MASTERTON RACES

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11783, 20 March 1924, Page 4

MASTERTON RACES

TUTANKHAMEN’S WIN IN JUVENILE HANDICAP. (To the Editor "N.Z. Times.") .Sir, —In view of the extraordinary decision given by the judge at the conclusion of the Juvenile Handicap at tho Alas ter ton race meeting, and in support of the general opinion that Mr Jorgensen’s Tutankhamen won, please allow me to relate tho following details—l was present at the meeting and was in a good position to witness the finish. I had four tickets on Bonideer, so that as this horse was placed first and I received my dividend, I can surely speak disinterestedly as to Tutankhamen’s victory. Incidentally, I can vouoh for the accuracy of the "Times" report of the race and the finish; your morning contemporary also had a similar account. The report in the evening paper, however, upheld the judge’s decision. In fairness to the general public—who, alter all, are the people to he principally considered—it should he distinctly stated that Tutankhamen heat Bonideer by a good length, and there are many, like myself, who were the most surprised lot of punters in the world when Bonideer’s number was hoisted and we received our dividends. I sympathise heartily with Mr Jorgensen, who is a good and a game sport. He took the chance of the yearlings when he paid a good price for them in Sydney, and he has had anything but the best of luck with them. Then for his youngster to put up such a phenomenal run in the straight-in my humble opininon Tutankhamen bolted—to win a race on his merits, and to be deprived of the sweets of victory, is surely enough to damp the ardour of the best sportsmen. I have no personal end to serve in this matter — no axe to grind. I backed Bonideer and received my dividend. But even racecourse judges are liable to make mistakes, and I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that a very grave error was made in this instance. In another case the placings as at first displayed had to be corrected. The regrettable incident, of course, points a moral which need not he unduly stressed In this letter, but whioh is obvious to all fair-minded men. In conclusion, I am sure the sympathy of the sporting public will be extended to Mr Jorgensen, who lost the honours of victory after winning the race, but who has accepted the extraordinary verdict in a true sporting spirit. m „ , SPECTATOR. Wellington, March 19th.