THE DISQUALIFICATION OF FISHHOOK.

Dunstan Times, Issue 784, 27 April 1877, Page 3

THE DISQUALIFICATION OF FISHHOOK.

The only excuse wo can offer for giving space, and what to some may appear ns undue prominence to this case, is our desire to do all that within us lay in exposing any trickery on the turf. To purge the turf of all wrong doors should he the desire of one and all, and we are determined, let whoever may he brought before the bar of public opinion, neither to hide our light under a bushel, or refrain from either giving an opinion or affording space for the particulars of the case. In the present instance, not having witnessed the breach of racing law comp’aine l of, we are unable to pass an opinion, hut merely give the result of tho various enquiries ns reported by our contcmporarifS. The case is so fresh in tho minds of those of our readers who take an in'erost in matters that tho recapitulation Of the circumstances is not necessary. The We facts of the case are that, during the tunning for an event on the Oamaru Kao ’Conrse, Fishhook, tho winner of tho Dunedin Derby, was deliberately pulled by bis rider Dorritt, for which the Stewards immoktely alter the race disqualified the torso

from ever, running »u the Oamaru Course; anil the Committee of the Club subsequently disqualified also the rider. The Canterbury Jockey Club, at a more subsequent date ’again 1 confirmed the decision of the Oamaru 'Club, and imposed the same penalties so far as courses on which their rules are observed. The next move was by the Dunedin Club, who, in a pretty full meeting on Saturday night last, fully endorsed the action of both the 'Oamaru and 'Canterbury Clubs; an opinion was, however, expressed that the owner Mr‘D. O’Brien was the 'victim of a conspiracy to get the horse out Of the road. The Timaru*-Jockey 'Club, however, we learn, decline to interfere.