Sensational Trotting Smash At Greymouth

Northern Advocate, 9 January 1939, Page 9

Sensational Trotting Smash At Greymouth

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] GREYMOUTH, This Day. One of the most sensational smashes in the history of horse racing on the West Coast, if not in New Zealand, occurred on Saturday in the Victoria Handicap, no fewer than nine horses falling in this event. Originally, there were 13 acceptors, but, with the withdrawal of De la Paix and Battle vale, a field of 11 was placed in the starter’s hands. All the runners went away well, but, half a mile from home, Rewai, who was running second at the time, came down, and immediately horses, drivers and sulkies were strewn in profusion. Devotion and Storm Signal were the only horses left on their feet. Pandemonium ensued on the course, but the excitement gradually subsided as first one driver was seen to get to his feet, then another, and so on, until it was realised that there had been po serious injuries. As a matter of fact, not only did the drivers escape lightly, but also the horses were more or less unscathed. Meanwhile, Devotion and Storm Signal had gone on to decide the issue, the former having no difficulty in winning by three lengths. The backers of Worthy Need were fortunate in that he was coupled with Storm Signal, the third favourite, for a place.