Skelton admits accepting $500 from jockey

Press, 21 May 1982, Page 2 (Supplement)

Skelton admits accepting $500 from jockey

NZPA Melbourne Bob Skelton's wife. Maureen, said yesterday she had been “quite horrified,'’ about money changing hands after the running of the Ararat Cup last November. Giving evidence to the Victoria Racing Club race-fixing inquiry, the former New Zealand jockey’s wife said she had listened to the race on the radio and knew that Gary Bruce had won. Mrs Skelton said when her husband arrived home that evening he had told her that Rodney Dawkins had given him $5OO. She said: “I was quite horrified. I realised that people could get the wrong impression of money changing hands in the jockeys’ room.” When cross-examined by Dr Cliff Pannam, Q.C., counsel for Dawkins, she agreed her concern had been increased by a broadcast over the radio station 3UZ. Mr Pannam said there were “extravagant comments” by a commentator after the race. Mrs Skelton described her husband of 25 years as having a poor memory and being absent-minded.

She was asked whether Skelton had realised the implications of accepting the money.

Mrs Skelton replied: “I think the penny dropped.” Mrs Skelton is a daughter of the well-known New Zealand trainer, Hector Anderton. Mrs Anderton also breds horses.

The former Victorian ombudsman. Sir John Vincent* Dillon, appeared as a character witness for Skelton. He said he and Skelton were very close personal friends. Sir John said Skelton was “very quiet, almost shy. and it could be said he lacks initiative.” He said he was “a man of exemplary character and incapable of deceit.” Later Skelton pleaded guilty to one of five charges. He’ told the inquiry he was indefinitely guilty of accepting money other than from the owner of his mount in the Ararat Cup. However, he told his counsel Mr Cairns VilleneuveSmith, Q.C., he was not guilty on the other four charges brought against him by the V.R.C. committee. These are © Under Rule 135 a with not allowing A Secret Show to run on its merits. © Under Rule 135 b with not taking more reasonable and permissible measures to ensure A Secret Show was given the full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place. G Under Rule 175 a with dishonest, corrupt, fraudulent and improper practice. & Under Rule 175 c with corruptly offering to accept and of corruptly accepting money from R. Dawkins for having given Gary Bruce an unfair advantage in the running of the cup.

(Inquiry proceeding)