Attempt to inject horse with chemical?

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 1 (Supplement)

Attempt to inject horse with chemical?

By

J. J. BOYLE

Traces of a chemical were found on the neck of the Riccarton-trained Watelse when he was examined by a veterinary surgeon this week. It is believed someone attempted, unskilfully to inject some chemical into Watelse at Oamaru either last Friday night or early on Saturday morning. ’>* looks as if the chemical might ' rve spilt on to

the neck when th'’ needle became disengaged while an attempt was made to give the horse an : jection,” Mr Cliff McGroutcer, a Darfield veterinary surgeon, said yesterday. Mr McGrouther, who was called on by Watelse’s •owner-trainer, Mr Wattie Latimer, to examine the horse, said he had found no signs of stab wounds on the horse Mr Latimer’s trip to Oamaru with Watelse was one he will not forget for a long time. He left bon e believing he had hie horse fit to win the feature flat race at Oamaru. but he had his hopes dashed when Watelse bolted five round.* of the track on Saturday morning. After Wale sc’s escapade. Mr Latimer scratched the horse from the firs* leg of the Oamaru double, which at that stage was scheduled io l>e run a few hours later. Because of the frozen state >f the ground the (Jamaru meeting was post- • poned until Monday I Mr Latimer returned to

’ Riccarton with Watelse on t Sunday, and until yesterday i - his main concern was r whether the horse had re1 covered from the effect of - his extended gallop last , Saturday morning. s He needed some reassur- ( s ance >ecause Watelse has an i s engagement in the first leg * of the T.A.B. double at Ash- > burton tomorrow, and he , ? received it when the six- , year-old pulled up well after > galloping on the No. 1 grass s at Riccarton yesterday.