RACE FIASCO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21530, 30 December 1931, Page 5

RACE FIASCO

WHOLE FIELD DISQUALIFIED “ NOT ONE TRIER.” (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, December 24. One of the most remarkable incidents in the history of horse racing in Australia occurred at a small meeting held last Saturday at Ulmarra, near Grafton, ou the north coast of New South Wales. It resulted in the whole field of starters m the Ely Handicap being disqualified, and all bets were declared off There were only four acceptors for the race —Lord Harwood, The Breaker, Lady Jessie, and Wedaway. When the betting opened bookmakers showed little inclination to have anything to do with Wedaway, for it had been openly stated that Wedaway was the “ Only real trier in the race.” Brisk business was done with the other starters, good prices being on offer. Then, not long before the start, one of the bookmakers began to take liberties even with Wedaway, and be was rushed with business. He took a large amount from the backers. As the field lined up at the post there was a buzz of whispering and allegations and counter-allegations all round the course, and the atmosphere was more or less electrical. Everyone seemed to be wondering what was going to happen. Ah eyes were on the field, and it was noticeable that there was little inclination on the part of any of the jockeys to secure a good start. As a matter of fact, the starter had the utmost difficulty in inducing any of the horses to line up. Finally he got them away in a staggering start, one behind the other. It was apparent that he had lost patience. The pace was never on from the start. No jockey displayed the least anxiety to take the lead, and it was not long before the public, realising the nature of the “ joke,” was calling derisively to the various riders. The race, if it could be termed such, resembled a slow cycle race, the ambition of each rider being to keep behind instead of in front. The rider of Lady Jessie seemed to be most adept at these tactics, for the mare was tailed oft early, and went along leisurely a long way behind the other The rider of The Breaker must have suddenly realised that if lie did not do something drastic he might win, for his mount left the course altogether and was pulled up behind a row of motor cars. This left two horses tc make some sort of a finish, and as they went up the straight the pace became slower and slower. The judges were S' disgusted that they left the box, and refused to give a verdict. The stewardmet immediately after the race, and saiC it was “no race.” There was scarcely any need for the stewards to tell thpeople that. Horses, owners, trainers, ant jockeys were all disqualified.