INTERPR0VI1NCIAL. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, Wednesday.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1372, 16 April 1881, Page 3

INTERPROVIINCIAL. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, Wednesday.

The adjourned meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club -was held to-night, with reference to the scratching of Natator for the Forbury Handicap. The correspondence already telegraphed was read, and in answer to a question, it was explained, by the Secretary, that the scratching took place at ten minutes past eleven o'clock on the morning of the race, in the discussion that took place, Mr G-ourlay said since last meeting he had learned something more about the matter, having heard that Mr. Lance was talking to the jockey. If Mr Lance had been inclined to act fairly he should have scratched the horse that night. Failing this, an injustice was done to the public. He thought the horse and owner should be disqualified. Mr. Stronach was not in favour of going 80 far, but thought Mr. Lance should have scratched the horse before he did. Mr. Hallett thought evidence was wanted that Mr Lance was a gainer by the scratching of the horse. Mr. Dowse : There was not a member present who considered it an honest action, but it would be going too far to disqualify Mr. Lance. After further discussion, the motion by Mr. Gourlay, " That the horse Natator and Mr Lance be disqualified, ' ' was lost, and the following motion carried :—": — " Having received a letter from the Hon. W. Robinpon, together with the explanation of Mr. H. P. Lance, with regard to the scratching or Natator for the Eorbury Handicap, on the 26th February, the committee consider the same highly unsatisfactory, and express a strong disapproval of the course pursued in allowing the horse to remain in, the betting nearly four hours after he had left Dunedin, and for a long time after Mr. Lance had decided to send the horse away." The racehorse Le Loup, recently purchased by Mr. James Shand, will not race again, but will go to the stud.