Apprentice suspended

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32706, 8 September 1971, Page 9

Apprentice suspended

The Riccarton apprentice, P. B. Smith, was suspended up until and Including September 21 —two riding days—by the judicial committee of the Ashburton County Racing Club yesterday. Smith, the rider of Mlrific ta the Lagmhor Maiden Stakes No. 2, waa charged with and found guilty of causing Interference to Royal Donald (D. Reed) and Joust (M. Thornley) about two furlongs from the finish. In the incident, Royal Donald fell and Joust was brought down. The riders of both fallen horses escaped with a bruising, but neither rode again during the day. ' ..' About 100 yards after the start of the Gordons Gin Handicap, Elvta Spark faulted and was eased down by his rider, M. J. Skelton, and pulled up after two furlongs. A veterinary Inspection of the horse was made immediately after the race, and It was reported he has sustained an injury to his off-fore leg and that the leg might possibly be fractured. Elvin Spark’s Riccarton trainer. G. D. Lee, said last eyentag that the horse was still very lame when he arrived home. “There’s Is no swelling ta the leg, but I'll have It X-rayed first thing tomorrow,” he said.