More Charges In Commanding Case

Press, Volume C, Issue 29690, 7 December 1961, Page 18

More Charges In Commanding Case

WELLINGTON, Dec. 6. An inquiry into the alleged administration of a drug to a racehorse moved into its third day today. The parties concerned are the owner of Commanding, Mr G. S. Walton, the trainer, L. M. Lewis, and a jockey, W. A. Gower. Commanding won the Wellington Guineas at Trentham on October 14 and it was reported a week later that he had returned a positive test to a urine sample. Because only part of the charges were laid on the first two days of the hearing, and the hearing was not open to the press, the charges were not made public. At the conclusion of today’s hearing the charges against the owner, the trainer and stable employee were preferred as follows: Against George Scott Walton, of Otaki, a farmer: (1) That on or about October 14 being the owner of Commanding, you caused to be administered to Commanding a drug, stimulant or depressant, namely thiamine, for the purpose of affecting the speed, stamina, courage or conduct of the horse and that you did thereby commit a corrupt practice of Rule 338 (1) (O) of the rules of racing in New Zealand. (2) That on or before October 14 you did abet, counsel or procure either one William Albert Gower, or some other person or persons unknown to administer or cause to be administered a drug for the purpose of affecting the speed, stamina, conduct or courage of Com-

(New Zealand Press Association)

manding in the Wellington Guineas. (3) That at Otaki on October 20, when being interviewed by the racecourse inspectors, W. C. Harper and K. Samson, you and others, relating to the report of the analyst of the Racing Conference. did wilfully and corruptly supply false information that a syringe had not been used other than by a veterinary surgeon to any of the horses at your stable, you knowing at the time that such information was false. (4) That at the meeting held by the Wellington Racing Club on October 14, Commanding, of which you are the owner, won the Wellington Guineas and was found to have a drug, stimulant or depressant, capable of affecting its speed, stamina, conduct or courage and that by reason of Rule 103 (7) Commanding should be disqualified for the race. Similar charges are preferred against the trainer and jockey.