18/11/2012  Shatin  Race 6

BATCHELOR KEEN began awkwardly. CORPORAL JONES was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, SWEET CORNER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When left racing wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres, FLYING SMART proved difficult to settle. O Doleuze (GOLD-FUN) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SWEET CORNER, causing that horse to be checked and lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. In this incident, PRETTY BLUEBERRY was also hampered. O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 17 December 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 on Sunday, 9 December 2012. In addition, O Doleuze was fined $40,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. After the 900 Metres, CULTURAL CITY was left racing wide and without cover. Also after the 900 Metres, FLYING SMART was bumped by CULTURAL CITY which was taken out by BATCHELOR KEEN which got its head on the side and lay out. At the 500 Metres, PEPPERMINT was checked away from the heels of BATCHELOR KEEN which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GALAXY PRANCER. PRETTY BLUEBERRY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of PEPPERMINT in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, OPEN SESAME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CORPORAL JONES. Also rounding the Home Turn, PRETTY BLUEBERRY raced tight between SWEET CORNER and PEPPERMINT which shifted out to obtain clear running. Inside the 100 Metres, CORPORAL JONES was checked and shifted to the outside of FOREVER ELATION when disappointed for running between that horse and GALAXY PRANCER which shifted out marginally. A veterinary inspection of ADORATION and CULTURAL CITY after the race did not show any significant findings. ADORATION, SHAHJEE and FOREVER ELATION were sent for sampling.