A FALSE START.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 232, 1 October 1928, Page 9

A FALSE START.

ALL BUT TWO GO AWAY.

SEVERAL COMPLETE THE

COURSE.

[ DEMONSTRATION" AT ELLERSLIE. There was a lot of dissatisfaction expressed at Ellerslic on Saturday by a section of the public after the Ladies' Bracelet, an event for gentlemen riders, ; was finally decided. Moy Hall was favourite, carrying about £33 more than Lassau, with Pekatahi next in request, while Eamblin' Kid and Mangaiti were at long prices. When the field was moving up to start the barrier slipped and went up. The starter, Mr. C. O'Connor, called out "No start," but the amateur riders, with the exception of two, those on Moy Hall and Manga iti, went away. The public called out to the riders to pull up, but they continued on their way, only Miss Alma and First Prince stopping. Wlaen tbey reached the starting point again the clerk of the course and the assistant starter tried to stop those in front, but it was of no avail and several continued on to the winning post still under the impression it was a race. Lassau won by a narrow margin from Rainblin' K.d. with 'Ashleigh third. They wire :iii called back to the starting point ami . the race was run about a-quarter "l an hour later. Those who iouk part ihe , first time were unable to show their best in the second and the two win* not start at the tirst attempt. Moy and Mangaiti, finished lir-t ami »ec<«nd. 1 with Miss Alma, v.ho w;ione of those 1 pulled up in the first attempt, third. The public commenced to boot when ' the horses returned to the birdcaire and also hooted the starter. However, it was a pure accident. Mr. O Connor is 1 looked upon as the best starter in New Zealand and it was very unfortunate •- for him that the barrier went up just - as the field was lining up. He m ;l k.i verv few mistakes and it _ rea \ v.i c not his fault. The best oi machinery i" will go wrong'at times. > There is just one thing, however, and - that is that clubs should iui.-id.-r the e advisableness of having an ..il.e.al ' tioned some distance alon- l]i<- - <miito - <i"Tial to riders il the start i- not a r proper one. This is particularly urn--«ary when gentlemen riders are engaged.