FASTABOB'S success in yesterday's fourth event was soured when he was subsequently found to have bled badly, leading trainer John Moore to call for the introduction of the drug lasix into local racing.
Lasix helps to stop horses from breaking blood vessels during their training and their racing. It is commonly prescribed in many racing jurisdictions in the United States. For instance some of River Verdon's opponents raced on it in the Arlington Million in Chicago last September.
After Fastabob showed a top-class turn of foot to pull clear of the gallant Star Of Lihlin, Moore said: ''We have reached a point here where racing is so sophisticated that there must be an argument for the introduction of lasix.
''I'm not saying that we allow horses to race on them here but what is wrong with trainers being allowed to use lasix in their preparation for races with horses coming off the drug some seven days before they are due to compete? ''This is particularly the case when we race horses to such a ripe old age here.
''Nor am I the only one who thinks this. Other top trainers share my views and I will definitely be bringing this up at the next trainers' association meeting.
''After all, much of this bleeding can be laid at the door of the Florida 'flu virus. This horse had lots of mucus after that virus and such drugs as lasix can be a help in this kind of situation.'' Fastabob's owners left the track unaware that their expensive Australian import, who had run such top races behind Quicken Away and Concert King on his first two starts in the territory, had bled.
Moore went on: ''I will be explaining to them that America is one option we have with this horse.