LIGHT HARNESS SPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 36, 12 February 1924, Page 7

LIGHT HARNESS SPORT.

» A SUSPENSION UPHELD. NORTHERN ASSOCIATION REPRIEVED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The Board of the Sew Zealand Trottin" Association endorsed the action ol the" Manawatu Trotting Club in suspending for 12 months A. J. Corrigan; driver of Oakhampton, for alleged interference with Lady Zoe. The chairman (Mr. P. Selig) said many serious things were often . reported by stipendiaries, and he was glad to note that clubs were taking action. He condemned in the .present case a letter written to the Board by the secretary of the North Island Trotting Owners' and Breeders' Association. It was tantamount to trying to influence the jury on behalf of an accused person. THE CASE FOR CORRIGAN. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Although Oakhampton, the property of J. R. Corrigan, M.P., ran into first place in a race at the Manawatu trotting meeting, owing to the method the horse was driven by A. J. Corrigan, the owner's son, the club disqualified the horse and Corrigan, jun., for one year. This morning the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association considered the case. A large amount of correspondence dealing with the disqualification and suspension and the evidence of the Manawatu Trotting Club was read. Mr. J. R. Corrigan wrote asking if the board would hear his case. He was in Christchurch, and could back up his application. The chairman of the board (Mr. Selig) said Corrigan had no right to appeal on the facts. In a further letter Mr. Corrigan said many rumours were afloat that he had backed Eulius for £300 when it won. That was incorrect. The bona fides Of King Lear had also been questioned. He hoped the board would let him to state his case. It was decided not to hear Corrigan either in regard to an appeal or in refutation of rumours. The North Island Trotting, Owners and Breeders' Association wrote forwarding a resolution supporting Corrigan's appeal. The association felt that the punishment had been too severe, and that the breach was not deliberate. This was a most serious thing, said Mr. Selig. It was tantamount to contempt of court. He was pleased that the clubs were beginning to take a serious view of offences. The Northern Association's letter was most unwarranted. A motion was carried warning the North Island Owners and Breeders' Association "that any repetition of the unwarranted attempt to interfere with the course of justice would be made the subject of vigorous action."