TE RAPA SMASH

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 273, 18 November 1941, Page 10

TE RAPA SMASH

TRIBUTES TO McTAVISH Judicial Committee's Finding

(By ONLOOKER.)

Yesterday's race smash at Te Rapa, which caused the death of R. W. McTavish, a leading Auckland jockey, was accidental, according to the finding of the judicial committee of the Waikato Racing Club.

This decision was reached after an inquiry, at which several jockeys gave evidence.

The committee found that the accident was caused through Golden Valley striking the heels of one of the two horses in front, Royal Melody or Lady Pay. The evidence proved that McTavish's mount 'was not interfered with in any way and that the occurrence was purely accidental.

McTavish, who was 39. was one of the Dominion's most popular jockeys. He won more than 550 races, from classics and cups to jumping events. Up to the time of his death he was president of the New Zealand Jockeys' Association.

McTavish's funeral will leave his late address. No. 19, Adam Street, Green Lane, at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow for the Hillsboro' cemetery. Tributes to Dead Jockey Leading racing men to-day paid the following tributes to McTavish: — F. R. Seddon (president of the Waikato Racing Club): Racing has suffered an irreparable loss. McTavish was a square-goer and enjoyed the confidence of the public. He was a credit to the game. My club extends Its sympathy to his relatives.

Dr. A. McGregor Grant (vice-president of the Auckland Racing Club): There was not a nicer or more genuine chap than McTavish. His death is a big loss to racing.

H. T. C. Gomer (chairman of stipendiary stewards): I always found McTavish very honest and straight forward in all dealings. He was a first-class jockey and will be greatly missed.

.A. Tronson (racing official): By the death of Rod. McTavish racing has experienced a great loss. He was endowed with a fine character and had outstanding abilities in his profession. In this respect he was a noble example to the younger horsemen.

F. Davis (trainer): New Zealand racing men will be grieved at McTavish's death. He was a grand rider and throughout his career was held in high esteem.

H. E. Gray (trainer): McTavish was a gentleman, extremely popular with all classes, and a good jockey. He will be aadly missed.

H. E. Goldfinch (trainer): On and off the racecourßeJMeTavish was a gentleman. i»e was one of the best riders Here and the most likeable jockey in the game.

J. W. Cathro (trainer): There was no more clean-living jockey than McTavish. The turf has sustained a hig lode.