28/01/2009  Shatin  Race 11

On jumping, SUPERNOVA was taken back. WINNING FELLOWSHIP was slow into stride. After the 800 Metres, MAINLAND SHUTTLE, which commenced to race keenly, was checked away from the heels of ICHIBAN. MASTER ELITE and STILTON, which were following, were checked in consequence. After this, MASTER ELITE proved difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PALAIS D’OR. Shortly after straightening, SUPREME GOLD was steadied when awkwardly placed inside STILTON which shifted in, then after the 150 Metres was again steadied and shifted to the outside of MAINLAND SHUTTLE to continue going forward. For a considerable distance after the 400 Metres, SUPERNOVA had difficulty obtaining clear running, then near the 100 Metres was steadied away from the heels of ICHIBAN while again having difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, MAINLAND SHUTTLE was steadied when disappointed for running between GREAT SHOW which was giving ground and STILTON which improved on its inside. For some distance after this, MAINLAND SHUTTLE was unable to obtain clear running when behind GREAT SHOW which continued to give ground. Over about the final 100 Metres, STILTON was not able to obtain clear running and because of this was not fully tested. For the major part of the race, KEEP ME travelled wide and without cover. C K Tong (RICH DRAGON) said from a wide barrier he had been instructed to go forward in what was anticipated to be a slowly run race. He said as today’s race was over 1600 Metres on turf, it provided the field with a 800 Metre run to the first turn. He said when RICH DRAGON was taken back from a wide gate at its most recent start over 1650 Metres on the dirt, this was because of the short run to the first turn. When questioned, H W Lai (SUPREME GOLD) said he had been instructed to ride his mount in midfield if possible. He said on jumping he took hold of SUPREME GOLD which got its head up. He said he then commenced to ride his mount along in an endeavour to make up ground, however, STILTON which had drawn to his outside had crossed to race outside ICHIBAN. He said as a consequence SUPREME GOLD travelled further back than intended. H W Lai was told his riding of SUPREME GOLD in the early stages had come under notice and he should ensure he rides his mounts in a manner which is not open to query. When questioned regarding the poor performance of CHINA LUJIA, D Whyte said after being crossed by RICH DRAGON at the 1200 Metres his mount commenced to hang out. He said CHINA LUJIA continued to hang out in the middle stages, then once balanced in the Straight disappointed him in the manner in which it closed the race off. He said over the final 200 Metres CHINA LUJIA gave ground. He said CHINA LUJIA hanging out contributed to the horse’s performance, however, this in his opinion did not fully explain the horse’s poor performance. CHINA LUJIA and MAINLAND SHUTTLE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CHINA LUJIA and MAINLAND SHUTTLE after the race did not show any significant findings. BERIO and PALAIS D’OR were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported MASTER ELITE had lost its right hind plate.