05/06/2016  Shatin  Race 5

SUPERNATURAL began only fairly. BRILLIANT MONKEYS shifted out at the start and bumped LUCKY FRIENDS. A short distance later, LUCKY FRIENDS was steadied when crowded for room between BRILLIANT MONKEYS and ROYALE ELEGANCE which shifted in abruptly. THUNDER DASH shifted in shortly after the start and bumped FAST AND FURIOUS. Near the 1250 Metres, SUPERNATURAL was crowded for room between FAST AND FURIOUS and LUCKY SEBRING which shifted out. Passing the 700 Metres, PEARL HARBOUR raced tight inside UNBEATABLE GUTS which improved into tight running inside FORMULA GALORE which shifted out marginally. Passing the 700 Metres, FAST AND FURIOUS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HARMONY PARTNERS. K Teetan (ROYALE ELEGANCE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 650 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of BRILLIANT MONKEYS, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled. K Teetan was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Monday, 20 June 2016 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, 12 June 2016. In addition, K Teetan was fined $82,500. For some distance in the early part of the Straight, FORMULA GALORE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of UNLEASHED DRAGON which drifted out under pressure. Near the 150 Metres, NITRO EXPRESS was shifted out away from the heels of ROYALE ELEGANCE which shifted out under pressure. K Teetan was advised to exercise more care. Approaching the 100 Metres, SUPERNATURAL was steadied when awkwardly placed outside the heels of PEARL HARBOUR. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he was asked to ride his mount positively as it was felt that horses that were racing on the speed were more advantaged on today’s track than those that were required to race back in the field. He said he was asked to attempt to obtain cover behind the speed if possible, however, if ROYALE ELEGANCE was left racing wide and without cover, he should then allow the horse to improve to obtain a position closer to the rail. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages and making the first turn near the 900 Metres was left racing three wide. He said for this reason he allowed ROYALE ELEGANCE to improve into the lead after the 700 Metres and the horse then responded well to his riding and was only beaten in the concluding stages of the race. He added the manner in which ROYALE ELEGANCE performed today indicated to him that the horse was somewhat versatile and did not necessarily need to be ridden near the rear of the field. Mr J Moore, the trainer of ROYALE ELEGANCE, confirmed that it had been intended for ROYALE ELEGANCE to be ridden more forward than is usual, however, not to be ridden in the lead. He said a number of riders of horses trained by him earlier in the day had indicated that it was difficult to improve from the rear of the field on today’s track and it had been hoped that, from the wide barrier, ROYALE ELEGANCE may be able to obtain a position behind the speed with cover. He also confirmed he advised Jockey Teetan that if ROYALE ELEGANCE, due to the wide barrier, was required to race wide and without cover along the Back Straight, he should allow his mount to improve its position rounding the turn in an endeavour to obtain a position closer to the rail. UNBEATABLE GUTS, NITRO EXPRESS and G-ONE LOVER were sent for sampling.