“The Press” In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30569, 12 October 1964, Page 12

“The Press” In 1864

OCTOBER 12 Sir, —The decision that the Stewards of the Kaiapoi Steeplechase arrived at with reference to the winning horse of the race yesterday, seems to me, and will probably appear to all unprejudiced witnesses, a most unfair one, and one which indicates a want of knowledge of the ordinary rules of steeplechasing. The facts of the case are simply these: The rider of Tim Whiffler, mistaking the course laid out, rode at the wrong side of the flag, but perceiving his mistake in time, and being several lengths ahead pulled his horse into the right direction, and cleared the fence at the proper point; by so doing he crossed one of the horses—Fury, but at such a distance in advance of her as not in

any way to interfere with her running, or, as was alleged before the stewards by her rider, to put her out of her stride had she been properly ridden. For this, after Tim Whiffler had passed the winning-post, first, a protest was entered by Fury’s rider against the stakes being awarded to his owner, on the ground that by his swerving the race had been lost to the mare. I do not actually know the rules of the Canterbury Jockey Club in force with reference to steeplechasing in the province, but it is generally believed that in English steeplechases swerving or crossing in a race, unless done with a malicious intent, does not disqualify a horse from winning. The matter, however, I am willing to refer to the decision of the Jockey Club of the province, whose

opinion, I think, the stewards of the late race might have sought before venturing on giving such a hasty and unprecedented verdict.—LOVEß OF FAIR PLAY.

SHEEP STEALING.— Several diggers on their way to the West Coast, who have been staying at Mr Taylor’s station, which lies on the road to the diggings, have testified their gratitude to that gentleman for his hospitality by stealing his sheep in considerable numbers. Mr Taylor has missed about thirty from his flock, seven of which were found dead on the run, together with the skins of others whose carcases had been removed. Several men, whose characters are tolerably well known, are suspected, and we hope they may be brought to justice.