DEATH IN RACE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20120, 14 December 1939, Page 10

DEATH IN RACE

TROTTING DRIVER HEAD OF THE FEILD COLLAPSE IN SULKY STORY AT INQUEST (Pur Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The death of Eugene Clement McDermott during the running of the New Zealand Trotting Cup race at Addington on November 7 was investigated at the inquest yesterday. McDermott collapsed and fell from a sulky while driving Colonel Grattan at the head of the field. Albert Edward Bodger, assistant starter, said he saw McDermott lean towards the fence as he approached the turn in the track leading the field. He supposed that McDermott was doing this in preparation to so round the turn, but McDermott collapsed and fell out of the sulky. He did not at the time of his fall have hold of the reins. No other horse or sulky struck him, nor had there been any interference. James Bryce, junior, driver of Gallant Knight, who was running second at the time, said that McDermott was a length ahead when he fell. The witness called out to the drivers coming on behind to look out for McDermott. There had been no interference with McDermott’s horse, nor was interference possible. Dr. A. B. Pearson, pathologist at the Christchurch Public Hospital, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said that McDermott’s death was due to heart failure from myocarditis, induced by degeneration of coronary arteries of the heart. Statements for Widow Mr. C. S. Thomas said that Mrs. McDermott, for whom he appeared, had asked him to make a statement to the court. From the medical evidence it was apparent that McDermott was suffering from heart trouble. Mrs. McDermott wanted it to be clearly understood that neither her husband nor herself knew of this. He had actually Been examined a week before the race.

She would not like it to be thought that her husband had driven in the face knowing of the condition of his heard and risking his life and the lives of others.

The coroner, Mr. E. C. Levvey. S.M.. said that this statement would be appreciated. He asked Mr. G. W. C Smithson, who appeared for the Metropolitan Trotting Club, whether the club had any check on the health of drivers.

He suggested that it might be wise to have a medical certificate for eachdriver. Driving in these races was a strenuous business.

Last a Long Time

Mr. Smithson said that, though driving in trotting races was a strenuous occupation, the drivers lasted s: long time, many of them for 40 years He agreed to pass on to the club tlm coroner's suggestion. The coroner said he had noticed that one or two of the drivers at the cup meeting were certainly no! youngsters. Mr. Smithson agreed. He said that there was one driver whose age was GB. The coroner: The strain of driving in a race like the Cup might make it just a gamble. However, I am simply offering the suggestion.

Mr. Thomas recalled that the famous jockey Beasley rode second in. a race at the age of 83 The coroner: Weil it is bad enough watching. I find it strenuous enough at times. The coroner then returned a verdict of death from heart failure in accordance with the evidence of Dr. Pearson. He said that he had no need to add anything to this.

McDermott, who was a farmer and hOrse trainer as well as a driver, was aged 55 years.