded onto the hindquarters of LUCKY NISTELROOY which became unbalanced. M Du Plessis was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday, 20 October 2011 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). The commencement of the suspension was deferred until after the Happy Valley racemeeting on Wednesday, 12 October 2011. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he had been instructed to obtain cover on FORTUNE TOGETHER and it was hoped this may be in a position in front of midfield. He said FORTUNE TOGETHER jumped very well and immediately commenced to over-race and shortly after the start took charge. He said that despite his efforts he was not able to restrain FORTUNE TOGETHER. He said after making the first turn near the 800 Metres FORTUNE TOGETHER settled slightly better, but still was inclined to race too fiercely. He said that after the 800 Metres LUCKY NISTELROOY improved its position to be racing outside of FORTUNE TOGETHER which had the effect of ensuring that FORTUNE TOGETHER continued to over-race. He added that rounding the Home Turn FORTUNE TOGETHER became unbalanced when brushed by LUCKY NISTELROOY which shifted in slightly. He said he placed FORTUNE TOGETHER under pressure in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse quickly gave ground. He said because of the manner in which FORTUNE TOGETHER was giving ground, he did not ride it out over the final 250 Metres. O Doleuze was advised wherever circumstances permit and are appropriate he should continue to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the finishing line. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE TOGETHER after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EMPIRE CITY, B Prebble stated that he had been riding the horse in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that work had been good and accordingly EMPIRE CITY was given a strong chance in today’s race. He said that he was able to obtain a good position on EMPIRE CITY in the early stages and EMPIRE CITY travelled well behind ELUSIVE PRINCE in the run to the first turn. He said that after the 700 Metres he elected to improve his position outside of ELUSIVE PRINCE, but EMPIRE CITY was not travelling well enough to make up the ground and because of this was able to be shifted wider by ELUSIVE PRINCE after the 500 Metres. He added rounding the Home Turn EMPIRE CITY got its head on the side and lay out and after being placed under pressure in the Straight was most disappointing in its failure to close off the race. Trainer D J Hall stated that he had been happy with the work of EMPIRE CITY in the lead up to today’s race. He said at this time he was not able to explain the disappointing performance of EMPIRE CITY which he felt would perform well in today’s race. A veterinary inspection of EMPIRE CITY after the race did not show any significant findings. ELUSIVE PRINCE, NAMJONG HUNTER and REAL GENEROUS were sent for sampling.