SAGE KING CASE

Chronicle (Levin), 26 July 1947, Page 2

SAGE KING CASE

One of the penalties the Otaki owner-trainer Walter McEwan had to shoulder when his two appeals against his one-year disqualification imposed at Foxton over the running of the steeplechaser Albino failed, was ihat horses owned by him automatically were disqualified for tha-t term. Prior to his conviction McEwan had leased an interest in that good performer Sage King to a stable patron, Allan ScoU, and Sage King was actualiy on his way to Sydney when the penalty was imposed on McEwan. There is a purchasing clause in the partnership agreement, and now Scott desires to take up that op.ion and become the sole owner of Sage King. The Conference has been approached on the question and, to clarify the position, president Harry Chalmers has directed that the appeal judges be asked to supply the answer. To facilitate the case — the Conference aiways endeavours to give an appellant the earliest of hearings — the judges listened to submissions yesterday. The case is of extraordinary interest, and the judges' decision will be of considerable moment, no: only in this particular case, but for the future guidance of the Conference.