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From SCMP:
John Moore’s “look what’s happened now” kind of day took it’s sweet time about swinging around but ended up more of a “look who’s back” kind of day at Sha Tin.
For the past twelve months, most conversations with Moore about multiple Group One winner and former horse of the year Designs On Rome have included mild grimaces and a matter-of-fact concession that he isn’t getting any younger.
But when injuries large and small to last season’s Derby winner, Werther, in September, and Derby runner-up, Victory Magic, last week, were joined by Rapper Dragon’s scratching on Sunday morning after a stable accident, his international team for December was looking rather depleted – until the old war horse kicked in under an inspired Karis Teetan ride.
“He’s back,” grinned Moore following the Sha Tin Trophy win that throws Designs On Rome right back into any Hong Kong Cup discussions, and he might have been talking about his own international aspirations as much as the six-year-old.
Karis Teetan checks to make sure he’s won.
“It’s a surprise but a relief too. Designs On Rome looks like he’s holding the flag at this point in time for what I originally thought was going to be a very big international meeting for the Moore stable.
“Werther is all right and back already but losing him from internationals was a blow and Victory Magic, well, his injury was really serious. Then this morning, I was quite nearby when it happened but I’m still not sure what went on with Rapper Dragon – I think he flipped over in the box and he was lame behind, maybe a ligament, high up, but we’ll go over him tomorrow and try to isolate the problem. I can’t be certain where he’s at until then but let’s just say the jury is out on his next run and the internationals? It makes it hard.
“And Able Friend? Well he’s working and not perfect at this stage but, like any athlete, we’ve got to work through and build him up and we’ll see how he’s going in three weeks when he runs in the sprint.”
Tommy Berry will be back aboard Designs On Rome next start.
Moore said Tommy Berry has already been booked to ride Designs On Rome from here on and, mid-interview, he had to answer a call from the Australian jockey reconfirming himself for the Jockey Club Cup.
But Teetan had another idea after winning with a perfect imitation of a Berry ride on the gelding.
“Look, the owner should just keep me on – now that I know how to ride him exactly like Tommy does, he can save money on the airfares,” said Teetan, sounding like the kid who knows but still refuses to acknowledge there is no Santa Claus.
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