ALLOWING OF APPEALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 97, 26 April 1930, Page 19

ALLOWING OF APPEALS.

1 QUESTION OF INCONSISTENT RUNNING. "In order to remove any misunderstanding which may arise in regard to the allowing of appeals against disqualifications on the grounds of inconsistent and unsatisfactory performances, the association deems it wise to make a pronouncement on the subject," stated a report released by the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association at its meeting this week. The board, which at that meeting upheld two appeals against disqualification for alleged inconsistent / running, laid down the following principles in its report: — (1) When an objection is lodged by a stipendiary steward or anyone else the charge must be made in writing .and read to the person or persons accused. Evidence in support o fthat objection must be given and recorded fully in the minutes, and in every case the persons accused must be definitely invited to call evidence in defence. In two cases recently before the board it found that the evidence was insufficient, as there was no proof that the performances in each case were unsatisfactory as well as inconsistent. (2) That in cases of alleged inconsistency something more is required than a statement, or even proof, that the performances were inconsistent, or that there was a difference in the totalisator investments. Proof of inconsistency in performances should be followed up by some evidence that the owner, trainer or horseman connected with the horse improperly caused or contributed to such inconsistency. (3) That it is desirable to gring under the notice of stewards that where a horse does not run up to his known performances and there does not appear to be any good reason for his not having done so, then such a performance should be the subject of an inquiry; waiting for a horse's second performance is not nearly so satisfactory as dealing with the matter when the horse runs first.