HORSE FAILS TO HURDLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 77, 24 January 1947, Page 4

HORSE FAILS TO HURDLE

TRIBAL HONOUR LET DOWN RIDER EXONERATES HIMSELF An unrehearsed incident at picnic meeting of the Kawhia Racing Club occasioned much merriment. It was, indeed, one of those little interludes. which make these picnic meetings so enjoyable. From a neighbourhood native settlement the tribe had carefully chosen both horse and rider to carry the tribal colours—and honours—in the hurdle race. As the horses left the saddling paddock for the barrier it can be admitted that this was surely one of the “good prospects” which in other surroundings would have been well fancied. It was a splendid horse, and Hori rode with all the pomp and dignity necessary to uphold the tribal honour. From a good start he manoeuvred to a good position, and was soon prominent. All went well until the first hurdle was reached. And here —disaster! Hori was sent hurtling through space to sprawl in a most undignified manner on the other side of the hurdle! Long after the race had "been decided it was a crestfallen Hori who returned to his tribal supporters. “Did you see him?” he said, as he pointed an accusing finger at the horse. “Did you see him? Him make ", the big disgrace! But I shame him,” he added; and then, with more emphasis, “Yes, I shame him! I go over the hurdle myself!”