Dalmain’s Owner And Trainer Exonerated

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29791, 6 April 1962, Page 4

Dalmain’s Owner And Trainer Exonerated

(New Zealand Press Association)

INVERCARGILL, April 5. The restriction preventing the Wingatai galloper, Dalmain, from racing was lifted and his owner, Mr D. M. Kelly and trainer, W. J. Hewitt, were found to have taken no part in the positive swab Balmain returned at Gore on February 10, at a specially-convened meeting of the Southland District Committee held at Invercargill today. The inquiry was held for the express purpose of detarmining when Dalmain should become eligible to start in any race, having regard to the provisions of Rule 103 (10) of the Rules of Racing. The inquiry arose from an incident at the Gore Racing Club’s meeting on February 10 when Hewitt reported that he suspected Dalmain had been interfered with when he went to get her from her box to race. Hewitt reported his suspicions to tthe authorities. The mare was withdrawn from her race and at the request of her connexions was swabbed. The swab proved to be a positive test of morphine. Consequently, under the rules, Dalmain was unable to race until an inquiry had been completed. After hearing the racecourse detective, Mr F. H. Pine, the committee decided: (1) That neither Mr Kelly nor Hewitt was implicated in the administration of a drug to Dalmain. (2) That Dalmain be freed from the restriction of Rule 103 (10) and be allowed to start forthwith. J

The committee commended Hewitt tor his prompt action in exposing the matter and having it investigated through the proper channels. Mr W. Grieve presided over the following Southland District Committee members: Messrs A. R. Dawson, M. O’Brien, F. H. Plunkett, J. S. Clarkson, M. Green, J. M. McKay. Messrs Pine, Kelly, and Hewitt also attended.