McCool Scratched "To Protect Public"

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29856, 23 June 1962, Page 4

McCool Scratched "To Protect Public"

The scratching of McCool was done to protect the public’s interests, and was “quite justified,” said the secretary of the Ashburton County Racing Club, Mr J. B. Nicoil, yesterday. McCool was withdrawn by the club from the Maronan Handicap because there was a doubt about his eligibility under the Rules of Racing.

The action was taken under the rule which deals with exemption from licensing, and which says that an owner training his own horse must attend the training of the horse at least twice a week when it is trained on a racecourse. Because McCool’s partowner and trainer, Mr J. F. Tutton, of Riccarton. returned only this week f-om a month’s holiday overseas with his wife there was a doubt about the geldtng’s eligibility under this rule. The club’s action was taken yesterday morning after Mr Nicol) had been in contact with the secretary of the New Zealand Racing Conference. Mr A. M. Mcßeath “It was a matter for the club to decide," Mr Nicoli said. “We were not satisfied that the rules had been complied with. “This was too important to leave up in the air. McCool was an acceptor for the first leg of the double. The public had to be protected and other interests had to be protected “The club considers its action was quite justified.” he said The rules concerned were rules 143 and 144 of the Rules of Racing Section (A) of rule 143 says that a horse shall be deemed to be trained under the personal supervision of the owner only if the owner himself attends the training of the horse at least twice a week when it is trained on a racecourse Section (B) says that any employee of the owner may train the horse in the owner’s stable during the owner’s absence Rule 144 (1) says that, subject to the provision of 143 <b) no horse shall be eligible to start in, and shall be deemed to be disqualified for. any race unless it has been in training under the direct charge or care of a licensed trainer or of any person authorised to train for a continuous period of not less than four weeks immediately before the race.

McCool is trained by Mr Tutton and owned by him in partnership with his wife. While he was away the horses w»ere cared for by the jockey. C. McDonald, under the supervision of the Riccarton trainer. J C. Tomkinson.

“I am rather, disappointed, but quite likely it is all for the good, because the opposition today might have been too tough for him,’’ Mr Tutton said last evening. “I have a clearance from the Racing Conference and there will not be a repetition of anything like this," he said

McCool will probably have his next race at Washdyke next week.