Oscar Schindler, Ireland's hopeful in the Japan Cup on Sunday, left the Shiroi quarantine complex yesterday for Tokyo racecourse. The journey took around an hour and 50 minutes, with trainer Kevin Prendergast expressing satisfaction at the three days spent at Shiroi.

Prendergast praised the Shiroi facilities and also went on record as saying that Oscar Schindler had a good chance of winning. Oscar Schindler's exercise regime consisted of a mix-up a couple of canters.

The other Europeans to leave Shiroi for Tokyo were probable favourite Pilsudski, Astarabad and Caitano, the exception being Luca Cumani's late arriving Mons. A workout for the horse is planned at Tokyo racecourse tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Johnny Murtagh has had his Hong Kong contract extended by three months due to the continued shortage of top-class riders in the territory.

Murtagh - banned for three meetings on November 8th - will now ride in the territory until the end of February.

The Irishman had originally been contracted to ride until the pre-Christmas meeting, but circumstances have worked in his favour.

This follows the decision of American rider, Craig Perret, not to come to Hong Kong. "It's grand. Now I can settle down and look for good rides," said Murtagh.

Murtagh, whose current Hong Kong stint began this month, has ridden a winner in the new season. He rode four Hong Kong winners last year.

Singspiel is coming along nicely following an operation to repair his fractured off fore cannon bone sustained 48 hours prior to the Breeders' Cup Turf.

The stitches have come out and plans are afoot to fly Europe's record money earner back to Europe around November 24th in order to meet an international quarantine deadline.

Brett Doyle continued his good run in Hong Kong when notching a double at Sha tin to take his seasonal total to 14.Doyle won on board Right On and Winning Glory. He is fifth in the jockeys' table.