“Sentinel” on the Job

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 179, 19 October 1927, Page 10

“Sentinel” on the Job

Some of the riders engaged at Wingatui will have to steer better courses than they did on Thursday or a compulsory holiday will come their way. In this manner, the Dunedin writer, "Sentinel.” launches out in an attack on present-day horsemanship. The writer is convinced from long observation that the primary cause of the trouble is the too-short leather.

Its use makes a rider lower his head to such an extent that he cannot see where his mount is going or how close he is to other horses. Whatever the reason there is not the slightest shadow of a doubt that bumping, boring, and crossing have become very much more in evidence since the crouch seat came into vogue. It is noticed that most of the trouble which arises at Wingatui takes place at the approach to the far turn when the field crowds in to make as short a cut as possible. This is the point which should be placed under close observation, and some of the riders in order to reduce risk to themselves and others should be compelled to lengthen their leathers. There is a rule which gives authority to compel a rider to adopt a sane seat, hut it seems to be a dead letter in racing law.

PENMAN SOLD By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 10.30 a.m. SYDNEY, To-day. The racehorse Penman has been sold privately to a patron of Whitworth’s stables. The price is not stated.—A. and N.Z.