NO JUDGE IN THE BOX.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 46, 23 February 1901, Page 5 (Supplement)

NO JUDGE IN THE BOX.

The racecourse at Lewes some 30 years ago was very different from the well-kept enclosure present-day race-goers nre accustomed to. At the time mentioned, the course was marked out in a very Indifferent manner, and frequently some curious Incidents were witnessed through this undesirable state of affairs. In 18G7 there were 14 runners for the Lewes Handicap, and when but a short distance had been traversed there arose some doubt amongst the jockeys as to which was really the right course, the field eventually splitting up into two divisions and going their respective ways, finishing In two separate batches, the man in the box hoisting the first three In each case. Mr Thellusson's Pirate Chief (Kllliek up) was one of the runners, and the youngster, realising that the majority were going the wrong course, trotted his horse back to the starting post, and then, cantering in after the others had all passed the post, weighed in and claimed the race on the ground that he was the only one who had gone the correct course. When, however, the judge was questioned, it transpired that he was not in the box at the time Pirate Chief finished, though he was standing by the side, and returned Killick"s salute as he passed him. The .stewards did not consider this entitled Mr Thellusson's animal to be declared the winner, and the race was accordingly ordered to be run over again, on which occasion Pirate Chief finished "down the course."