Judge Asked to Stop Pony Race

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 771, 18 September 1929, Page 12

Judge Asked to Stop Pony Race

“THEY’RE ALL DEAD!” NO ACTION TAKEN As a result of certain incidents al- j leged to have occurred in connection ; with a pony race at Forbes Trotting Club’s show meeting last Saturday week (says the Sydney “ Morning Herald”), the committee has decided that the club shall not run pony events in future. When the horses went to the post in the Forbes Pony Handicap The Elf. which won, was at odd* on in the betting. The first suspicion that something was wrong came when several bookmakers called long odds on The Elf. Then a bookmaker rushed to the judges’ box and advised the official j to stop the race or alter the riders. . alleging that all candidates were ] “dead” except one. While one official rushed to a car. j another started to run across the course to the starting-post. In the meantime the starting bell was rung : violently, and the protest flag was waved in the hope of attracting the j attention of the clerk of the course j or one of the officials at the barrier, j All attempts to delay the start were ! fruitless, and the horses got away to j one of the worst starts ever seen. The Elf won easily. One bookmaker offered to give backers of Eugowra Miss their money back, and there were ironical cheers when the correct weight flag went up. Amy Rogers went to the post, and did not take part in the race, her rider jumping off and leading her back to the paddock. The stipendiary steward. Mr. Jack Walsh, of Sydney, did not take action when the bettors suggested that the . event be called “no race.” He con- j sidered he, as a trotting official, had no jurisdiction.