Fouroux promoted to first in N.Z. Sapling Stakes

Press, 26 July 1980, Page 20

Fouroux promoted to first in N.Z. Sapling Stakes

Fouroux has been reinstated as the winner of the $12,000 Sapling Stakes held at Ashburton in May. Fouroux was first past the post in the Ashburton classic, but was later relegated for interference to Melton Monarch, the promoted winner inside the final 200 m. The owners of Fouroux, Messrs C. C., B. J. and D. J. Scott lodged an appeal against the stipendiary stewards decision, and the

appeal judges appointed by the New Zealand Trotting Conference yesterday found in their favour. Mr B. J. Scott appeared for the appellants and Mr B, McLelland appeared for the Trotting Conference. The appeal judges were Mr E. A. Lee, of Christchurch, the chairman; Mr ,P. F. O’Brien, of Blenheim; and Mr D. I. Macdonald, of Wellington. The tribunal found some difference in the opinion of the drivers and their

views of the incident. The weight of this evidence suggested that while there was interference by Fouroux to Melton Monarch, there was “considerable doubt” whether this affected the chances of Melton Monarch. “ After hearing the evidence and viewing of the video tape, the tribunal confirmed that there was interference, but that any doubts about its effect had to be resolved in the favour of Fouroux.