HAWKE’S BAY HANDICAPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 670, 23 May 1929, Page 14

HAWKE’S BAY HANDICAPS

Press Association HASTINGS, Wednesday. In the list of handicaps for the Napier Handicap, to be run at the Hawke’s Bay Trotting Club’s meeting Miss Leda, Huia Maid, Moko Fly, Tawa King and Indicator should be on the limit, and not 1 12yds behind, as stated. In the Hastings Handicap K 1 Direct should be on 60yds behind, not 48. The School An author wished to incorporate a description of a prize-fight in a novel which he had “on the stocks.” He, being of a frugal turn, went to the editor of a Fleet Street paper, whom he knew, and asked if it would be possible to procure a Press ticket for a certain forthcoming bout. “Sorry,” said the editor, “don’t have a spare one, but if you like to come along to ourjiouse to-morrow afternoon my wife’s giving a women’s bridge party.” Weighing-in Unplaced Riders Some time ago mention was made of the desirability ot making it compulsory for all riders whose mounts finished outside the first three to finish in. a race to be weighed in. When such is not done it leaves loopholes for overweight being carried unknown to all but those intimately concerned. Another point is that omission to weigh in may prove unjust and costly to an owner and the backers of a horse. This was well illustrated by the result of tho Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool this year, says a writer in “The Australasian.” Straight Shot finished fourth, and was placed so by the judge, Mr. J. Henry. The rider of the gelding, however, was not weighed in. Then came the protest against Pick Me, who was disqualified. Cooliel being placed first and Agricolo second. As Straight shot had been taken a wav from the enclosure he could not be given third place—a grave injustice to all concerned. With the possibility of any or all of tlie first three in a race being disqualified it is obvious that, at least the next three (if so many finish) should be weighed in and, better still, that all riders should pass across the scales after each, race in which they, have ridden.