RACING SENSATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22723, 8 November 1935, Page 16

RACING SENSATION

NEW ZEALAND CUP FAVOURITE ATTEMPTED POISONING ACT OF A MISCREANT (Special to Daily Times) CHRISTCHURCH. November 7. Definite proof of the administration of a jjotent poison to the mare Caliente, one of the favourites for the New Zealand Cup, has been furnished by an analysis of samples of the horse’s saliva which were taken when her condition after a work-out yesterday indicated that there had been interference. The matter has been taken up by the police, and to-night two detectives were sent out to Riccarton to make inquiries.

Caliente, an Auckland mare, owned by Mr J. L. Webb, was showing signs of lameness earlier in the week, and had been attended by a veterinary surgeon. When he made an examination of the mare yesterday for indications of sor.eness he found that her mouth was extensively blistered. After the horse had been given a workout the veterinary surgeon noticed that she was distressed and frothing at the mouth. An examination showed that a corrosive sublimate had been put into the horse’s feed, and the veterinary attributed the mare’s condition to the effects of this chemical. A swab was taken, and samples of the horse’s saliva were sent to a private analyst for examination. His analysis showed that the mare was suffering trom poisoning by mercuric chloride, a white crystalline powder which could easily be put into the horse’s feed box and which acts as a violent poison. Its effect is to extract moisture from the flesh and cause severe burning. Although the mare was groggy after her work-out yesterday, she was in good order to-day. She' was galloned over five furlongs, and, though she appeared to bo moving short, improved considerably later. From her appearance to-day it seemed that the effects of the poison had worked off. It is not yet certain whether her engagement for the Now Zealand Cup will be cancelled. She will be given some more easy work to-morrow, and afterwards a decision will be made whether she will be available for the race.