10/04/2010  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, EMPIRE CITY commenced to kick out at the rear gates. EMPIRE CITY was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, apart from a minor abrasion to the right hock, the horse was suitable to race. EMPIRE CITY then began awkwardly. Before being allowed to race again, EMPIRE CITY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. CHANTILLY was slow to begin. Over the concluding stages, COSMO SUCCESSOR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING AL AKBAR. Throughout the race, ALL TIME HIGH travelled wide and without cover. The performance of OUR WISH, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OUR WISH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding his riding of EMPIRE CITY in the early stages, B Doyle stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse quietly as prior to commencing racing, the horse had over-raced in a barrier trial when ridden in a forward position and had not finished off the trial. He said accordingly he did not ride EMPIRE CITY along in the early stages even after the horse began well. He said approaching the 1000 Metres he was following WELL NOTED, he had hoped to be able to follow that horse throughout the race, however, when that horse improved its position, he believed he would have had to allow EMPIRE CITY to stride forward which would have been contrary to his instructions. He said for this reason COSMO SUCCESSOR was able to shift in after rounding the first turn and occupy the position between WELL NOTED and EMPIRE CITY. B Doyle was advised that his explanation would be recorded, however, his riding in the early stages had come under notice and he should in future do his utmost to maintain favourable positions. B Doyle pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 100(2) of having failed to ride EMPIRE CITY right to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stewards. For this breach, B Doyle was fined a sum of $20,000. A veterinary inspection of OUR WISH after the race did not show any significant findings. LOADS OF JOY and WELL NOTED were sent for sampling.