Reinstatement of Gray Popularly Acclaimed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 716, 16 July 1929, Page 14

Reinstatement of Gray Popularly Acclaimed

Sporting writers called upon to make up social notes on the Trentham races last Saturday would have gleefully started off in this fashion: “Among those present were Mr. Hector Gray,” etc., etc. The disqualification ban lifted by the Xew Zealand Racing Conference on Friday last immediately became effective, and the one-time crack jockey—probably the best rider New Zealand has seen for very many years —made his appearance on the racecourse the next day, free and unfettered. This was the first time for four years that he had done so. True, it was not his first appearance on a racecourse within that period, for he had been granted special penmission to take his employer’s horses on to courses. Now the raising of the disqualification means that he is free to attend any race meeting. Riding Again Soon? But the fact that Gray’s disqualification has been raised does not necessarily imply that he will be able to

take up x'idins in races right away. Indeed, there is much to be done before that time arrives. . No doubt Gray will at once apply for a jockey’s licence, but that does not say that, it will be granted to him. That is a matter for the Auckland District Committee, if it recommends a licence for him, and then it will have to go before the licensing committee of the New Zealand Racing Conference. Just what view that body will take of the application is problematical, but even if the district committee does make a recommendation, it remains to be seen whether that recommendation will be endorsed.

In the meantime. Gray will be able to obtain employment in a stable, so that for the time being at least he will be able to earn the means of subsistence. And one can picture many owners and trainers who would be only too pleased to have a man with Gray’s experience and knowledge assisting in the preparation of horses for important engagements. At present, however, this may be as far a=> the authorities will care to permit the horseman to go. His occupation in a stable for the future may be only a term of probation preparatory to bis being granted a conditional riding licence. Why Not Now? But lias not Gray really gone through his probation period while employed by Mr. W. C. Ring, sen., at llinuera? This sportsman has been emphatic in bis confidence that Gray is worthy of being given another opportunity as a jockey, and surely he should know. In his appeal to the conference last week. Gray gave his age as 41. so that it will be seen that he is advancing m years. Therefore, from his point of view, the sooner his riding licence is granted the better. As has been pointed out, the granting of a licence is only during the pleasure of the licensing committee, which is empowered to review any licence. At the present time there would appear little reason why Gray should not be seen actively participating in liorseracing by the time the spring meetings roll round. Whether the licensing jeommittee will be of the same opinion is a moot point, and therefore its decision on the matter will be awaited.with more than the usual interest. Still Popular Gray's entrance to the Trentham racecourse last Saturday was not unlike that of an Eastern potentate. He was eagerly shaken by the hand by hundreds of sportsmen, and by those to whom he was little more than a name. Incidentally, there were those keen to greet him who in the distant past—but perhaps not too distant — were loud in their condemnation of him. It is the way of the world and humanity. But there is no denying the popularity of the conference’s decision to reinstate Gray. The officials of the Wellington Racing Club and the telegraph messengers were kept busy all day at Trentham on Saturday handling telegrams addressed to “Hector Gray, Racecourse. Trentham.” and the letterrack held sheaves of these wires. Justice tempered with mercy is the Briton’s idea of fair play. Let us hope in.this instance that the remission of the sentence of disqualification will bear fruit, not only in this connection, but also on the part of those connected with horse-racing who are tempted to wander from the path of rectitude. In this case, we consider the Racing Conference has not made a mistake.