26/12/2007  Shatin  Race 4

On jumping, AS YOU WISH was checked when crowded for room between DANEPRINT and RED FORTUNE which shifted in. CHALLENGER was slow to begin. In the early stages, MASTER ABLE proved difficult to settle. For some distance making the turn at the 800 Metres, CHALLENGER was checked away from the heels of MASTER ABLE which got its head up and shifted out abruptly when being steadied away from the heels of CAPTAIN BUNNY which at this time was carried back by TALE OF FRIENDSHIP which was not able to maintain its position despite being ridden along. As a result of this incident, near the 700 Metres CHALLENGER clipped the heels of MASTER ABLE, blundered and almost fell. In this incident, inconvenience was also caused to HURRICANE WAY, PACIFIC ALLIANCE and RED FORTUNE which were carried wider. In the circumstances, MASTER ABLE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial around a bend. Near the 300 Metres, AS YOU WISH was carried in by CAPTAIN BUNNY which shifted ground while being ridden out. Z Purton (AS YOU WISH) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 100 Metres he shifted his mount to the outside of DANEPRINT to obtain clear running when not clear of CAPTAIN BUNNY, causing that horse to be bumped, hampered and carried away from the running to which it was rightfully entitled and in turn caused inconvenience on its outside to STAR PRODIGY. Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to expire on Thursday 10 January 2008 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 next Tuesday 1 January 2008. In addition, Z Purton was fined $15,000 in lieu of a suspension for a period incorporating one further raceday. Over the concluding stages, DANEPRINT, which was giving ground, raced tight inside AS YOU WISH which got its head on the side and shifted in. Apprentice C W Wong (DANEPRINT) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in midfield with cover if possible as recently the horse has not been showing early speed. He said from a wide barrier he initially rode along, DANEPRINT immediately travelled into the bit and then to avoid being caught wide without cover, he allowed the horse to stride forward. He said after reaching the lead he endeavoured to steady the tempo of the race, however, DANEPRINT would not settle until the 700 Metres. O Doleuze (RED FORTUNE) was not able to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said approaching the 800 Metres he endeavoured to improve his position outside PACIFIC ALLIANCE, however, RED FORTUNE commenced to hang out. He said after this RED FORTUNE did not travel comfortably at any stage and in the Straight failed to close the race off. RED FORTUNE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of RED FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. PACIFIC ALLIANCE, ROCKALOT and FLYING PROFILE were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported MASTER ABLE had sustained a cut wound to its right hind leg.