STEWARDS’ INQUIRY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31236, 7 December 1966, Page 4

STEWARDS’ INQUIRY

“Ring In” Fillv

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

MELBOURNE.

The trainer of the filly, Silken, which won its first race on Saturday after running a brilliant trial under a different name 10 days before, has been called to appear before the Victoria Racing Club Stewards next Friday. This was confirmed by Mr J. Ahern, chairman of the stewards, who said that the trainer, G. Stewart, had been asked to appear at 2.30 p.m. on Friday. Silken, a two-year-old, was backed down to 5/2 before winning the Dingley Stakes (sf) at Sandown Park last Saturday. Silken beat the odds-on favourite. Begonia Belle, and clocked the fast time of 57.35ec for the distance. After the race. Stewart admitted to reporters that Silken had run a race trial at Mentone 10 days earlier under the name “Purpose.” Stewart said that he had a “clear conscience” over the matter, and that there was nothing in the regulations of the trials to prevent such a move. The trials are organised by a committee of Mentone trainers and are not under the jurisdiction of the V.R.C. The Melbourne “Sun NewsPictorial” yesterday quoted the Mentone track manager. Mr J. Martin, as saying he would refuse to accept nominations from Stewart for future race trials. He said that a rule on the entry form for the trials read: “AU horses must be correctly nominated.” Mr Martin said:

“All trainers are expected to do the right thing.” Writing in “The Age,” Tony Kennedy said: “The Mentone race trial ‘ring in' was not a violation of the V.R.C. rule, but the controlling body is were disturbed at what has taken place. “In my opinion it could give racing a bad image, and undermine public confidence. Unless the public has the confidence that race trials are conducted ‘on the level,’ the results of heats are worthless, and worse, could be actually misleading.” A