HORSE-DOPING ALLEGED

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 61, 22 February 1934, Page 2

HORSE-DOPING ALLEGED

Anonymous Telephone Message

SEARCH VINDICATES TRAINER

By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 21

An anonymous telephone message making a serious allegation against a leading New Zealand trotting trainer, F. J. Smith, was investigated at Epsom to-day. The allegation was to the effect that a hypodermic syringe for doping horses would be found in Smith’s possession. The trainer was searched, also the equipment bag taken by him to the course, but nothing in support of the allegation was found. The telephone message was received last evening by Mr A. G. Mabee ] secretary of the Auckland Trotting Club, from a woman who refused to give her name. When Smith arrived at the course from Takanini before the first race he was informed by Mr H. Morpeth, vice-president of the club, of the allegation made, and willingly agreed to a search.

This was conducted by Mr F. J. Beer, of Christchurch, chief stipendiary steward of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, and Mr A. Commons, Auckland stipendiary steward, in the presence of Mr Morpeth. When searched Smith’s clothing failed to reveal anything. The trainer himself sent for the bag and that also was examined without result.

It was later stated that the anonymous communication proved to be groundless, and resulted in Smith’s complete vindication. Smith said that he keenly resented tho allegation made, and felt that it arose from jealousy because of his success.