A JOCKEY’S CLAIM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 152, 9 April 1930, Page 3

A JOCKEY’S CLAIM.

SETTLEMENT ANNOUNCED. AN AUCKLAND INCIDENT.

(Special to tlie “Guardian.”) CHRISTCHURCH, April 8. A case in -which a professional jockey claimed £3OO damap.es from a Riccarton horse trainer, for alleged defamation, was called in the -Magistrate’s Court to-day. . Douglas Cotton, a professional rider, of Christchurch (Mr Twyneham) proceeded against Frederick P. Claridge, horse trainer, of Yaldhurst Road, Riccarton (Mr Thomas) on a claim for £3OO damages. Subsequently it was announced that a settlement had been arrived at. Plaintiff, in his statement of claim, said that he was a professional rider, On December 27, 1929, at Greymouth. the following conversation took place between .plaintiff and defendant. Defendant said to plaintiff : ‘ You pulled Thorndale when you rode him for me at Ashburton.” To tins statement plaintiff replied, “I did?” whereupon defendant said: “Yes, you —— well did.” Plaintiff then asked defendant if he (defendant) had told a client of plaintiff’s that he (plaintiff) had lost Ins nerve. Defendant thereupon replied: “Yes, your nerve is gone Such conversation, it was alleged, took place in the presence of one Arthm Jones, of Timaru. and the words used bv defendant were maliciously and falsely spoken and were published to Arthur S. Jones. Defendant meant by the words mentioned tnat plaintiff had been guilty of . fraudulent and dishonourable conduct and that he was unfit to continue his calling as a professional rider. In consequence of the words plaintiff was injured m Ins credit and reputation and m his callin" as a professional rider. 1 laintilt claimed from defendant £3OO damages. When the case was called before Mr H 4 Young, S.M., Mr Thomas said that the parties were just writing out the terms of settlement. The Magistrate ordered tlio case to he held over until ; his afternoon, butthe narties met immediately afterwards and a complete settlement was arrived at.