RACING AND TROTTING

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17348, 1 October 1924, Page 2

RACING AND TROTTING

NOTES BY

ARGUS

FIXTURES. October 3—Uawbe's Bay Jockey Club. i October 2—Huron - Jockey Club. October 4,6, 8, 11—Australian Jockej ! Club. October 4 Pakuranga Hunt. October 0, 11—Dunedin Jockey Club. October 10, 11— Masterton Racing Club. I October 11, 15—Auckland Trotting Club. j j Ocober 16, 18—Whangarei Racing Club. j Ootober IT, 16—Oamaru Jockey Club. ! ! October 16—Carterton Racing Club. j j October 25, 27—Greymouth Trotting Club. October 27—Oamaru Trotting Club. i October 27—Waikato Hunt. I October 27—Waipawa County Racing Club. October 30. November I—Poverty Bay I Trotting Club. November 8, 10, 12. 15—Canterbury Jockey Club. November 11, 13. 3 4—New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. | October 3- Oamaru Jockey Club, i 3—Carterton Racing Club. October 3 Waikato Hunt. • October 6 Greymouth Trotting Club, j October 6 Waipawa- County Racing Club, j October 7 Oamaru Trotting Club, j October 3 o—Canterbury Jockey Club. j : Ootober lb—Poverty Cay Trotting Club. ! 1 October 36—New Zealand Metropolitan t Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. October 11—Waikato Hunt. October 13—Oamaru Jockey Club. Ootober 13—Greymouth Trotting Club. October 13— Carterton Racing Club. j October 14—Oamaru Trotting Club. October 15—Waipawa County Racing Club, i Ocober 18—Poverty Bay Trotting Club. J October 23—New Zealand Metropolitan • Trotting Club. ACCEPTANCES. September 30—Hawke’s Has - Jockey Club. October 3—Dunedin Jockey Club. October 3—Masterton Racing Club. October 3—Auckland Trotting Club. October 10—Whangarei Racing Club. October 14—Oamaru Jockey Club. October 13—Carterton Racing Club. October 17—Waikato Hunt. Ocober 20—Greymouth Trotting Club. October 20—Waipawa County Racing Club, j October 21—Oamaru Trotting Club. I October 24—Canterbury Jockey Club. \ October 24 Poverty Bay Turf Club. November 3—Canterbury Jockey Club. November 4 New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. ! | i . . The Ivurotv Jockey Club s meeting will be lieid to-morrow. There should ‘ be good fields for most of the events. ! including a number of horses who raced i at Ashburton or Geraldine, with the { addition of some newcomers drawn I from Otago stables. I 1 Gold Brick ran a good race on the second day at Geraldine, and be will be well backed in the Novice Plate at. j Kurow. Guncase has two engagements at Kurow. He should be equal to a good performance over seven furlongs in the Hakataramea Welter Handicap. Red Wink is likely to start favourite ■ for the Kurow Handicap. The Waitangi Steeplechase should be j one of the most interesting events at i j Kurow. Zeus will represent Riccarton J j and he was very well when he left home. Waetea has raced promisingly in more than one of her recent engagements, and site may add to her winning account for the season at Kurow. Songbird has a big weight in the Belfieid Handicap at Kurow. but the .journey is only five furlongs and he can lie relied on to keep his opponents very busy. .Some of the Riccarton horses with engagements at the Dunedin Jockev Club’? meeting are booked to leave for Wingatui on Saturday, while the remainder will go south at the beginning of next week. The North Island jockey Hector Grav ! will be riding at the Dunedin meeting j next week. It is unlikely that Palestrina will j make the trip south for the Dunedin j Jockey Club’s meeting next week. ; Tresham's only engagement at Win- j gatui next week is in the Dunedin Guineas, and it is probable that Foot- , fall and Starmist will be reserved for \ that event also, instead of starting iu , handicaps on the first day. Mr W. T. Hassle!t will probably have three of his Hawke’s Bay trained team racing at the Dunedin meeting next week. Those booked for thq trip are the three-year-old Dazzling Bight and the two-voar-olds Beacon Light and ’ j Paris. i As frequently happens in the case of j beaten horses, excuses are being made : for the defeat of Gloaming in tlie • Chelmsford Stakes. G. Young is hlam-, ed for riding a had race and the oraok- | ing of a whip to induce Heroic to face j the barrier is given as another explan- ; ation for his downfall. Tt is reported from Wingatui that General Advance looks as if be will stand another preparation, although his I present work is merely pottering about 1 Christie intends giving the Advance gelding every opportunity to come i j tight, and will not hurry him in his ' work in the meantime. 1 I The three-year-old Subjection lias . j proved a disappointment so far. and j his fault to date has been his failure * to stay on. He will probably improve as the season advances, but at l present be looks only a sprinter. J Concerning Ladkin. Who defeated , Kpinard or: Saturday. an America;', writer -state:-: ~ “Mr August Belmont, one of the pillars of the American Turf, has a good three-year-old in Ladkin. :• son of Fair Play and Ordonance. Ladj kin is a tremendously fast horse, hut is j not. a good stayer, nor can he handle ; a wet track. Still, with conditions in | bis favour, he may be bard to beat in I the mile race,’’ Rouex was a useful two-vear-old. but so far the half-brother to "Rouen shows no sign of striking form this season. 1 Baldowa appears to be very leniently I treated in the Mosgiel Handicap, at the , Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting next/ i week. It looks only a question of bis I condition being right and be will ]*e very bard to beat. Noue of the horses he met in the Dunedin Cup last February can hare any chance with him on the figures. The horses who are in this category include Loughrea Linjjk light, Palestrina. Winning Hit. clicea, Mantua and Dame Straitlj^^^H

The Hawk will compete in Melbourne on Saturday in the October Stakes, a, weight for age event, of one mile and a quarter. Whittier and Kasingwoid will probabl.v be among his opponents, also the West Australian crack, Lily pond, the favourite for the Melbourne Cup. The Ellerslie trainer, K. Heaton, is handling three horses from the dam of Broadwood. The four-year-old maro Frowning Beauty and the three-year-old colt Sir Gilmar are by the Martian horse Adjutant, while ho also has a yearling filly by Surveyor. The success of A. M’Cormae in the Maiden Plate at Avondale on Tactician nas very popular. The jockey had several months in hospital and had only recently become fit to resume race ridAlabama was tried as a hurdler at Otaki, but his display was not encouraging. Sunart's win at Otaki shows that he is in good fettle, but there is no need to extol his New Zealand Cup prospects. He should win more races this season, hut they will be run over shorter journeys than two miles.

Star Ranger is credited with running a couple of fair races at Otaki, but at best he is only a. moderate, and never likely to reach top class.

An interesting tact connected with the >St Loger winner Salmon Trout is that his dam, in foal to The Tetrarch. was sent up to auction in December of 1922. and in a competition that assumed the sensational phase Lord Furness feat, his opponents for possession of the mare with a. bid of 16,000 guineas, which heat, all previous records for a

brood mare. In due time Salamandra produced a bay colt as the result of her mating with The Tetrarch. and the youngster went up to auction in the autumn of 1922, when he fell to the bid of the commissioner acting for the Aga Khan at 3000 guineas. The colt in question is identical with Salmon Trout, who won the St Leger at Doncaster this month.

The great prices that for several years have been realised for youngsters bred at the Sledmere Stud by Lady Sykes entitle the Yorkshire establishment to be regarded as the goldmine stud of the world. A recent London cablegram stated that the twenty year lings sent up this season from SlednTere realised the sum of 53,280 guineas Large as that sum is. however, the sale held in 1910 still holds the vqjord with 61.000 guineas, which sum was’realised for the sixteen yearlings from Steelmere. During the last six months ninety-three yearlings from this stud realised a total of 259.220 guineas HAWKE’S BAY NOTES. i (Special to the “ Star.”) NAPIER, September 30. King's Folly is suffering from a- cold, hence his absence from the Napier Park and Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club meetings. Dazzling Light, Paris and Beacon Light will probably be sent south for the Dunedin Jockey Club’s spring meeting. Paris is the more forward of the two-year-olds, but on form lie should be beaten by Arpent in any Tlie Napier Park Racing Club’s operations last year resulted in a loss of £492, which, however, was much less than in the previous year. Tiega has been described in a number of papers as being by Catmint —Fair Rosamond. This is not correct. Tiega , is by Kilboy—Queen Lizzie. The Catmint Fair *” Rosamond youngster is named Bennannee. Shrill has produced a colt to imported Leighton. Duo is still having an easy time of it, but he is expected to Ido all right aga-iu shortly. Mime will probably not. be asked to carry silk for some time. ELLERSLIE NOTES. (Special to tbe “ Star.' ) AUCKLAND, September 30. A considerable amount of work was accomplished at Ellerslie this morning, in view of the Pakuranga Hunt Meeting. The number one grass track, which was available, was in splendid order, and some good times were recorded. Royal Present, Polonott and Prettyman were bunched at the end of seven furlongs, run in 1 min 32 2-ssec. Xa muter© and Town Bank gave Scot Free a break, and beat him over four furlongs in oOsec, aird Narautere beating Town Bank by several lengths. Namuter© works well, and after his good form at Avondale he can be expected to race well on Saturday. He looks particularly bright. Lady Ridicule was just in front of Joy Ride, with Broadwood some lengths away, at the end of six furlongs, run in Imin 17 l-sseo. Passionate defeated Royal Form andArch Ami over six furlongs in lmin 17 4-osec. A roll Ami did not gallop nearly so well as she was doing before the Avondale meeting. Pelham ran the- last six of seven furlongs in lmin 16 l-osec. This horse ran a fine race in the Avondale Cup, but did not do so well in the Plumpton Handicap. His gallop this morning was pleasing. He looks very bright. Sleepy Sol beat Owen over five furlongs in lmin 4soc. The former finished very last in a hack event at Avondale, after being badly placed in the early stages. Pompey and C'oo) Stimulants went six furlongs in lmin 18sec. Imported beat Knighthood over seven furlongs in lmin 30 4-ssec. Imported is an imported gelding by the Whit© Knight, and is improving. Musketoon went attractively over a circuit in lmin 51 4-osee. He was assisted over the last six' furlongs by Drawbridge, who finished with him. Musketoon is very fit. Landslide was not fully extended while running seven furlongs in lmin 33 2-osec. He looks all the better for his racing at Avondale. R. Reed will ride him in the Jellicoe Handicap. Lady Hill, Vice Versa, Husker, Eon- ! mark, Eucalyptus and Lady Kerman

were- schooled over hurdles, the displays of the two first-named being the best. Llewellyn, Hokemai, Shanks. Juj muna. Ca-pstar, Radio, Tantanoola ! and Brown Heath were sent over the j steeplechase fences. Llewellvn, Hokemai and Brown Heath mad© the best showing. W. rl. Jones will ride Polonott and Tovi n *Bank on Saturday, while AY. Bagbv will steer Pelham and Arch Ami. After this morning’s gallop, Musketoon will probably start favourite for the Jellicoe Handicap. Ruapapa and Landslide are others freely mentioned for the Jellicoe. The Chatham Handicap is considered to b© a- vert’ open race, and many of the candidates look to have excellent chances. Of the Ellerslie trained candidates Lady Ridicule, Namutere, Joy Rid© and Town Bank hove worked best. Others freely mentioned are Lucius and Miss Egypt. ANNUAL MEETING. WELLINGTON RACING CLUB. Peh Pbess Association. WELLINGTON. September 30. | At the annual meeting- of the Wellington Racing Club reference was made by the Government from racing clubs by way of taxation. Mr J. B. Harcourt, the president, said that last year the large sum of £45,290 was paid in taxation. When the Finance Minister indicated his intention to further tax racing the executive of the Wellington Club took occasion to point out that such an act assuredly would result in a falling off in turnover. This prediction was unfortunately only too true. Although the attendance of the public increased the Dominion had a record year so far as exports went, but results showed a big falling off since this taxation was imposed. The totalisator turnover had decreased at Trentham by £195,573. Every club showed that the Government was slowly killing the goose that lays the golden egg. The club’s new buildings. when completed, would bear* comparison with those on any racecourse in Australia or New Zealand.

Mr J. B. Harcourt was re-elected president, Mr W. H. S. Moorhouse vice-pre-sident and Messrs J. W. Abbot, J. E. Duncan. W. Higgins, D. M. Findlay and O. B. Watkins stewards.

GLENTRUIN. From Our Correspondent WELLINGTON, September 30. Glentruin returned to New Zealand after her Sydney success by the Manuka in very good condition, after a, very smooth trip. Jones and M’Carten are remaining in Sydney till after the Randwiclc meeting, at which Ballymena will race on the first two days. Ballymena will be shipped to Auckland under care of Jones after the Randwiek meeting-. SCRATCHINGS. MELBOURNE, September 30. Nigger Minstrel has been scratched for the Caulfield Guineas and Father's Voice for the Victorian Derby. ROYAL DESPATCH CASE. STATEMENTS OF JONES AND M' CAR TEN. The evidence of F. D. Jones and M. M’Carten in connection with the Royal Despatch case was published in the Sydney Referee ” of September 17. along with a resume of Mr 11. A. Knight’s statement when he appeared before the Stipendiary Stewards. Mr Knight explained to the stewards that be considered it useless to go through the evidence with them, writes “ Cardigan ” in “ The Referee.'* as he had already done so in the office. Before the committee, he asked Mr Higgins, through the chairman, whether the erratic nature of the hors© was taken into acount, also his previous performances, and also the fact that Royal Despatch ran better for M’Carten than for Lowe. Mr Knight also pointed out that Royal Despatch had been in work only three months, and Jones was was optimistic and hurried him, which probably made bis bad habits worse. He also dwelt on the actual running of Royal Despatch, and said that if M’Carten had wanted to be beaten it would have been much easier to go round the field at the turn than sticking to the rails. Another point that Mr Knight commented on was the fact of Mr Higgins saying that Royal Despatch was seventh at the turn, while Mr Coombs said be was tenth. Mr Hayes reported that he did not see Royal Despatch, at all entering the straight. Mr Higgins said that Royal Despatch finished well, bujt Mr Knight pointed out that, as he was placed sixth he could not have made up much ground. Mr Coombs said that M'Oarten bad bold of Royal Despatch’s head at the turn, and that M’Carten made no attempt to ride him.

Mr Knight also drew attention to the extract from the letter from Jones dated August 7, in which Jones said • ” M’Carter does not like Royal Despatch. He went well on Tuesday, hut very badly on Thursday. T think the best thing to do is to sell him if possible. Please let me know your value.” This letter carried no weight whatever as it was quite evident that the stewards were of the opinion that this letter was written for a purpose. Royal Despatch’s owner stressed tbe point that ’ both Jones and M’Carten i had absolutely no motive. and ‘had everything to lose by wrong doing. Both had unblemished reputations, with prospects that were never better. He also suggested that if Jones and M’Oarten had been guilty of malprae- l tice, it would be a good plan to submit them to an examination for lunacy. Both are above tbe average in intelligence and respectability. He submitted that mistakes could lie made, and ! if there was a doubt at all. surely the j past careers of Jones and M'Garten en- I titled them to the benefit. Tt would appear that the Royal 1>«. • patch case is finally closed, but it will he surprising if such is the case, con tin- j nos “ Cardigan," as lookinrr through i the New Zealand Rules of Pacing, it j seems within the hounds of possibility that Jones and M’Carten may bo able ! to appeal to the New Zealand Racing Conference. There is certainly reei- j orocit-v between the New Zealand Rac- j ing Conference and the Australian j Jockey Club in regard to disqualifies- j tions. but as far as I know there is nothing definite laid down. and although in the past it has been accepted bv both bodies, it is not so certain that the racing conference will endorse the disqualifications without first- of all carefully going through tbe evidence. Whether the A.J.C. will allow the conference that privilege is another matter. and if they do not. then there may he many interenting developments. JONES’S EVIDENCE. Mr Knight, after seeing the evidence, on which Jones and M'Carten were disqualified, is more than ever certain of their innocence. Jones and M’Carten are satisfied to allow the public

re judge and have given ine a copy of their statements, which were placed before the A.J.C. committee. Jones's Statement, which was addressed to the chairman of the A.J.C'.. reads as follows : Owing to deafness, I beg leave to present my evidence in tlie Royal Despatch case liefore you in writing. I started Royal Despatch at Moorefield on July IP in tbe Maiden Handicap, and, thinking lie had a good chance. I put £IOO on him through Mr T. J. Marks. £3O of which was for myself, including £5 I put on for the rider out of ray own pocket. I mentioned in the course of conversation with Mr Chisholm before the race at Moorefield, that although T was backing the* horse T could not really advise him to back him. as he was a bit dirty and might run off. In E. Lowe’s bands, a. jockey who had never ridden for me before, although a New Zealander, the horse ran a wretched race, the worst feature of which was his running wide at the homo turn. After the inquiry, at which both Lowe and myself were exonerated, Mr Higgins said: “Jones, 1 don't want you to go away with the idea, that wo want you to back your horses if you don’t think they can win.” On Saturday last, at Canterbury. Royal Despatch started in the first division of the Maiden Handicap, and was ridden by M. M’Carten, who had come ever from New Zealand immediately after the conclusion of the New • Zeal a,nd racing season. On the Friday I drew £l5O at the Union Bank of Australia, and went to Mr Marks at his office, and asked him if he was going to Canterbury, as T would like him to put £IOO on Murihaupo. I said: “As for Royal Despatch, you can please yourself about backing him. He hasn’t done anything better on the track than lie did before Moorefield, but I’m sure it wasn’t his form there, and I’m going to put £23 on myself, £lO of which is for me, which should get my .£SO back from Moorefield: but if he goes no better this time I’ll give him up.” Tlie .£25 was made up as follows: £lO T put on for myself. £5 for the rider out. of my own pocket. £2 for Mr Knight, and the rest for friends in New- Zealand £2 each. Mr W. Bryan, who did all my betting last year, put the money on also, £ls between himself and Mr Fred Amor.

I am not, a heavy bettor, and rarely have more than £2O on a horse. My bank pass-book of last year, which accompanies this letter, will show the sum won in betting transactions over the stable’s three wins at Roseliill. Eight different friends of mine were interested in my betting at this period, and seven of the same people backed Royal Despatch on the Saturday at Canterbury.

Royal Despatch has always Ivon a. very bard, horse to manage, and I hare, never been able to work him with a light boy on him. the Tuesday before the race at Canterbury, while working on the A grass, he hit the rails on the course proper with his chest; he is a very hard puller.

with a, bad month, and he always runs out. I use a standing martingale on the horse in all his work. On the following Thursday, while runring five furlongs with Killocra. lie ran out at the straight entrance and finished outside the flags Your track officials. Mr Johnston and Mr Page, can verify what T have said about the horse's behaviour while working.

The only orders that T gave M'Carten were not to bo on the outside of the field when he reached tbe turn, as T thought the. horse might go off the course like he did at Moorefield. T will leave M. M'Carten to explain his running.

Immediately after th© race M'Carten and T were called in by Mr Higgins, who questioned me about my betting, which T ex plained by stating who did it. and T wanted to get the tickets straight away, and even bringing Mr Bryan in soon after the stewards refused to accept the At tbe inquiry or? TJondav last the first

question put to mo was about the betting. and Mr Bryan, who was present, produced the tickets to the satisfaction of the stewards. Tbe onlv other question put to roe was what, orders T had given 'M’Carten. After questioning M’Carten we were sent outside pending decision. and on being called back M'Carten was disqualified for twelve months for improper practice. Then Mr Higgins turned to me and said. “ Jones, are yon still satisfied with M'Carten *s riding'-*” T said. “ Yes.” to which Mr Higgins replied. “ Well, we’ll T have known M’Carten ever since be first started to ride, and have implicit confidence in him. and have absolutely no reason to doubt his riding of the horse. During the inquiry I mentioned that T had been twenty-four years before the public without ever having been questioned, and that M’Carten bad been ten years without a. blemish, but Mr Higgins said, “ We don’t want to know what von’re done or what you haven't- done before.” and showed us clearly that our character carried no weight whatever. Tim letters to Mr Knight and to ror intimate friends in Wellington and Christchurch. in which I stated what betting T was doing for them, were posted on the Thursday preceding last Saturday’s races and inquiry, and they would reach Wei lington on Tuesday. August 12. and Christchurch on August 13. T have cabled to have the letters returned so that they can be produced at the appeal.

r think, gentlemen, that my record as a jockey and trainer for the 3-vast twentyfour years should help my case, and the same remarks apply to M’Carten. I cannot imagine what motive your stewards imagined either M'Carten or myself could have had in connection with this case. Mr Knight not being here, and lx?ing left, in full chargo of his horses, coupled with the fact that Royal Despatch’s running had been questioned so recently, would make me more particular than T have ever been about tbe horses I am training. T am absolutely innocent of the chargo against me. and share the opinion of every New Zealand owner of any standing with regard to M’Carten's integrity as a rider. I certainly think the sentence of twelve months imposed on me by your stewards is entirely inadequate should T have been guilty of the charge. I am sending in with this statement: l. My bank pass-book of Inst year. 2 Lelter-ca»*ds written to Mr Charles Bush showing tho amounts T was putting on my horses for him. 3. Letter-cards to Mr A. Grimmer showing the betting I have been doing for him. In that, dated August 7. you will sec that T adviso him T am putting £5 on Murihaupo and £2 on Royal Despatch at Canterbury. 4. Letter dated August. 7 advising W. Larkin that T was putting £2 on Royal Despatch and referring to M’C-arten’s opinion of the horse. •>. Letter from 8. Gibbons, part-owner Murihaupo, enclosing cables sent him and interpretation of same. G. Code hook used by mo last year and again this. Horses’ names not with team last year written in by me in pencil. 7. Letter from Mr H. A. Knight. 6. Cables from prominent New Zealand racing men. 0. Copies of references from Hon J. D. Ormond, Mr J. B. Reid, and Mr G. G. 10. Scrap-book with originals of above. Jones attached to his statement

cables ho had received from prominent New Zealand racing; men. He has shown me these cables, and they are from men of all shades of opinion, and the majority hold high positions in the public life of t,he Dominion. THE JOCKEY S STATEMENT. 51. AFCarten’s statement is as follows : 1 am a licensed jockey of tbe New Zealand Racing Conference, and reside at For dell, Wanganui, and am twenty-two years of age. I was aj-vprenticed to F. TilleY, and served three years’ apprenticeship, and am still in his employ. ! rode first as an apprentice, and then obtained a jockey’s license. I was licensed as a- jockey in IDIS, and have never been disqualified, nor have T ever had any practices or dishonesty. My average earnings for the last three years would be £ISOO a year, and I get plenty of mounts. I headed the list of winning jockeys for the last two years, and my services are always sought after. I ride in New Zealand for Messrs W. Duncan and T. Duncan. T also ride for Mr Knight. Messrs Duncan are stewards of the Wanganui Jockev Club. I also ride iu New Zealand for Jones. T came to Australia last, year with Mr Jones and rode Ballymena. Murihaupo. Ureency and Zaragoza. I won the Derby and three other races. All these horse* were in Jones's stable. T was encased to ride Ballymena with 'lie rest of Jones'" team at, all meetings in Australia. T came across about July 26 last. The first ride T had on this trip was Alfonzo at Roseliill, and next Royal Despatch at Canterbury. In the latter race’l wa3 disqualified. . . .

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) My grounds of appeal are: Firstly. T consider the stewards' decision is against the evidence and the weight of the evidence. Tn rnv evidence 1 say 1 did ray best to win and rode according to instructions. Jones, the trainer, admits that I rode according to instructions, and expressed himself as satisfied with m.v handling of the horse. T want, to impress upon you that this horse only started twice here—once when liOwe rode him, and then when I rode him. Tie is a five-year-old. and still a maiden. Dow could the stewards form an opinion as to the abilities of this horse when they had only seen it race once previously? T« it fair to deprive a boy of his means of livelihood, and also damn his reputation on such flimsy evidence? Now let me point out that T rode Royal Despatch at work, and found he was a very heavyheaded horse with a had mouth, and hung out badly. Tn order to verify my statement, and prove to your satisfaction that, my statement is correct, I arranged for Munro to ride this horse, and you have heard his evidence. Munro is an entirely independent witness, and he conclufively proves the truthfulness of my evidence. T also mentioned that vhii© going to the post to gallop he took off and ran into a fence, cutting his chest r rhis is corrobor ated by your officials. On the Thursday when galloping with Killocra, be hung out badly, going on the outside of the flags. Mr Johnston, your employee, verifies this. Tn view of these facts I submit that you can have no doubt that the horse l angs out. badly, which fact was known to Mr Jones, who gave mo my instructions in the Maiden Race, in respect of which T was disqualified.- Jones’s instructions were to try and keep on the -ails as the horse might run off the course, as lie did at Moorefield. Did T carry out those instructions? I respectfully submit that the evidence conclusively proves I did. I drew No. IT marble at the post, jumped ofT well, but could not go with the first division, so I eased over to the rails, and was there all the way round. The horse was not good enough to win, although I used my bent, endeavours to do so. The faot that Jones put £5 on the horse for me shows, what my intentions were.- I did horse from winning, but strained every nerve to win. Secondly, T consider that the stewards founded their decision on opinion evidence only. Van that be considered reasonable? There is no evidence whatever to show inconsistent running by this horse, which is Thirdly.—Tn all cases of this description there is generally/some motive. 1 submit there is absolutely no evidence whatever of any ulterior motive, bet me put it to you from my point, of view. 1 am leading jockey, in New Zealand, and held that position the year previously. 1 have never been questioned by the stewards before, and always had a high reputation in New Zealand, as is evidenced by the New Zealand Racing Conference. My prospects of riding winners at. the coming meeting are exceedingly bright. Ts it likely that with such bright prospects I would risk niv reputation and prospects in a Maiden Handicap worth about £100? Tn Now Zealand a, hoy must have the nest, of characters before he obtains a license, and a rlis qualification by your body would ruin mv prospects entirely. I have a lucrative profession, and T would not -be so foolish as to jeopardise my position. I had everything to gain by winning. Fourthly.—lf you doubt in the matter T ant entitled to The benefit of the doubt.. T *=2.y there is no doubt, whatever of my innirrcencei. hut. if you gentlemen have any doubt. I am entitled to the benefit,. Does it. not, amount to this? The stewards have convicted me on opinion evidence only, such opinion being formed on seeing the horse run once. My evidence and that, of my witnesses shows actual knowledge of the horse, and is fact, not opinion. How, then, could anyone say there is any doubt in the matter? Fifthly —Tn conclusion. T would like to point, out. that. T am the sole support of a widowed mother, and T would never do anything to imperil her position or bring discredit upon her. I put. more value on my good name than anything else. and. therefore, respectfully ask for a complete exoneration.