21/06/2009  Shatin  Race 4

GALLANT MASTER and MY SMARTIE were slow to begin. Making the first turn, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was steadied away from the heels of FUJIAN PRINCE which got its head up and shifted out away from the heels of WONG'S SUCCESS. After entering the Back Straight, TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, NASA PEARL was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of GALLANT MASTER. Shortly after straightening, GALLANT MASTER was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running and then after the 200 Metres was again steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between LUCKY MONEY STAR and BEST NOODLE. When GALLANT MASTER shifted out, FUJIAN PRINCE and TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND were carried wider. At the 150 Metres, Apprentice M Chadwick (BEST NOODLE) dropped his right rein. Throughout the race, LUCKY MONEY STAR travelled wide and without cover. The performance of I KNOW I CAN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, I KNOW I CAN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. J Winks (OLYMPICSHIP) said he had been instructed to ride his mount in front or at least in a forward position as is usual. He said OLYMPICSHIP appeared upset behind the barriers, then began only fairly and in the early stages was reluctant to stride out. He said making the first turn after being ridden with the whip for a short distance, OLYMPICSHIP made ground to join the tail enders of the field and travelled satisfactorily for a short distance. He said OLYMPICSHIP again came under pressure after entering the Back Straight and did not respond to his riding. He said after making the Home Turn he became concerned with the manner in which OLYMPICSHIP was travelling and because of this he eased his mount out of the race near the 200 Metres. He said the work of OLYMPICSHIP in the lead up to today’s race was good and because of this he believed the horse was a strong chance in today’s race. OLYMPICSHIP was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, OLYMPICSHIP was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was distressed. Before being allowed to race again, OLYMPICSHIP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LUCKY MONEY STAR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY MONEY STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. WIN MORE and BEST NOODLE were sent for sampling.