SPORTING.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 874, 13 April 1877, Page 3

SPORTING.

THE FISHHOOK CASE

At the meeting of stewards of the North Otago Racing Club, at whichMr D. O’Brien’s letter was considered, the members present wore —Messrs Steward (president) in the chair, Lumsden (vice -president), Brown, Booth, Gardiner, Maude, and Greenfield (secretary). Mr O’Brien’s letter was as follows: —

Gentlemen,—-I bog to request that in fairness to myself, and in regard to my position as a trainer, you will bo pleased to re-open my case in re the sentence of disqualification passed on my horse Fislihook by your Club. I do not ask you to remove the disqualification if, after the evidence I am prepared to bring, you find that you have not arrived at an unfair decision ; all I want is that I may be allowed to state my case, and produce facts showing that I myself was the greatest loser by Fishhook being beaten in the Flying Handicap. Gentlemen, I once more beg that you will give me the same chance that it is allowed to every man, that is of not condemning me without a chance of proving my innocence. And if after what I have to say you still think the sentence you have passed to he a fair and just one, I shall be satisfied that you have arrived at it in all fairness to myself and the public. But should yon feel inclined not to re-open my case I shall consider that I am allowed to remain for ever with the stigma of being convicted of pulling my horse Fishhook without a chance being allowed me to prove my innocence. The limes reports that considerable discussion ensued, in the course of which it was pointed out that several of the stewards had left town, and that in order to the holding of any inquiry it would be necessary that notice should bo given for the attendance of all parties concerned; and as this would probably' involve the matter extending over Friday, when the stewards would be out of office, it was suggested that the letter might be referred to the Club for them to take such action as might be deemed expedient. On the other hand, it was urged that the stewards wore unanimously satisfied that Fishhook had been deliberately pulled; and that even though Mr O’Brien could show that his jockey was the person to blame, he must nevertheless be held responsible for the act of bis servant; and, further, that even should he show that he was interested in the horse winning, there was no means of ascertaining that there might not be an undisclosed interest to the contrary. After fully considering the whole matter, it was resolved—“ That this meeting does not deem it necessary to review the decision arrived at on the course.”