SUCCESSFUL APPEAL

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL APPEAL

R. J. Skelton Fined £lO

"Th« Preu" Special Service DUNEDIN, June 30.

In an appeal heard in Dimedin today, R. J. Skelton was held guilty of careless riding on Skye in the Trial Stakes at the Cromwell Jockey Club’s meeting on March 9 and the decision of the judicial committee of that club in fining him £lO was reinstated.

The appeal was lodged by the resident stipendiary steward, Mr J. M. McCulloch, against the decision of the Dunedin District Committee, which annulled the decision of the Cromwell Jockey Club upon a review of the case on April 15. The appeal judges appointed by the president of the New Zealand Racing Conference were Messrs H. H. Elworthy, of Timaru (chairman), F. H. Plunkett (Winton), and H. W. Milne (Gore). Mr S. G. Lockhart, of Wellington, appeared for Mr McCulloch. Mr R. J. Gilbert was counsel for Skelton and Mr G. M. Lloyd appeared for the Dunedin District Committee. Mr A. M. Mcßeath, secretary of the New Zealand Racing Conference, was also present.

The official decision issued after the hearing stated:— “In our opinion the interference did in fact take place and we uphold the appeal and reinstate the decision of the judicial committee of the Cromwell Jockey Club.” Mr Lockhart later left for Invercargill where he will represent the Racing Conference at the hearing of the swabbing charges involving Tundra and Proud Boy. The hearings will be heard on Wednesday and Thursday. Mr Mcßeath returned to Wellington after the Dunedin hearing.