Apology To Mr V. P. Bernard

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31000, 4 March 1966, Page 4

Apology To Mr V. P. Bernard

<New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. In November, 1965, a cabled report from Sydney was published in “The Press” stating, among other things, that Mr V. P. Bernard had bowed out of Australian racing a disappointed man and would return to New Zealand after the running of Valuate in the Sandown Cup The report also said that Mr I Bernard’s nominations had been rejected by the Australian Jockey Club committee and that they would also be refused in Victoria and other states. The report was based on one published in Australia and, unfortunately, certain of the references to Mr Bernard in the report were inaccurate and others incorrect. It is known that Mr Bernard’s reputation has been adversely affected in his relationship with the racing world and the public. In order to minimise any further damage, embarrassment and inconvenience the correct facts are now given. Mr Bernard has not retired from racing. Indeed he has already returned to Australia where he is awaiting the arrival of Alaska, a former New Zealand Cup winner, owned by Mr E. N. Fitzgerald, of Gisborne, which he intends to race

throughout Australia except In New South Wales. It is not true that Mr Bernard’s nominations have been refused throughout Australia. As a result of a retrospective inquiry into the running of Valu ate in September last, the stewards of the A.J.C. held there was insufficient evidence to warrant any action being taken, but the committee of the A.J.C. refused to accept further nominations from Mr Bern ard. Mr Bernard assures us, and we accept his assurance, that all the other racing clubs in Australia gave him clearances and he is free to race throughout Australia excepting on courses under the jurisdiction of the A.J.C. It should be added that the decision of the A.J.C. committee not to accept further nominations from Mr Bernard was the subject of considerable criticism by some New South Wales racing commentators, which was reported in the Australian press at the time. Any hurt or damage caused to Mr Bernard by the errors In the earlier report is very much regretted and a full apology without reservation is now made to Mr Bernard.