JUDGING AT THE A.R.C. MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 83, 9 April 1902, Page 3

JUDGING AT THE A.R.C. MEETING.

(To the Sporting- Editor "Auckland Star."J

Sir,—l feel that your reference to the ill-advised reflections that have been cast upon the A.R.C. judge are most apposite, and you deserve the thanks of the sobor- | minded attendants at our races. The effect of circulating such adverse opinions is likely to create an impression on the minds of casual observers of unfairness or incompetence on the part of our worthy judge. As an illustration of this 1 recall'an incident that occurred some two or three years ago, when a local paper published the opinion that the judge had reversed the second and third horses in la two-year-old race. From a much bet- | ter position than the Press occupy I saw the finish referred to, and without a doubt the judge was right; yet the impression was circulated that the reporter, land not the properly situated official, was i best able to arrive at a correct decision. At a continuation of the meeting on the day the remarks referred to appeared the first race resulted in a close finish between Tauhei and St. Ursula, and a few of the backers of the beaten horse, who had probably been impressed with what they had read, endeavoured to create a demonstration against the gentleman who then acted as judge. Sporting writers are unknown to the general public, consequently remarks carry the weight the paper they appear in shoi:j<. •warrant; but horse-owners and such others as. take a close interest in racing know that it is presumption on the part of persons on the stewards' stand to challenge the judging, and is not worthy of a moment's serioufa consideration.—Yours, momciiL ALWAYS THERE. j Auckland, April 7, 1902.