Owhata Chief promoted

Press, 8 July 1976, Page 14

Owhata Chief promoted

PA Auckland Owhata Chief has been promoted to first and Thun relegated to second on the ground of interference in the Great Northern Hurdles at Ellerslie on June 5, as a result of an appeal heard in Auckland yesterday. Now, there is a “fair possibility” of a counter-appeal from the owner of Thun. Thun’s owner, Mr J. H. T. Duncan, of Huuterville, flew to Fiji yesterday for a holiday in the Pacific Islands, leaving the decision of whether to appeal, if the case went against his horse in the hands of his trainer E. Temperton, of Awapuni. “Mr Duncan told me to please myself what I did, in the event of a reversal,” said Temperton. “You could say that there would be a fair possibility of an appeal to a higher level.” Temperton said he would have to discuss the matter with Mr Duncan’s counsel (Mr S. G. Lockhard) and peruse the report of the hearing. Thun will now be scratched for the Trentham Hurdles at Wellington on Saturday. Temperton reasons that the horse will now, as a result of his being stripped of his Great Northern winnings ($6430), be more lightly weighted than would otherwise have been the case in the richer Wellington Hurdles on Saturday week. The appeal, lodged by the owners of Owhata Chief, Messrs C. J. Jenkins and W. D. Sale, who were represented by Mr J. D. Dillon as counsel, was heard by a spe-

cial appeal sub-committee of-, the Auckland District com-' mittee. It was against the decision; of the judicial committee of! the Auckland Racing Club not to amend the platings following consideration of al charge of alleged interference by Thun (M. J. Gilles) to Owhata Chief (A. T. Hounsell) the subcommittee was told. After the inquiry sub-! sequent to the race Gillies was fined $2OO for failing to ccrrrect Thun’s outward; movement as quickly as he! should have. NEW FILMS A press release says that the appeal committee, apart from considering the evidence taken before the judicial committee and viewing two films of the incident; (which occurred in the home straight), also viewed three new films, all taken from side-on positions. Lengthy submissions were considered from both counsel. I The release says that as ithe judicial committee found' that Thun had moved outwards after jumping the last fence, thus obliging Owhata (Chief to move similarly, the; appeal committee had to de- ! 'tide whether Thun had , affected Owhata Chief’s chances of winning the race, | I It was the opinion of the' i appeal committee that Thun’s actions had affected the chances of Owhata Chief. The appeal was allowed,! the appeal fee refunded and the placings changed to lOwhata Chief 1. Thun 2.