Owner’s Misfortune was Another’s Gain

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 604, 5 March 1929, Page 13

Owner’s Misfortune was Another’s Gain

TROTTING (CONTINUED.)

ETTA COLE’S LATE ARRIVAL ANSEUNE REAPS BENEFIT The unfortunate incident of the late arrival of Etta Cole at Claudelands on Saturday was for some time the chief topic of conversation on the course and on all sides were heard sympathetic expression toward owner F. J. Docherty in his misfortune. To the students of form it was a foregone conclusion that “Dock’s” bonny trotting marc would nod her head to the judge in the Members* Handicap, and the race was generally considered to be “all over bar shouting'* nnd, of course, barring accidents. But no one dreamed that the accident

which was to deprive Etta Cole’s owner of the stake would be in connection with the conveyance that was transporting her to Hamilton. Yet the fates decreed that the trotter was to arrive too late to take her place in the field, much to the chagrin of numerous punters who were laying back for & plunge on the apparently good thing. But the irony of the thing, was that, within a minute or two of 3T.J.D. signing the scratching book, Fred Gilchrist and Etta put in an appearance.. Then the fat was in the tire and the owner made strenuous efforts to have the. affair remedied, but the Stipendiary Steward quoted the rule on the question and Etta remained in the paddock. So Near and Yet So Far Mr. Docherty informed the writer he was given permission to refrain from using the scratching pencil till the horses left the birdcage, but a request to let the mare remain in till starting rime was refused, the objection being that machine investments would have tn be returned if Etta Cole did not arrive in time to take her place at the starting post. Had this been done, as things turned out, the daughter of Petertvah would have competed, and the totalisator return on the Members’ Handicap would have been of much larger dimensions. Mr. Docherty maintains that, when the horses left the birdcage, he was requested to sign the book, without further delay, and having done so, found on leaving the enclosure the mare was on the scene. He pointed out that the scratching was not officially posted, and thinks that had the committee been approached on the subject immediately it would have been fixed up. However, as the deed was done, permission was not given. The absence of Etta Cole left the rare with a decidedly open apearance, and as it turned out owner-trainer

•oe Gee leaped the benefit, his consistent old mare An selin© capturing fhe stake. Joe, who is a good sportsman. expressed genuine regret to Etta Cole's owner at the unfortunate incident, which was to prove ultimately a blessing for himself.