SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 59, 15 July 1913, Page 6

SPORTING.

ALLEGED LIBEL

WOOTTON v. SIEVIER

[By Eanemic Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 11.40 a.in.) London, July 14.

The Court was crowded with racing notables when the case of Richard Wootton v. Robert Sievier, for a libel published in the “Winning Post,” was opened. Sievier defended himself, Wdotton’s counsel, in opening, said his client had been accused of barefaced swindling, extending over a considerable period, and robbing the public by fraudulent arrangements witn other trainers and jockeys. Wootton, in his evidence, said ho came to England with the highest references from Australian Jockey Clubs. His sons and the two Huxleys had excellent records- With regard to the suspensions, Wootton’s evidence made it evident*that it was a conspiracy. He said bo never instructed jockeys to pull horses or to make dishonest bets. His sons often won against his betting interests. His biggest bets in England were £IOOO on Larnoiul for the Newmarket and Derby, which ho lost.

TROTTING CLUB CON FERENCE

Wellington, July 15

The Annual Conference of Trotting Clubs opened .to-day, Mr J. Rome (Auckland) presiding. In his address, the President said there were only twenty-three clubs in New Zealand, and considering the ever-increasing population that was not a very large number. It was universally acknowledged that during the past decade the sport of trotting had made gigantic strides, and if the popularity of anything could be attested by the number of its followers, it was undoubtedly to-day one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes. The number of meetings held last year was thirtyseven, the number of racing days being fifty-nine. The stakes were £43,026, as against £.36,661 last year, apart from £6OOO given by racing clubs for trotting events. Dealing with the proposal to appoint stipendiary stewards, the President said lie was not quite sure that the time had arrived for the appointment of these officers. A notice of motion dealing with the question would come up for consideration later. A motion to introduce class trotting would also be introduced. They had already brought trotting to a high level, and their aim should be to lift it to a still higher grade as a sport. What was necessary was some certainty of bringing the best horses to closer finishes, and apparently the only way was to classify racing at all important meetings.