Trotting inquiry

Press, 10 October 1984, Page 16

Trotting inquiry

Sir,—What was the reason for the delay in resolving the inquiry regarding the eventual winner of the National Bloodstock Flying Stakes, Enterprise, at the Ashburton Trotting Club’s spring meeting on September 29? With paid patrol stewards, plus the instant replay available, a delay of approximately 60 minutes seems somewhat excessive. With the financial situation of most provincial trotting and racing clubs the way it is today, delays of this nature obviously affect betting on the following races and must adversely affect the revenue of the club concerned. The committee and members of these clubs are obviously dedicated and enthusiastic, and the least they should be able to expect is efficiency on the part of paid officials. — Yours, etc., RAY ROBINSON. Ashley, October 1, 1984.

[Mr J. Rowley, chief executive officer of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, replies: “The length of time taken to resolve this inquiry is regretted; but circumstances were such that it was concluded as quickly as possible. As there is now no birdcage in use at Ashburton, some difficulty was experienced in locating all the drivers required to give evidence. Both P. G. Shand and D. J. Townley were readily available, but R. D. Butt and J. W. Smolensk! had engagements in the race following, and their evidence could not be heard until the conclusion of that event. I am also concerned with some aspects of camera coverage of some parts of the Ashburton track, and the chief stipendiary steward will be reporting further on this matter.”]