28/01/2009  Shatin  Race 6

GALLANT MASTER was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, GREEN GLORY was taken back in the early stages. Near the 1400 Metres, LIVERBIRD was steadied when awkwardly placed between TREMENDOUS PLUS and GRAND GENERAL. After the 1300 Metres, TREMENDOUS PLUS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE WARRIOR which was being taken back to a position behind SUPREME COMMANDER. At the 900 Metres, GRAND GENERAL was hampered and carried wider by SUPREME COMMANDER which itself was hampered and carried out by FEEL THE FUN which shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of DASH while proving difficult to settle. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, SUPREME COMMANDER was steadied away from the heels of GRAND GENERAL. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, GALLANT MASTER was steadied away from the heels of KOWLOON FIT. From shortly after the 400 Metres until near the 300 Metres, LIVERBIRD was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Near the 300 Metres, DASH, which was giving ground, was steadied when awkwardly placed inside GALLANT MASTER which shifted to the inside of TRIUMPH to go forward. Over about the final 150 Metres, GALLANT MASTER, which was hanging in, had difficulty obtaining clear running between GRAND GENERAL and BATURO. As a consequence, GALLANT MASTER was not able to be fully tested. Over the concluding stages, HELENE ELITE hung out. In the run to the line, FORTUNE WARRIOR had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race. Throughout the race, TRIUMPH travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice T H So (TRIUMPH) explained approaching the turn at the 800 Metres he considered steadying his mount and shifting to a position with cover behind BATURO, however, he felt if he had done so, he would have caused interference to runners on his inside and therefore he allowed TRIUMPH to continue travelling in a three wide position without cover outside the lead. After reviewing the official video, Apprentice So acknowledged it would have been in the best interest of TRIUMPH had he had steadied his mount and shifted to a position behind BATURO commencing to make the turn at the 800 Metres. Apprentice So was told to make sure he is aware of opportunities which avail themselves to him to prevent covering unnecessary ground in the run. SUPREME COMMANDER, GREEN GLORY and FEEL THE FUN were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GRAND GENERAL had lost its left front plate. Additional Veterinary Reports from 28 January 2009 Race Meeting RACE 6 - TRIUMPH The Veterinary Officer reported this morning that TRIUMPH had returned with an injury to the left front tendon. Before being allowed to race again, TRIUMPH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.