THE TURF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4182, 7 March 1916, Page 7

THE TURF.

THE CROESUS CASE.

'The Racing Conference appeal judges—Sir George Clifford and Messrs C. P. Skerrett and 0. S. Watkins—oil Friday made known their finding in the Croesus case, which had been referred to them, in the matter of the appeal of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club from a decision of tho Hawke’s Bay District Committee', which refused to endorse tho decision of the Judicial Committee of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, disqualifying the owner, G. F. Hardy, tho trainer, j. S. O.Neil, the jockeys H. B. Lorrigan and H. Griffiths, and the horse Croesus, in the Summer Handicap run at Hastings on January 3. The judges found as follows:

“The Judicial Committee of the Hawke’s Bay Club, after consideration of the evidence, and taking into account the personal observations of the stewards, decided that' Croesus was ‘pulled’ in the above race. The district committee of Hawke’s' Bay does not differ from this decision. Upon review of the evidence, we find no reason for dissenting from the finding. Wo are of opinion there is no power, under Rule 2, part XXXIH., to disqualify the offender during the pleasure of the stewards or committee of the club. Disqualification must be for a fixed specified period. We cannot exonerate the owner, G. F. Hardy, ilie trainer J. S. O’Neil from complicity in the ‘pulling’ of the horse. AVo further think the owner guilty of corrupt practice, specified in Rule 1 (11) part XXXTIL We disqualify the owner and trainer under Rule 1, part XXXIII., for the period of twelve months from the date of tln-s decision. AVe affirm the decision of the Judicial Committee that H. Griffith, rider of Pursefiller in the above race, was guilty of corrupt practice mentioned in Rule 1 (n), part XXXI 11., and suspend his license for three months from January 3. The disqualification of the jockey of Croesus, H. B. Lorrigan. by the Judicial Committee of the Hawke’s Bay Club having been confirmed by the district committee, we disqualify him under the before-mentioned rule for six months from January 3.”

Hexton and Brunswick were shipped too Napier on Friday by the s.s. Ripple. ,and Despatch Carrier and Lady Gazelev were taken to the same port on Ru nda y bv the Arahura. 3 hey will compete at the Napier races this week.