Attempt to Maim Beau Vite

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 259, 1 November 1940, Page 6

Attempt to Maim Beau Vite

Horse of Similar Build Attacked SENSATION IN AUSTRALIAN RACING CIRCLES United Pres* Association—l Ay Electrio Telegraph—Copyrigh t. Received Thursday, 11 p.m. MELBOURNE, Oct. 31. A daring attempt to mtenere with Beau Vitc was rnaue last rugnt or ia tne early hours of this lnonuug. .beau Vito is quartered iu x red iouxsaum * Cauiiieid statues, ajacent to tne establishment of a xoriner *sew z.eaiunucr, JacK Fryer, wnoso string includes Goica. Tho latter is a mown norsc, similar iu conrormauou to Beau vite, and both horses nave oeeii wearing a uandage on tne xoreieg. me attacaers mistooa. the horses ana ueait severely witu El Golea, who is now in a bad way. xt was thought the attacxer* ussu a needle, but later examination of El Golea revealed bullet wounds near the stifle of tho off nock. The horse is partially paralysed and suffering severely from loss of blood.

Beau Vite is ail right and nas been under guard lor the past weex. The police aseertaned that snots had been fired turougn a hole specially cut in tne rear of El Golea’s box. An empty .22 calibre cartridge shell was found outside the stable. Beau Vite's trainer, F. McGrath, stated to-day that he had received a hint a few da ya ago that an attempt would bo maue to shoot Beau Vite, since wTien special precautions had been taken for his safety, a nightwatenman and dogs being 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, owing to their marked similarity and 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 tho respective boxes. Entrance to tho stables was gained through an unoccupied property' at the back. A veterinary examined El Golea and has decided upon an X-ray in an effort to locate the bullets, after which he will operate. Beau Vite's owner, Mr. Stewart, has no doubt that the attempt was designed to maim Beau Vite. He extended sympathy to El Golea's owner, Mr. Archie Crofts, and trainer, J. Fryer. Mr. R. Jansen, president of tho Victorian Bookmakers’ Association, announced that his association waa offering a reward of £2OO for tho apprehension of tho person or persons responsible. The affair has caused a sensation and widespread indignation. The newspapers recall a similar attack made oa Phar Lap in 1930.