JOCKEY FATALLY INJURED

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1934, Page 9

JOCKEY FATALLY INJURED

TAKAPUNA RACE ACCIDENT. BOY THROWN UPON RAILS. By Telegraph—Press Association, i Auckland, Last Night. A fatality marred the running of the Calliope Handicap, the fifth race on the opening day of the Takapuna Jockey Club’s summer meeting on Saturday, when G. A. Baker, aged 20, of Morrinsville, who was riding the horse Kelly, was thrown and received injuries from which he succumbed later.The accident occurred about one and three-quarter furlongs from the post. Kelly fell on the inside of the course, Baker being thrown on to the Tails. He was unconscious when the ambulance arrived and buffering from a broken thigh, concussion and internal injuries. He was admitted to hospital and died at 5.20 p.m.

Baker was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Baker, Motumaoho, near Morrinsville. Being small and having a liking for horses he decided to become a jockey, and for about three years had been associated with the stable of Mr. George Paul, Te Awamutu. Mr. Paul said he had the greatest admiration for the conduct of the boy and the progress he had made, and he felt the loss as keenly as if the boy belonged his own famliy. Baker’s grandfather, Mr. Charles Baker, won the Auckland Trotting Cup with Typewriter in 1906. An inquiry regarding the accident was opened by the judicial committee of the Takapuna Jockey Club, and after evidence had been given by jockeys engaged in the race and an observation steward it was adjourned. It was found that Kelly’s girth had broken, allowing the saddle to slip. Baker’s mother journeyed to Auckland when notified of the accident, but the boy died when she was on the way. An inquest was opened last evening and after evidence of identification - had been given an adjournment was made. As a mark of respect jockeys at the Takapuna races to-morrow will wear arm bands.