Nihilist Junr. Ends His Racing Career

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 500, 1 November 1928, Page 13

Nihilist Junr. Ends His Racing Career

BROKE BACK__AT EPSOM RIDER SELKIRK’S LUCKY ESCAPE While working fast in saddle at Epsom this morning the chestnut gelding Nihilist Junior fell heav«ly, receiving injuries which necessitated the assistance of the friendly bullet. Nihilist Junr., with Stan Selkirk or deck, was working with Chrystal, who was driven by trainer Kinnimont, and after covering a round at a solid clip the pace was clapped on at the halfmilo peg, where Nihilist Junr. had gone out wide. Approaching the three furlong disc, the chestnut wobbled and endeavouring to make a recovery, landed on his head, falling heavily on his back. ITow rider Selkirk escaped was nothing short of a miracle, as he was underneath the horse when assistance arrived, but except for a shaking he came through unscathed. After investigation trainer Kinnimont expressed the opinion that the Pour Chimes gelding had broken his back, and owner Bridgens, who was present, decided to put the pacer out of his misery. Hunt for Gun

But a difficulty arose in procuring a gun. the Auckland Club not having one. A spectator went to the police station, but the constable was not agreeable to either do the job or let anyone have the firearm. Finally/ A. Richardson secured one, and the unfortunate animal was given relief from his sufferings. Vet. O’Halloran, who had arrived in the meantime, confirmed the opinion of the trainer that the horse’s back was broken.

The accident was a stroke of bad luck for his owner, who only recently purchased the Southerner. Nihilist Junr. last season won several saddle events and was a usefu? sort in this department, although since coming north he has always given the impression he was a sick horse. He was showing great dash just before the accident occurred and his party intended to try him out in the saddle races at Otahuhu.