THE JUDGE AND JOCKEY.

NZ Truth, Issue 117, 14 September 1907, Page 2

THE JUDGE AND JOCKEY.

Waikaraka Whereabouts.

Ome of the heavfly-backed division at the Marton meeting last' week was Waikaraka, who, after an exciting finish m the Flying Hack, was placed secdnd and let his backers down for two-fifths of their investment. Jockey Jenkins, who piloted Wilson's horse, was not m agreement with the judge's decision, and for an injudicious express on of his dissatisfaction, he incurred a fine of £5. It is generally recognised .that the man m the judge's box is m the 'best position to decide a close finish, but there are one or two circumstances m this particular case which deserve special mention. At the start Waikaraka was rushed to the lead' and maintained that position to the home bend, where • Saga appeared to be coming! very fast. Jenkins here took his mount very wide, and while Saga was '■'■scattered" 'Frisco appeared on the rails. In. the resulting close finish 'Frisco was declared the winner, while the Soult filly was .placed third. Oliver was not prepared for his victory, and imagining he had finished third, was neglecting,'' to woiglrin, but. trainer Tilley directed him to the scales. Pritohard, the rider, of Saga, was of the opinion that he finished second. Waikaraka's rider no doubt had these mattersin mind whe n he let his tongue loose, but he would have been wise m putting more restraint on has feelings. The whole question brings into prominence the desira/bilitv ...of . a paid judge, at all race meetings, 'and any 'clubs that have an honorary official whose appointment dates back a number of years, should look into the matter, of his present capabilities. I do not say that the judge made a mistake m this instance; though very many of those present hold this view, but the public have not the same confidence m an honorary official as m a paid one.