A JOCKEY’S EXCUSE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 7, 18 December 1911, Page 8

A JOCKEY’S EXCUSE.

“DISQUALIFIED FOR BEING HONEST.”

Various are the excuses given by judgment debtors at the Magistrate’s Court, to explain why they do not pay money they owe An unusual excuse was given to Mr. Kettle at the Auckland Magistrates Court the other morning . The witness stated he was a jockey. “Cannot you pay the money P” asked Mr. Kettle.

,“I got disqualified over the other side for being honest.” was the astonishing reply. Mr. Kettle (incredulously): “For running straight?” Witness: “Yes.”

Mr. Kettle. “Perhaps the stewards thought you were running stiff, instead of straight.. Any how I cannot review their decision. ”

“They wanted, mo to run stiff,” said tho witness, “but I refused.” Mr. Kettle: Perhaps the horse ran stiff.”

Witness: “It might have had too much dinner.” Mr. Kettle: “You will have to give up racing and get other work.” Witness: “The trouble is I have been knocked about when racing. 1 have had my leg broken and cannot do hard work, I must got my license back, for a disqualification in New South Wales holds good here.”

Mr. Kettle: All that for running straight. It is the first time I have heard of a man being' disqualified for running straight; but you may have been unfortunately treated. Was your case dealt with, by the stewards P” Witness; “There is only one man does it over there. If he comes to the conclusion you are not tyring, he disqualifies you. 1 wa.s disqualified for two years, and appealed, but the committee held I applied too soon. I have jbeen racing for over 29 years but have been unfortunate for the last seven or eight years.” 5 Mi - . Kettle: “Can you milk cows?” Witness: “No I have been working a little, sowing up wool bales.” Air. Kettle then adjourned the case sine die.