PONY RACING

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11685, 24 November 1923, Page 5

PONY RACING

“BOOKIE’S” REVELATIONS MEN WHO “PULL” HORSES NOT. NECESSARILY “CROOKS ’! A COMMON PRACTICE. Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright (Received November 23. 8.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 23 At the pony racing inquiry direct denials were given to allegations against stipendiary stewards being connected wit-h bookmaking, and also that Stewards betted on racecourses. In regard to the latter, an offer was made by one racing club that it would pay £SOO towards the expenses of a tribunal to inquire into the allegations. “QUITE HONOURABLE.” A bookmaker, subsequently giving evidence, reasserted that he was well aware that stewards betted, and declared that racing could not he honest because there were too many broken men about it. He did not consider a man who “pulled” a horse was necessarily a “crook.” So Jong as it suited the owner it was quite honourable. Asked if the owner of a ‘•pulled” horse was a “crook,” he -replied that same of the most honourable men. in tho business “pulled” their horses.! If nobody thereby was robbed of any- j thing, the owner who “pulled” was not a thief. ; Witness said many “stiff” horses ‘ were run. -but if they were going to, rub “stiff” ones out they might as j well rnb out the lot. They had to her' there, or nobody would attend. Occasionally there was a “ring” -among 1 the jockeys.