RACE FIASCO

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1931, Page 3

RACE FIASCO

ALL TRYING TO LOSE. WHOLE FIELD DISQUALIFIED. SYDNEY, December 24. One of the most remarkable incidents in .the history of horse racing in Australia occurred at a small meeting held last 'Saturday ait Uanarra, near Grafton, on 'the north coast of New South Wales. 'lt resulted in the whole field of starters fn the Flying Handicap being disqualified, and all bets w-ere declared off.

There were only four acceptors for the race—Lord Harwood, The Breaker, Lady Jessie, and Wedaway. When the betting opened bookmakers showed little inclination to have anything to do with Wiedaway, for it had been openly stated 'that \ Wedaway was the only real trier in the race.” Brisk business was done , with the other starters, good prices being on offer. Then, not fong before the start, one of the bookmakers began to take liberties even with Yvedaway, and he was rushed with business. He took a large amount front the backers.

As the field lined up at the post there was a buzz of whispering and allegations and counter-allegations all round the course, and ithe atmosphere was more or less electrical. Everyone seemed to be wondering what was going to happen. All eyes were on the field, and it was noticeable that there was little inclination on the part oi an} of the jockeys to secure a good start. As a matter of fact the starter had the utmost difficulty in inducing any of the horses to line up. Finally he got them away in a straggling start, one behind the other. It was apparent that he had lost patience. A SLOW RACE. The pace was never on from the start. No jockey displayed the least ( anxiety to take the lead, and it was not long before the public, realising the nature of the joke, was calling derisively to the various riders. The race, if it could be termed such, resembled a slow cycle race, the' ambition of each rider being’ to keep behind instead of in front. The rider of Lady Jessie seemed ito be most adept at these tactics, for the mare was tailed off tearly, *and went*along leisurely a long way behind the other three. The rider ,of The Breaker must have suddenly realised that if he did not do something drastic he might win, for his mount left ths course altogether and was puiled up behind a row of motor-cars. This left itwo Jiorses to, make some sort of a finish, and ,as they, went up.the straight the pace became, slower and slower. The judges were so, disgusted that they left the box, and refused to give a. verdict. The stewards met immediately after the race, and said it was “no race. There was . scarcely any need for it lie stewaio,!. to. tell the people that. Horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys were all disqualified..