RACECOURSE SENSATION

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1924, Page 4

RACECOURSE SENSATION

SPECTATOR I.EAI’.S on TRACK. AUCKLAND. November 2. A sensational mishap marred the. racing at Kllerslio yesterday. 'llii.s was Closed by a mail suddenly leaping on to the track and colliding with the leading lmr.se shortly after the field in the Alitchelsoii Cup, the ihief event of the programme, swept into the straight for the final rim to the jaist.

The accident occurred at a time when excitement over the race was intense. The lightly weighted Barometer, owned by Rotilson Bros., Pnkeknlie, bail dashed into the lead, and a.s lie ran into the straight with a commanding advantage of two or three lengths his name was loudly called as the winner. AYith lot) yards to go lie was still going strongly, well in front alongside, the rails, and it certainly seemed that his owners would have tho pleasure of receiving the rich prize of CI3OO and gold cup valued at £IOO. The horse had been confidently backed on the totalisator and ruled fifth in order of favouritism in a. field of fourteen, so that tho number of bis backers was large and they were on good terms with themselves at the prospect of securing first dividend. In a moment all hope of Victory was dashed to the ground. A spectator, Harold Diver, aged twenty-six, darted out from the rails under the impression, it i.s stated that the horses bad. already passed. He collided with Barometer and was knocked down like a niiicpin. The horse was sent right back and his chalice was winning was extinguished, while several other runners were also interfered with. Driver was taken into the casualty room, and on examination Dr Sharman found that he had escaped with facial abrasions and injury to the left leg. Ife was removed to the hospital. I

AVhen Barometer returned to the bird-cage his near hind leg was bleeding freely, but this injury bad been inflicted bv a kick from another horse at the start of the race. Tho animal was attended to by a veterinary

surgeon. The owners accepted their misfortune in a very sporting spirit saving it was all in the luck of racing. They believed their horse was sure to win, and a.s the young jockey, Huoliey, who rode him, confidently endorsed this opinion, the contretemps ''■as 'indeed mast exasperating for them.