B. Finlayson Suspended For Month

Press, Volume C, Issue 29669, 13 November 1961, Page 4

B. Finlayson Suspended For Month

B. S. Findlayson, rider of Studio in the Metropolitan Handicap at Riccarton on Saturday, was suspended to December 9 when he was found guilty of careless riding. Studio, winner of the race, was relegated to third by the judicial committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club, which found he had shifted ground, causing interference to Compensate and Desert Chief. The committee issued the following report on the inquiry:— “After the running of the Meropolitan, an inquiry was held into alleged interference by the winner, Studio (B. S. Finlayson), to Compensate (F. H. Skelton) and Desert Chief (D. N. Hadfield). “After hearing the evidence of Mr H. B. Lorigan, Mr P. J. Reid, Mr D. Spicer, Skelton and Hadfield, the committee found that Studio shifted ground towards the outside and caused interference to Compensate and Desert Chief. “The committee ordered the placings to be altered to Compensate 1; Desert Chief 2; Studio 3. “Subsequently, when Finlayson was charged under rule 289 2 (b) and 3 the committee found him guilty of careless riding and ordered that he be suspended from race riding from 5 p.m. on November 11 to 5 p.m. on December 9.” Other inquiries were held after the Oaks Stakes, the Churchill Stakes, the Members’ Handicap and the Otaio Plate. After the Oaks an inquiry was held into alleged interference by Fair Symbol (C. A. Bowry) to Lady York (P. J. Kempton). After hearing the evidence of the assistant stipendiary steward (Mr T. Eade), Kempton and Bowry, the committee decided to take no action. After the Churchill Stakes Bowry, who rode Castlerae, was fined £25 for careless riding. The committee’s report said Bowry was charged “under Rule 289 2 and 3 with careless riding in that he crossed in front of Quite Able without being at least his own

length and one other clear length in front, thereby causing the field to tighten and Gold View to ’-ro her place.” Found Guilty After evidence from Messrs Lorigan and Reid and the jockeys C. T. Wilson. W. D. Skelton, and R. J. Skelton, and from the personal observations of the committee. Bowry was found guilty. After the Members’ Handicap, an inquiry was held into the handling of Bellarook (L. M. Casey). The report said that on entering the straight Casey pulled Bellarook to the outside of the two leaders without giving sufficient room to Cheveux (K. S. Cullen). No action was taken, but the committee warned Casey that in future he must not change direction unless he had the required distance between him and the following horses. An inquiry was held after the Otaio Plate into the handling of Great Heights (K. S. Cullen). The committee found that Cullen took his mount to the front quickly and then checked it on the turn out of the straight, causing considerable crowding behind him. The committee warned Cullen that in those cases he must allow his mount to run on until the field had settled down. He was warned against similar action in the future. The stipendiary stewards reported that A. H. Eastwood, the rider of French Leave, was kicked on the foot at the barrier before the Pioneer Handicap by Last Mate (W. D. Skelton). Eastwood had to decline riding engagements later in the day. After being examined on the course by the doctor Eastwood was sent to hospital for an X-ray. It was suspected he had a fractured foot. About half a furlong after the start in the Oaks, Key (K. S. Cullen) got too close to three runners on the inner. Cullen immediately corrected his mount and pulled her wide out. As no runner lost ground, it was decided no further action was warranted. Inside the last furlong Key was checked when she got on the heels of Tittle Tattle <N. East wood'. Cullen con-

firmed that Key was tiring and moved out into the line of Tittle Tattle. No blame could be attached to Eastwood. Lalbhai (B. E. Kennedy > got on the heels of Paua (N. Eastwood) near the five furlongs in the Seymour Handicap, and in losing ground caused Mhor (B. S. Finlayson), which was following close behind, to be checked several times during the run around the turn. The incident was accidental.