24/09/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

FANTUZZI was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, PRIME TARGET was crowded for room between VERY FIT and LOCAL POWER. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, FLORAL NIRVANA raced tight inside WARM EMBRACES which got its head on the side and hung in. At the 1300 Metres, PALETTE THE BEST was crowded for room inside KENOBE which was carried in momentarily by PRIME TARGET. When questioned, E Saint-Martin (TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND) said from the wide barrier he had been asked to ride the horse in a forward position, however, to avoid being caught wide without cover if possible. He said TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND began satisfactorily, he initially allowed the horse to stride forward, however, near the 1600 Metres when a line of horses drawn to his inside held their positions, he elected to take TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND back to avoid being caught wide. He said as a consequence TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND raced further back than was intended with the rear. He said TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was unbalanced making the first turn and was inclined to hang out and afterwards did not feel properly balanced in its action despite travelling fairly. He said TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND did not improve its position when placed under hands and heels pressure at the 400 Metres. He said he continued to ride TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND along hands and heels in the early part of the Straight and the horse did not respond. He added when hit with the whip at the 200 Metres TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND again did not give him any response and as the horse was well beaten he did not ride it out over the concluding stages. He said he had ridden TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND at its only other start at Happy Valley which was over 1650 Metres in February 2007. He said on that occasion TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND led, hung out, did not feel comfortable on the track and disappointed him in the manner it closed the race off. He said in his opinion TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was again not completely comfortable racing at Happy Valley and in his opinion is better suited racing at Sha Tin. TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TRIUMPHANT DIAMOND after the race did not show any significant findings. PALETTE THE BEST, KENOBE and PRIME TARGET were sent for sampling.