PROTEST FAILS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30634, 28 December 1964, Page 6

PROTEST FAILS

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, December 27.

After the running of the Flying Handicap at Wingatui on Saturday a protest was lodged by R. Heasley, trainer of Rondabelle (P. Silver), against the winner, Flying Trix (M. J. Turnbull), on the grounds of interference about half a furlong from the finish. After hearing the evidence of the riders concerned and the stipendiary steward, and taking into account the committee’s own observations, the protest was dismissed. Royal Bid, (F. H. Skelton) stumbled as he was leaving the barrier in the James Hazlett Gold Cup and lost about three lengths. J. M. Mulqueen, rider of Eiffel Tower in the President’s Intermediate Handicap, was fined £2O after being found guilty of causing interference to Queen’s Desire (E. G. Low) approximately half a furlong from the finish. In imposing the fine, the committee took into account the fact that Mulqueen endeavoured to keep his mount clear of the inside runner, but failed to continue to do so.

J. R. Dowling, rider of Big Smoke in the Mornington Improvers Handicap at Wingatui on Saturday, was questioned as to why his mount drifted to the rear in the early stages of the race.

Dowling stated that although the horse is a good beginner he does not race well when handy to the leaders.

Dowling said that Big Smoke began well, but along the back had to be eased to keep off the heels of Irina (A. J. Stokes) and another runner. This forced Dowling to the rear. Once into the straight Dowling found room to improve on the inner and, from the stipendiary stewards’ observations. Big Smoke was ridden hard with the whip to finish just behind the placed horses. D. P. Wilson, trainer of Big Smoke, confirmed that his horse races better when allowed to settle early.

About three furlongs and a half from home in the Champagne Stakes. Belfie (B. J. Anderton), which was racing greenly, bumped El Beka lE. G. Low) and caused this horse to ease. This in turn caused resultant Interference to Dannv Kaye (C. T. Wilson) and Western Gale (R. J. Skelton).