THEY FINED HIM A "TENNER"

NZ Truth, Issue 1199, 22 November 1928, Page 15

THEY FINED HIM A "TENNER"

When The Owner Applied For Change of Drivers

It seems that one has only to obey the rules to get turned down— at least that was Harry Aker's experience the last day at Addington.

A KER t has an understanding with *\ Jimmy Bryce to drive his mare, Waitaki Girl, when Jimmy is free to do so. In the New Zealand Cup "Scotty" had to pilot Ahuriri, so Aker had to get his boy to take the reins. Came the last day of the meeting and Aker "applied to the stewards for permission to change the driver — as the rule calls for. He was turned down flat — it would not be sanctioned. ' ' Aker got annoyed — two other drivers had switched over without ever consulting the stewards — and he hit the roof. ■ So much so that he was told it would cost him a "tenner." The boy that drove Waitaki Girl the first day was not on the course and though they would not allow Bryce to get into the cart the stewards were quite agreeable to another boy — who

had never driven m a race — to take the mare out. Consistency, if you like! Bryce they would not have, but an inexperienced boy they Avould. Waitaki Girl ran third and, with all due credit to young Aker, she would nearly have Avon with Bryce behind her. But the stewards ruled otherwise, and the man who went to the trouble of • complying with the rules was knocked for a "tenner." Tomkinson and Holmes, who did not consider it worth while to ask by your 'leave, were let off with two pounds. I • Trotting is supposed to be the sport of the crowd, but when, if those who are m control, ape Mussolini, they will soon find the crowd has left them. And Harry Aker was entitled to some tangible reason why Bryce could riot drive his mare — not the imposition of a ten pound fine for sticking up for his rights.