BASELESS CHARGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 45, 22 February 1934, Page 18

BASELESS CHARGE.

INCIDENT AT EPSOM. TRAINER COMPLETELY VINDICATED. An allegation that a hypodermic syringe, used for the purpose of doping horses, would be found in the possession of the well-known trotting trainer, P. J. Smith, was made over the telephone yesterday to Mr. A. G. Mabee, secretary of the Auckland Trotting Club. It was made by a woman, who refused to give her name. Smith, on arrival at the course, willingly agreed to a search of his clothes being made, and also produced his bag for examination, but nothing of the nature alleged was found. Smith greatly resented the allegation arid ascribes its origin to jealousy over his success as a trainer and driver. The vice-president of the Auckland Trotting Club, Mr. H. Morpeth, later issued the following statement: "The 'Auckland Trotting Club received an anonymous communication reflecting on the integrity of the well-known trotting trainer, F. J. Smith. The steward?, j whilst disinclined to act on such information, considered the matter of such importance in the interests of the trainer concerned that it took such action as was necessary, with the result that the communication proved to be groundless and resulted, in the complete vindication of the trainer concerned.''' I