TURF SENSATION

Southland Times, Issue 21361, 6 April 1931, Page 7

TURF SENSATION

RIVERTON MEETING SUDDEN INDISPOSITION OF THREE HORSES A MYSTERIOUS AILMENT. A sensation was caused at the Riverton track on Saturday morning when three horses suddenly took very ill. From subsequent happenings it would appear that their ailments are not natural. The three horses concerned, Rin Tin Tin, Caterpillar (both belonging to Mr J. Richardson, of Dunedin) and Francolin (the property of Mr R. M. Greenslade, of Dunedin) were put away for the night as usual in their boxes and they then were all right. The doors of the boxes were bolted, but not locked. In the morning their attendants brought them out into the yard and a little later they were taken to the racecourse. They were not walking too well and Rin Tin Tin was coughing a good deal. They were trotted and cantered round the track and brought back to the stalls. Rin Tin Tin was still coughing and the other two were also coughing. They had not been there long before they lay down, being stricken in the hindquarters, while foam was coming from their mouths and they w’ere scouring.

Veterinary attention was requisitioned? and some relief afforded, the horses being taken back to the stables. Each had large blisters on its tongue and it was evident that they had swallowed some very powerful irritant. Mr Richardson and Mr Greenslade had the sympathy of the whole racing fraternity in their misfortune, particularly as the horses in question appeared to hold bright prospects of winning at the meeting.

Rin Tin Tin is by Some Boy II —Fairform and was previously owned by Mr A. C. Mills, who sold him to Mr Richardson at a good figure. He has been fairly successful in Mr Richardson’s colours, and his future could be said to be bright, as he is only five years old. He was reported to be a good deal better last evening. Caterpillar, also owned by Mr Richardson, is by Paper Money—Tortrix and she too has been a good winner for him. She is five years old. Caterpillar appears to be the one most seriously affected. She had improved by yesterday afternoon, but the report last evening was not so favourable. Both are trained at Wingatui by D. P. Wilson.

Francolin is a four-year-old mare by Paper Money—Philomela and she is owned by' Mr R. M. Greenslade, of Dunedin. She has been a good stake earner this season and her future appeared to be a very bright one. She is trained by F. Shaw at Wingatui and was reported to be a good deal improved yesterday. It is not known just what the horses have eaten, but it will be the wish of all racing men that they make a speedy and lasting recovery.