Late Scratching of Satrap Causes Comment

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 490, 20 October 1928, Page 10

Late Scratching of Satrap Causes Comment

DOUBLE-BACKERS HIT Double-backers had another grievance at Rand wick on Saturday week — the scratching of Satrap for the Final Handicap after the first leg of the double had been decided. Satrap was a well-backed horse in doubles with Golden Voice, Violian and other fancied candidates for the Chester Handicap. Why ho should have been chosen is difficult to understand, for his form had been bad in all his Australian performances. He was last in the Warwick Stakes, last in the Hill Stakes, and almost last in the Squatters’ Handicap. Still, the fact remains that he was well backed in doubles by men who are generally well informed and not accustomed to throwing money away on worthless chances, so perhaps his form was expected to improve. However, he was withdrawn from the Final Handicap some time after the Chester had been decided. If he had been scratched before backers of doubles could have had their money back. But his withdrawal was delayed until 2.42, eight minutes before the start of the next race, the Steeplechase. Not A Chance Some substantial sums were thus paid to the double bookmakers without a run.

It was reported that Satrap was not on the course. He was not in the stall allotted him. So the deduction is that he was not intended to run.

In view of this, the delayed scratching is difficult to understand, A Sydney critic pointed out that rarely is there genuine reason for an owner or trainer making up his mind only at the last moment about not running or running a horse in his race. In cases such as this, when much public money is at stake, they should consider the racegoer, who pays his money and keeps the game going and scratch at an hour that saves loss and complaint.

It is up to the race clubs to take steps to investigate this matter if owners will not show the public fair consideration.