WEAK RIDER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 711, 10 July 1929, Page 12

WEAK RIDER

STOOD DOWN FOR DAY EFFECT OF WASTING A move that will meet with public approval was made by A.R.C. stewards at Ascot ponies the other day. After tliey had inquired into the running of Shining, who finished third in the first division of the Flying Handicap, they announced that the rider, S. Jones, had been debarred from riding for the rest of the day. The club doctor had reported that through excessive wasting Jones was not fit to accept further engagements. Too many riders are allowed to ride when not physically fit to do their horses justice, and a stricter supervision might be a wise step. The public does not mind losing money when fancies have every chance and are beaten on their merits, but there is every reason for complaint when the rider is to blame. Settled Chance It would have been far better for Shining’s chance yesterday had Jones seen the futility of trying to get right down in the weights and declared two or three pounds overweight. Jones’ weakness on Shining was suicidal to the horse’s chance. Shining is a slow beginner who must be pushed throughout to prevent her dropping too far behind, and it was further against her chance that she drew an inside marble. Shining was quickly among the rear lot, and, after going three furlongs, she must have been giving the leader at least fifteen lengths’ start. That she finished fast in third place, though still some distance from the winner, English Gag, indicated that had Jones been stronger the mare might have won. Jones has been riding ■well at recent meetings, and he might learn from yesterday’s incident that a few pounds more weight is far better than a weakness that brings the attention of the stewards on his riding.