LORD ERNLEIGH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 16

LORD ERNLEIGH

EFFECT OF APPEAL (Si-kcial ro Daily Times) CHRISTCHURCH. June 7. Because all the horses that finished behind Lord Ernlcigh in the Spaxton Handicap at the Mcthven Trotting Club’s meeting also gave erratic displays, many sportsmen have expressed dissatisfaction with the clubs decision in distancing Lord Ernleigh for galloping. In a tight finish Lord Ern-' leigh beat Reta’s Own by a neck for first place. _ , . . During the race Lord Ernleigh made several breaks, whereas Reta's Own only made one skip. At the instigation of the chief stipendiary steward, Mr F. J. Boer, the stewards were called together to consider whether Lofd Ernleigh should be distanced for galloping. After lengthy and careful delibera tions the officials decided to distance Lord Ernleigh, and to place Beta's Own first. Cracksman second and Judgment third. Cracksman, the favourite, was eight lengths behind Lord Ernleigh at tin, finish, and Judgment, which gave an exhibition of trotting equally as baa as Lord Ernleigh was placed third. The circumstances impressed the otficiah that to place Lord Ernleigh second would pr/bably have been the best decision. It was recG P viised that Lord Ernleigh should not be placed in =roni of Reta’s Own. but the rule on the

question does not allow a horse finishing first being placed second or third. It is definite that if a horse has to be dealt with for galloping, it has to be distanced. Once the officials of the Methven Club decided to place Reta’s Own first in the Spaxton Handicap, they had no alternative but to distance Lord Ernleigh, Rule 385 is as follows:

“When any horse breaks from his gait, the horseman shall immediately pull him to the gait at which he was to go the race, and if any horseman shall fail to comply with this requirement the horse he is riding or driving, if it is placed, shall be disqualified for the race, and the horseman may be fined any sum not exceeding £2O, oi be suspended or disqualified for any term.”

The owner of Lord Ernleigh. Mr F. M. Brown, lodged an appeal against the club’s finding. This will be considered at the next meeting of the Board of the New Zealand Trotting Association.

The fact of Mr Brown’s appealing, compelled the handicapper to inflict a penalty on Lord Ernleigh for the Longbeach Handicap at Ashburton on Monday. The penalty was 48yds, which placed the horse on 60yds behind.

In the race, Lord Ernleigh gave a much better display, and he finished six lengths behind the winner in fourth place.

Had not Mr Brown appealed against the action of the Methven Club. Lord Ernleigh would have started from 12yds behind and probably have won.