EXTRAORDINARY RACING INCIDENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9341, 9 January 1909, Page 5

EXTRAORDINARY RACING INCIDENT.

An extraordinary incident occurred at the Blandford (four miles from Murruruudi) annual races on Boxing Day. Three horses went to the post for the Welter Handicap, the horses running six furlongs at top speed. The starter declared it no start, stating that he did not drop his flag. The horses finished thus: Outcast (odds-on favourite), 1; Barrister, 2; and Lobelia, 3. After a few minutes’ spell, the trio started off on another six furlongs run, the starter declaring that it was some of the public, and not he, who despatched the field. The result was exactly the same as the first time. There was some trouble when it came to a fchird run. Two of the owners (Lobelia and Barrister) did not feel disposed to punish their horses by giving them 2}£ miles straight off the reel, the latter also having to carry 11.7; but they were informed ? they conld not scratch them, and must give the public a run for their money. However, after about an hour’s delay, and after the committee ha'd held a meeting , the three horses again came to the post. Barrister’s jockey came out, carrying his “swag” under his arm, to pull weight; but the committee would not allow this, and insisted on having it strapped on. Then the owner attempted to take the mount. After the owner had weighed out, and was ready to start, more argument ensued. Eventually the original jockey got mounted again and with a roll of hags in front, iron wedges, and stones in his pocket, gut to the post. This time the jockeys made sure of the starter making the start, and for the third time;,the race was run, the horses finishing in exactly the same order each time.