INJURED HORSE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29468, 21 March 1961, Page 4

INJURED HORSE

Delay Before Removal (N.Z Press Association) OAMARU. Merck 20. A delay of more than 10 minutes before Descend was destroyed after breaking a leg during the running of the Novice Trial at the Oamaru Jockey Club’s meeting today caused concern among spectators.

Descend, ridden by R. N. Marsh, fell near the furlong post and broke his off foreleg. He stood on the track while officials endeavoured to secure equipment, and was ultimately loaded on to a float to be destroyed away from the track. Later, the secretary of the club, Mr A. H. Ross, said the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had advised that its local inspector would be at all race meetings. The local inspector was not, however, on the course.

Replying to a question, Mr Ross said the club’s veterinary surgeon was present. Although equipment to deal with such an emergency was on the course it was not immediately available.

The official report said there were no other horses near Descend at the time of the fall. Marsh was granted permission by doctors to fulfil his engagement in the next race, but after further examination he was stood down for the rest of the day. He suffered a slight injury to his shoulder and was badly shaken. The stipendiary steward reported that D. N. Hadfield, rider of Gay Defender in the Novice Stakes, and L. D. Stock, rider of Ignite, had reported that their starting gates did not open simultaneously with the other gates. In the Landon Handicap Neptune’s Last (L. N. McGuire) and Successor (M. J. Skelton) refused to enter the stalls and were placed on the outside. Both got away badly.