HORSES DOPED

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1942, Page 3

HORSES DOPED

CHRISTCHURCH, March 19.

The pacers, Great Blaze and Ja'ckaranda were interfered with prior to racing at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting on February 21. They may not race again. The indications are that they were given a strong caustic solution.

Both horses are trained by M. B. Edwards, who said it t was impossible for the horses to have ’picked up anything from the ground, to cause such painful and extensive injuries. He maintained that the horses were victims of a dope fiend. While at the New Brighton course, excepting for a. short period before the Waimairi Handicap, in which both horses started, they were in charge of an attendant. A report is in circulation that, during this time, a man was seen leaving the horse stalls. Further inquiries are being made by the trotting authorities. The horses suffered terrible pain for several days. Their mouths and lips were swollen, and even the enamel'. Was stripped from (their teeth. Both were unable to eat anything for some time and lost a lot of condition. While showing slight improvement, the full extent of their injuries will not be known for some time. • If they were given a caustic solution it is probable that they will not race again. Great Blaze is a six-year-old by Jack Potts —Ablaze, and is owned by Mrs H. C. Steel, of Christchurch and formerly of Greymouth. He has won four races this season. Jackaranda, owned by Mi- E. Ward, has won one race in four starts this term.