26/09/2009  Shatin  Race 3

Near the 900 Metres, A WALK IN THE PARK got its head up when momentarily crowded for room inside SUCCESSFUL ERA which shifted in. Making the first turn, LIONS’ FORTUNE got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of AMBITIOUS TREASURE. For some distance after this, LIONS’ FORTUNE proved difficult to settle. Near the 250 Metres, TURF WINNER got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in SUCCESSFUL ERA being inconvenienced. Just prior to the winning post, HAPPY WIN was steadied when awkwardly placed towards the heels of A WALK IN THE PARK. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that SUPER GENTLEMAN, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong today, raced greenly throughout the event and hung out in the early and middle stages. He said that he rode SUPER GENTLEMAN in a turf gallop on Thursday morning and the horse also worked greenly on this occasion. He said SUPER GENTLEMAN was on its wrong leg until rounding the first turn at which point he was able to get the horse to lead with its correct leg. He said he rode SUPER GENTLEMAN along in the early and middle stages to have it make up ground, however, SUPER GENTLEMAN was reluctant to stride out and lost touch with the field. He said in the Straight given the manner in which SUPER GENTLEMAN raced, he was reluctant to use the whip on the horse, but he was able to ride the horse out hands and heels. He said despite this SUPER GENTLEMAN finished the race off quite strongly. The racing manners of SUPER GENTLEMAN, in the circumstances, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPER GENTLEMAN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. A WALK IN THE PARK, AMBITIOUS TREASURE and HIGH RETURN were sent for sampling.