THE SONGIFT SENSATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 116, 6 August 1927, Page 6

THE SONGIFT SENSATION

DISQUALIFICATION OF LEADING JOCKEY AND TURF CONTROL In a way, the dismissal of the appeal in the jockey Munro and Songift appeal reflects the rottenness of the turf, declares a Sydney writer. That the stewards could discover convincing evidence of the pulling of this favourite for a race, and their conviction could be upheld by the A.J.C. committee, leaves room for doubts concerning all racing. Here is the lehding jockey of Australia, found guilty of stopping a horse on whom the public had risked many thousands of pounds. Could anything worse be imagined? The case has been long drawn out. The Australian Jockey Club’s report of the appeal heard by its committee was as follows: “The adjourned meeting of the committee was held, when the appeal of J. L. Munro, jockey, John Leech, and S. B. Kelly, trainer, against the disqualification imposed upon them by the stipendiary stewards acting for Canterbury Park Race Club, for 12 months from June 18, 1927, and that of T. Morgan against the disqualification of the bay gelding Songift, for 12 months from the same date, were considered and dismissed.” RUBBED OUT In that brief announcement is the message that sends to oblivion for 12 months three racing folk and a racehorse. Songift was backed down to favouritism for the Ashbury Handicap at Canterbury on June 18. When he ran past the opposition and led the field approaching the halfmile, the race appeared to be at his complete mercy. But suddenly Avrom headed him, and Songift dropped back into the ruck. It seemed that he was beaten. Possibly this version of defeat would have been accepted if he hadn’t suddenly appeared with another run when the race was all over. In the straight he made another forward move that was surprising in view of his former collapse, and he finished third to Avrom and Mando. On the face of it, the performance was the queerest seen on a racecourse for a long time Inquiry into the circumstances followed, but the stewards were not unanimous in the case. MAJORITY VERDICT The official report stated that on a majority verdict, Munro, Kelly, Leech, ,and the horse were disqualified for 12 months. There was much speculation on this phase of the case, and keen racing men declared that although the fact looked black, it was hardly credible that Munro would stop an obscure horse for j an obscure stable, especially in view of • its favouritism. Moreover, the track [was under water, and the conditions were not regarded as affording definite proof of a horse’s prowess. That there was convincing evidence in addition to that which met the eye, however, is obvious from the fact that a majority of the stewards were prepared to stake their reputation on an appeal to the committee of the Australian Jockey Club. SLUR ON RACING And that the parties after being allowed every facility in the production of new evidence, or in the laying of fresh views before the committee, were unable to convince the committee that they were guiltless, casts a deep slur on racing. Everybody recognises that there are non-triers occasionally among the tinbacked. But that a favourite should be involved in a case of this description invests racing with a foul odour. Anything might be possible. That the leading jockey should be involved makes matters worse. Munro has ridden Australia’s best horses in the last few yeaFs, Windbag, Valicare and Amounts. As leading jockey with a percentage from numerous wins besides rich presents from winners of big races, it is surprising that he would have stooped to pulling the favourite for a £2OO race. What could make such a misdemeanour worth while to such an artist? Yet that is wliat the stewards convicted him of in conjunction with the other parties. And that is the conviction that the A.J.C. committee has upheld. MEETINGS TO COME August 6.—Poverty Bay Hunt Club. August t), 11, 13.—Canterbury J.C. August 20.—Pakuranga Hunt Club. August 27.—Taranaki Hunt. September 2, 3. —Marton J.C. September 8, 10. Wanganui J.C. September 9.—Egmonl-Wanganui Hunt (at Wanganui). September lu—Otago Hunt Club. September 14. Dannevlrke R.C. September 15.—Dannevirke Hunt. September 24.—Ashburton R.C. September 24, 26.—Avondale J.C. Cat Ellerslie). September 24. 26.—Napier Park R.C. September 29 30.—Geraldine R.C. October l.—Hawke's Bay J.C. October 6. Manawatu Hunt Club. October 6.—Kurow J.C. October 7. B. Otaki-Maori R.C. October 8. io.—Oamaru J.C. October 8, 10.—Auckland R.C. October 13. 15. Whangarel R.C. October 13, 15.—Dunedin J.C. October 15.—Carterton R.C. October 19, 20—Cromwell J.C. October 22, 24—Wellington R.C. October 22, 24—Waikato R.C. October 24—Waverley R.C. October '24, 26—Gore R.C. October 24—Waipawa Cty R.C. October 29. 31 —Thames J.C. November 2—Birchwood Hunt Club November 5,7, 0. 12—Canterbury J.C. October 24—N. Canterbury R.C. October 27. 29—Poverty Bay Turf Club. October 29—Masterton R.C. October 29—Banks Peninsula R.C. November 10, 12—Whangarei R.C.