Doping case reopens

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32587, 22 April 1971, Page 8

Doping case reopens

(N.Z. Press Association) MELBOURNE. Victoria Racing Club stewards have reopened inquiries into the doping of New Zealand-bred Big Philou, before the 1969 Melbourne Cup. The inquiry will resume tomorrow without the former strapper, L. Lewis, who has declined to attend. Lewis was sentenced to six months gaol on December 4 last year.

The charge related to the racehorse. King Pedro, also bred in New Zealand, owned by Messrs C. and G. Gawith and trained by J. Cummings. Lewis was found ijuilty of inciting another strapper, R. Davis, to conspire with him with Intent to defraud.

Lewis was released from prison recently after serving four months of his sentence.

On Tuesday he sent a letter through his solicitor to the Victorian Racing Club saying he would not be present at tomorrow’s inquiry. . . At a previous trial in November last year. Lewis had been found not guilty of doping Big Philou before the Melbourne Cup.

Cricket.—The national cricket coach, M. J. Horton, may retire from first-class cricket before next season. Horton, who is holding a coaching clinic in I Nelson, said: “I’m doubtful about !my future in lirst-class cricket. It will depend on what happens between now and October.”