STEWARD'S STATEMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 479, 8 October 1928, Page 1

STEWARD'S STATEMENT

STARTER’S DECISION FINAL “RACE PROPERLY STARTED” In an official statement issued on Saturday evening, the stewards stated that they had no option but to declare

the race properly started, in view of the starter’s evidence. It was pointed out that by rule 5, part 24, of the Rules of Racing, “the starter’s decision shall be final, except in the case of a start in front of the starting post, or on a wrong course, or before the appointed time*” In the opinion of the stewards, the,re was no reason to override Mr. O’Connor’s decision that the horses were sent away to a fair start. P. Brady, rider of Quapen Arch, stated at the inquiry that he jumped out at the start, but did not know whether to go on or not. When the crowd started to call out, he pulled up after running some distance. Other than the fact that spectators called out to him, he had no reason to think had been a false start. The stewards’ statement added that A. Tinker, ride.r of Star Stranger; R. McTavish, Te Kara; L. Maqson, Valkon; C. Goldsbro, Mint Leaf; H. Wiggins, Catkin; and O. Mclnally, Tidal, also gave evidence, from which it appeared that some stayed at the post because they did not hear the starter call to them to go, although they knew the barrier lifted up properly. For some reason they thought Te Kara had plunged into the tapes and released the barrier. The others pulled up on account of the spectators. It was also stated officially that the clerk of the course, Mr. A. Selby, acted upon his own initiative in endeavouring to induce those riders who got well away from the start to pull up. No responsibility was taken for thii? action by the stewards, as it had not been authorised.