REILLY'S LAST RIDE

NZ Truth, Issue 1148, 1 December 1927, Page 11

REILLY'S LAST RIDE

Stumbling of White Wings And Death

(From "N.Z. truth's" Specii

"In the midst of Life we are i eringf over the Takapuna course TPHE Takapuna race track; seems 1 doomed to continue its register of fatalities'. Another was added to the list when Jockey R. Reilly was* practically killed outright when White Wings stumbled' with him while contesting the Rakino Handicap on Monday last. The incident occurred about two furlongs from home, when the rush came for positions prior to reaching the turn. The majority of the field of fifteen starters were crowding at the time, with White Wings making a forward move about the middle of the bunch. Though few on the Stewards' and Press stand actually caugrbt a glimpse of the happening- and knew nothing until White Wings continued on riderless, it is generally understood the rider was shot out of the saddle and thrown heavily against the fence. He received injuries to the head, face and neck causing almost instantaneous death. It would seem certain that the poor rider's neck was broken as a result of striking the fence. The lengthy inquiry held on the course was not concluded on Monday and was adjourned until theft following day. Earlier m the day's, racing prchus stumbled badly prior to reaching the home turn m the second division of the Vauxhall Handicap, while Town G.uard did likewise while contesting Cautley Handicap. ■ vv ;

.1 Auckland Representative.)

m Death."; And Death was hovon Monday last.

Inquiries' into those Incidents appear to have been satisfactorily.' explained. Bob Reilly came across from Australia about t\vo ■ years ago and was regarded, as- a. capable light-weight "horseman m the North Island, where he rode a fair percentage of winners. Among victories scored by him were Master Doon and Mint Leaf m the Waikato Cup m successive years. He had been m. New Zealand some six or seven years, and. rode m .the South before; making his' home m Auckland. . \

Reilly will, be missed by all who made his acquaintance, for he was a well-behaved and likeable boy.

The accident is sure to have Its effect m racing for the next few meetings, and" horsemen "vwlll be mighty careful. .'"■■ Reilly's death brings vividly to mind another phaße of the life of a jockey— ln doing his work he is ever courting disaster. It's a great life, but poor Reilly will be troubled no more with its; humdrum of lead bags, riding instructions and Working the home turn. After a lengthy inquiry on Tuesday, during which evidence was called from every horseman m the Raklno Handicap except Bryce, rider of Look Out, the judicial committee of -the T.J.G. were unanimously of the opinion that the fatality to R. Reilly, rider of White Wings, was entirely of an accidental nature, no , blame being attachable to any other rider ia the race.!.,