09/05/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

TOUCH GO began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped FLYING SMART. A short distance later, FLYING SMART was crowded for room between TOUCH GO and LONDON CHINA TOWN which shifted out. CHINA POWER began awkwardly and lost ground and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. Z Purton (GOOD BOY BOY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 800 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent that horse from shifting in, resulting in ORIENTAL PROSPER being taken in and causing CHARLES THE GREAT to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 4 June 2012 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 to be conducted on Sunday, 27 May 2012. In addition, Z Purton was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating 1 further raceday. CHARLES THE GREAT had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, EL ZONDA was shifted to the outside of FLYING SMART to obtain clear running after being disappointed for running between that horse and ORIENTAL PROSPER. After the 200 Metres, FLYING SMART got its head on the side, hung in and proved difficult to ride. Near the 100 Metres, LONDON CHINA TOWN was steadied away from the heels of GOOD BOY BOY which was taken out by CHARLES THE GREAT which shifted to the outside of TOUCH GO into clear running. Throughout the race, GOOD BOY BOY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ORIENTAL PROSPER, Apprentice K C Ng stated that he had been instructed to lead on that horse. He said he rode his mount aggressively for some distance after the start in an endeavour to cross runners to his inside, however, after the 800 Metres it became apparent to him that he would not be able to cross TOUCH GO and ROMANTIC CITY to his inside. He said rather than remain three wide and without cover, he elected, after the 800 Metres, to shift ORIENTAL PROSPER across behind TOUCH GO and obtain a position with cover. He said after doing this ORIENTAL PROSPER travelled satisfactorily and after being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn initially responded well to his riding. He said however that a short distance after entering the Straight ORIENTAL COURSER came under pressure and then did not finish off the race over the final 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of ORIENTAL PROSPER after the race did not show any significant findings. TOUCH GO and CHARLES THE GREAT were sent for sampling.