DECISION REVERSED

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 85, 20 October 1928, Page 11

DECISION REVERSED

RUNNING QF VALKON. A decision has been given iv connection with the appeals made by A. E. Cox (trainer) and E. A. Keesing (jockey) against the decisions of the Wanganui District Committee in (a) dismissing the appeals lodged against the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Wanganui Jockey Club in disqualifying them for corrupt practices under Part XXXIL, Rule 1 of the Rules of Racing in regard to the running of the horse Valkon in the Marangai Handicap on 13th September, 1928, and (b) in confirming the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Wanganui Jockey Club in disqualifying Cox and Knesiiig.

judges have very carefully considered the evidence taken before the Judicial Committee of the Wanganui Jockey Club arid the Wangnniii District Oommittee, and have examined Mr. A. P. Wilson, stipenda'ry steward; A. B. Cox, trainer; and E. A. Keesing, rider of the horse Valkon, in the Marangai Handicap on 13th September, 1928. Following tho precedent laid down by the President of the New Zealand Racing Conference as to the considerations that should guide judges on appeal on questions of opinion, we have carefully considered whether the surrounding circumstances such as the money consideration; the character of the parties, and the characteristics of the horse, give support to the opinion; which is entitled to the greatest respect, of the stipendiary stewards that the horse Valkori was riot run on itw merits in the race in question. We have come to the conclusion that iii view of the fact that as there is no evidence of motive in betting transactions of tho parties affected by the result, and no evidence of other circumstances, in our opinion to confirm tho inference of fraudulent practices, wo are not justified in supporting the finding involving a finding of fraud on. opinion, however-weighty, without further support. We have consequently conic to the opinion that the appeals should be allowed arid, the decision of the Wanganui District Committee reversed. '* The decision is signed by H. ¥* Johnston, tf. R. M'Le&dj PasoM A, Eusseljj, jjadgesi