SIEVIER AND WOOTTON.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1804, 17 July 1913, Page 7

SIEVIER AND WOOTTON.

THE TURF LIBEL CASE. SHARP EXCHANGES IN COURT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, July 15. During the hearing of the libel action instituted by Wootton, the ex-Australian trainer, against Robert Sievier, publisher of the "Winning Post," Sievier's crossexamination of Wootton led to much cross-talk, especially when the defendant questioned Wootton about his turf associates in Australia. Wootton admitted that he had recommended Hayes as a trainer in England, and that Hayes had subsequently been convicted of an offence. The Judge reprimanded Sievier and Wootton for their rude quostions and answers. Sievier asked Wootton to produce his betting records, and Wootton replied that he had none. Sievier suggested that certain persons warned off had only practised what plaintiff taught them. Wootton interjected: It's a lie! Sievier: You have had more jockeys put down for foul riding than any other English stable. Wootton: My boys have been suspended, but have not lost prestige. They are employed by the best people. The Judge: But the best people may not have any choice. Wootton: They want the best jockeys. The crowd frequently applauded Wootton, and the Judge threatened to clear the Court. Wootton said he regarded foul riding in the case of lads as only over-anxiety. One of his apprentices had been fined £50 for not weighing in after a win. That was due to carelessness. Witness was temporarily ordered out of the box for interrupting counsel when the latter was addressing the Judge relative to the production of Wootton's bank books. The Judge ordered the production of the books. Plaintiff then resumed his evidence. He said it was a downright concoction to say that his son had pulled Stick Up in the Cambridgeshire Stakes in 1907. Witness admitted that his earnings averaged £5000 yearly. Lord Derby gave evidence that on one occasion he did not think Frank Wootton made the best use of his horse, but he never suspected him of pulling the animal, which was not an easy one to deal with. Further hearing of the case was adjourned.