RACING ACCIDENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19195, 8 December 1925, Page 12

RACING ACCIDENTS.

THE TAKAPUNA HAPPENINGS, NO FAULT OF THE COURSE. FINDINGS OF COMMITTEE. The accidents which occurred at the Takapuna Jockey Club's recent spring meeting formed the subject of exhaustive inquiry by tho Judicial Committee of tho club, and the following findings wore yesterday made:— " Cheltenham Handicap,—That the falling of Finelli, Nancy Lee and Lady Lois during the running of the Cheltenham Handicap on Saturday, November 20, was duo to Finelli crossing her legs and falling, thereby bringing down Nancy Lee and Lady Lois, which wero tho horses following. The evidence of H. Duliou went to show that his foot was previously injured during the running of the .Alison Cup, and that through the injured foot being jammed at the start of the Cheltenham Handicap, he felt faint and dizzy, and had no recollection of riding in any part of the race after passing t-hc fivefurlong post. "Tauxhall Handicap.—That after hearing the evidence of W. 11. Jones, rider of Archeno, It. W. McTavish, rider of Rahepoto, and also ihe statement made by A. McGregor, the rider of Festina Lente to the stipendiary steward, with reference to the falling of Rahepoto and Festina Lente on Monday, November 30, the Judicial Committee are unanimously of opinion' that the accident was due to Rahepoto crossing his legs and falling, thereby bringing down Festina Lente. It was clearly established that the accident w;ts in no way attributable to the. course, which was admitted by each jockey to lie in excellent condition and perfectly safe to ride on.

"Ngataringa Welter Handicap.—After full inquiry and consideration of the evidence given it was found tho accident was caused by Drawbridge, galloping on to the heels of Loyal Irish. "A statement having been published that the accidents which occurred at the meeting were duo to the condition of the racecourse, the Judicial Committee, in conjunction with the stipendiary steward, made careful investigation as to the correctness of the statement, and find that it is absolutely without foundation, and that the accidents which occurred wero wholly due to happenings during the running of the races. Tho evidence given by jockovs during tho several inquiries into the accidents conclusively proved that the falls of horses were, wholly accidental, and that the Takapuna racecourse was in excellent order and condition."