SUSPENDED JOCKEY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30171, 1 July 1963, Page 5

SUSPENDED JOCKEY

Missed Last Fence (N.Z. Press Association) HASTINGS. June 30. R J. Sutherland was suspended from race riding until 5 p.m. on July 13 after an inquiry into the running of the Hastings Steeplechase at the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club’s meeting on Saturday. Sutherland rode Johnny Dee in the lead from the start then continued to ride the horse out after failing to jump the last fence. The judicial committee, in fixing the penalty, took into account that Sutherland had had the experience of riding over the course on the first day, and also he kept riding the horse after he realised he had missed the last fence.

Yukon (R. M. Hastings), fell at the fence about five furlongs from the finish and brought down Golden Ensign. Dusky Prince lost his rider at the last fence.

Napoleon Bonaparte cut his off fore-heel badly daring the race. The injury required several stitches. J. R. Potter, the rider of Elrey In the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles, was questioned by the judicial committee about his handling ot the horse. Potter said Elrey was not travelling or jumping as well as usual, because of the firmer ground. This allowed Flockhart to jump up on the inside of Elrey during the rim along the back.

In reply to a farther question as to why he did not use the whip on Elrey after jumping the last fence, Potter said the horse was doing its best and did not respond to the whip. No further action was taken.