Almost a year ago he was banned from racing after repeatedly refusing to start, but now we could see Mad Moose make his return to the racecourse.
Year’s absence
It’s been almost a year since we saw the gelding on the track, when he pulled himself up at the first fence at Sandown in December 2013.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) ruled than no more entries would be accepted for the gelding and his racing career seemed all but over.
However, the Disciplinary Panel of the BHA held an enquiry today (6 November 2014) to consider whether the restriction on Mad Moose should be lifted.
Break time
Following his last race, Mad Moose is said to have had a break out at grass, and was then sent to Nicky Tickler in Yorkshire. There the gelding underwent treatment on his back.
He subsequently returned to trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard, and has been in work since June.
According to the trainer, Mad Moose had shown no sign of planting itself and had also been hunting.
Warning
The Panel has decided to lift the restriction on Mad Moose, but have declared that if he refuses or is reluctant to start in the next six months, the matter should be referred back to the BHA.
Mad Moose did show some talent on the track, winning seven National Hunt races and a Flat race at Doncaster.
He has his own Twitter account, and today the horse’s twitter feed read: “I’M FREE AT LAST”.
Part-owner Dave Arthur wrote on his own feed: “Delighted that @BHAPressOffice have allowed @MadMooseNTD to race again. Could be next Sun @CheltenhamRaces. Not to be missed.”