R. J. Skelton Second

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32235, 2 March 1970, Page 14

R. J. Skelton Second

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PIETERMARITZBURG (South Africa). The English jockey. G. Lewis, rode 'the 6 to 4 favourite, Davy Jones, to a thrilling victory in the $12,430 International Jockeys’ Stakes al Pietermaritzburg. in South Africa. Davy Jones put in a brilliant finish to snatch victory by a head from the 8 tq 1 chance, Cornice, ridden by R. J. Skelton, of New Zealand. The winner covered the six furlongs in Imin 10 2-ssec. Third was Mr Kent. 5-2, ridden by the Irish jockey. L. Ward, and the South African champion. G. Turner. rode Swan Song, a 25 to 1 outsider, .to fourth place. Skelton said that he might have been a little unlucky. ”1 thought I had it won, but when I allowed her a little rein she went to the front but (started to race greenly. The bit came through her mouth and 1 had difficultly keeping my line. But Davy Jones finished ■ very determinedly.” The New Zealand Jockeys’ Association president (Mr N. (Holland) at the Franklin races on Saturday confessed to being “completely in the dark” about the origin of a cablegram iwhich has caused Skelton much (embarrassment and concern in (South Africa. i In a telephone call to his Iwife on Friday. Skelton said (that a cable purporting to have been' sent by the association 'had been received by the Pietermaritzburg Turf Club istating that because of the iSouth African Government ban (which had been lifted) on the itop Japanese jockey, Seuee Masuzawa. no New Zealand rider would be available to accept an invitation to ride in South Africa next year.

TEMPLETON.— Four-ball bogey —Saturday: G. Woodham and A. Topping, 12 up. J. Lees and G. Bobby. 10 up. Sunday: S. Rowe and R. E. Dunne. 2 up: A. Haywood and N. Smith, 1 up. Single bogey: J. Nicoll, 6 up; D. Cherry, 2 up.