RACING ASSOCIATION PLATE

VIKING MOON was slow into stride. VIKING MOON was difficult to settle in the early and middle stages. As a consequence of these early exertions, this colt had nothing to come to the finish. In view of this report, the Course Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. Trainer Greeff appeared before the Board and was questioned regarding the poor performance of VIKING MOON. In this regard, he explained that, VIKING MOON was having his first run after a long rest and the connections were uncertain as to whether this colt would see out the 1400m, as despite racing with a specially designed bridle, this horse had shown a tendency to over-race in his races. Trainer Greeff further explained that, it was considered an option by the connections to race VIKING MOON in the upcoming features, many of which are over distances longer than 1200m. Accordingly, the decision was taken today to drop VIKING MOON in and teach him to settle. However, as can be gleaned from today's performance, VIKING MOON simply refused to settle. SIR CALEB was not correctly equipped when presented in the parade ring. At the 500m, GLORY DAYS had to ease when awkwardly placed on the inside of FOREIGN SOURCE, which rolled in marginally. After reviewing the patrol films of the race, the Board was of the view that this was a racing incident. In arriving at this conclusion, the Board took into consideration that, approaching the 700m, Jockey Cheyne, the rider of FOREIGN SOURCE, who raced one off the inside, had committed to closing the gap on the pacemaker, SCARBOROUGH FAIR. However, at the 700m, GLORY DAYS shifted out from behind SCARBOROUGH FAIR in order to hold FOREIGN SOURCE deep. Notwithstanding this shift, FOREIGN SOURCE had been continually gathering momentum and had raced ahead of GLORY DAYS approaching the 500m, at which time, GLORY DAYS appeared unable to match the speed of FOREIGN SOURCE and adequately hold her position on the inside of this colt. This resulted in GLORY DAYS having to ease when awkwardly placed on the inside of FOREIGN SOURCE which rolled in. Additionally, the Board took into consideration that, the above incident had occurred on the turn into the straight therefore, the horses would have been on an outward movement. After taking into account all the evidence in this matter, the Board was of the opinion that no blame could be apportioned to any individual rider and deemed this to be a racing incident. FOREIGN SOURCE was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Vet: VIKING MOON and SIR CALEB - nothing obvious detected.