RACEHORSE SHOT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 107, 1 November 1940, Page 8

RACEHORSE SHOT

MISTAKEN FOR BEAU VITE

DASTARDLY ACTION

!By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

MELBOURNE, October 31

A daring attempt to interfere with the Melbourne Cup favourite, Beau Vite, was made last night or in the early hours of this morning. Mistaking their prey, the attackers shot the well-known horse El Golea, who was in a box near the one occupied by Beau Vite. The affair has caused great public indignation.

Beau Vite was quartered in Fred Foulsham's Caulfield stables, adjacent to the establishment of the former New Zealander Jack Fryer, whose string includes El Golea. The latter is a brown horse similar in conformation to Beau Vite, and both horses had been wearing a bandage on a foreleg.

The attackers mistook the horses and dealt severely with El Golea, who is now in a bad way, It was thought the attackers used a needle, but a later examination revealed bullet wounds near the stifle of the off hock. The horse is partially paralysed, and is suffering severely from loss of blood.

Beau Vite is all right, and has been under guard for the past week.

The police ascertained that the shots had been fired through a hole specially cut in the rear of El Golea's box. An empty .22 calibre cartridge shell was found outside the stable.

BEAU VITE GUARDED,

Beau Vite's trainer, F. McGrath, stated today that he had received a hint a few days ago that an attempt would be made to shoot Beau Vite, since when special precautions had been taken for his safety. A nightwatchman and dogs were constantly in attendance at his stall.

McGrath, who described the attempt as dastardly, expressed the opinion that the miscreants apparently mistook El Golea for Beau Vite because of their marked similarity in colour, even to the type of bridles and rugs worn by them.

Beau Vite and El Golea occupied boxes within 20 yards of one another. Apparently they were watched, but the attackers must have confused the pair when entering their respective boxes.

Entrance to the stables was gained through an unoccupied property at the back.

X-RAY TO BE TAKEN,

The veterinary surgeon who examined El Golea has decided upon an Xray examination in an effort to locate the bullets, after which he will operate.

Beau Vite's owner, Mr. R. Stewart, has no doubt that the attempt was designed to maim Beau Vite. He extended sympathy to El Golea's owner, the Hon. A. Crofts, and his trainer, J. Fryer.

Mr. R. Jansen, president of the Victorian Bookmakers' Association, announced that his association was offering a reward of £200 for the apprehension of the person or persons responsible.

The affair has caused a sensation and widespread indignation. The newspapers recall that a similar attack was made on Phar Lap in 1930.