Appeal wheels turn slowly

Press, 25 August 1988, Page 29

Appeal wheels turn slowly

By

JEFF SCOTT

The wheels of motion for appeals in New Zealand seem to turn at a snail’s pace.

It was announced yesterday the appeal by Eddie Cowie against asuspension imposed at the Addington trials on August 10, is now to be heard on September 22, subject to the availability of counsel appearing for the Conference and Cowie. Cowie, who was initially suspended for three driving days, is able to drive at six Canterbury meetings from the time of the incident before the appeal is heard, and more meetings if he wishes to campaign a team at Forbury or Hutt Park. Originally the appeal was to have been heard tomorrow, however the stipendiary steward in charge of the August 10

trials at Addington, Les Purvis, is holidaying for three weeks and is unavailable to give evidence. One has to wonder at the casual regard given this, and other appeals, in New Zealand. The trial concerned was limited to a field of only seven runners. Australian stewards showed no delay in clearing up the Jim Cassidy inquiry on June 20, a case of far greater magnitude. Cassidy’s first appeal was then heard a further 12 days later.

However an appeal of a suspension incurred at a trials meeting in New Zealand is set to be heard 43 days after the incident.

New Zealand administrators could well take a leaf out of the Australian book on this matter.