MR. M.GAFFIN’S LOSSES.

Kumara Times, Issue 2604, 10 January 1885, Page 3

MR. M.GAFFIN’S LOSSES.

The saying that “ misfortunes never come singly” has been singularly emphasised in the case of Mr J. M‘Gaffin, whose double loss at the recent races here is perhaps without a parallel in racing annals on the West Coast. In the Reefton Jockey Club Handicap, .£75, only two horses came to the post —Volunteer and Sinceiity. Before the start it was no secret that Sincerity was out of form, \V hen the mare was stripped for the race she was dripping with sweat and quivering like an aspen. This, however, was not regarded as anything very exceptional, the mare being at all times of a very excitable and fret 1 nI disposition. However, a start was made and it was not long before an impression spread that the race was a foregone conclusion. Volunteer kept a load ot two or three lengths till reaching the distance post on the home turn, when both horses were let out tor a dashing finish, hut after going a couple of lengths at the increased speed Sincerity was seen to drop, as if struck by a bullet, falling on her side and rolling over once Freeth, the rider, managed to slip oil and got amongst the male’s legs, but as she never moved after falling be sustained no injury. It was at first thought the nwn slipp' d, hut a few Seconds after failing, the blood flowed

copiously from her nostrils, and it became at once apparent that she had burst a blood-vessel, and in five minutes she was dead. In the nest race in which Lillipie and Philosopher alone started, after going once round the latter stumbh d and broke his back. As far as could be seen there is nothing to cause the fall, the ground being level and the turf firm and free from stones. Philosopher gave promise of being a grand performer and may be classed as one of the best horses that over came to the Coast. —Inangahua Times, January sth.