10/01/2010  Shatin  Race 1

As the start was effected, OCTAGONAL CANYON reared and on landing shifted abruptly to the right, resulting in W C Marwing being dislodged. W C Marwing was examined by the Club’s doctor and passed fit to continue riding. Before being allowed to race again, OCTAGONAL CANYON will have to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. SUPREME COMMANDER began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of FEEL THE FUN which became unbalanced. Near the 1500 Metres, LITTLE BIG BOY got its head up when crowded for room between LIGHTNING MOUNT and TRAVEL LEADER, both of which shifted ground. Near the 900 Metres, TRAVEL LEADER was momentarily crowded for room inside SUPREME COMMANDER which itself was taken in by MYTHIC STEED (O Doleuze). O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to exercise care. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL LEADER at the request of Trainer D Cruz after the race did not reveal any significant findings. The performance of TRAVEL LEADER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL LEADER 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 the disappointing performance of SUPREME COMMANDER, D Whyte stated that it had been intended to ride the horse in about midfield, however, with the genuine tempo of the race in the early stages, SUPREME COMMANDER raced worse than midfield. He said despite this SUPREME COMMANDER travelled well throughout the race, however, after being shifted out at the entrance to the Straight was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME COMMANDER after the race did not show any significant findings. SUPREME COMMANDER, FORTUNE DRAGON and FEEL THE FUN were sent for sampling.