BIG TURF INQUIRY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 234, 2 October 1931, Page 7

BIG TURF INQUIRY.

Riders Ordered to Appear Before Committee.

ALLEGED TEAM-RIDING.

(Special to the “Star”). AUCKLAND, October 2.

As the outcome of a very patient investigation carried out by the Auckland District Racing Committee during the past few weeks, some six jockeys have received official notification to appear next Tuesday before the committee in connection with an inquiry " into alleged team riding and corrupt practices in the Buckland Hack Handicap at the Franklin meeting at Pukekohe last March.’’ It is suggested that prior to the race some of the jockeys conferred as to who should win, and acted on a preconcerted plan. The investigation is said to have been of the most exhaustive nature and it is believed that every rider in the race will appear before the committee. Sportsmen in the North have been perturbed by reason of the serious aspects of the case This will be the second inquiry of a grave nature carried out by the Auckland District Committee this year, one life disqualification and two term disqualifications having been imposed last week in connection with the Red Lion case. At Franklin the Buckland Hack Handicap, of 100 sovs, was won by the second favourite, Royal Survey, who was ridden by L. H. Watson, who is now in Australia. The other horses and their riders were: 3 Tambourine (F. Foster), 5 Escalus (A. G. Parsons), 4 Principal (R. S. Bagby), 8 Land Measure (K. Gill), 11 St Ames (C. Goulsbro’), 7 Ding Dong (R. W. M’Tavish), 9 Town Beauty (R. Hall), 12 King Swift (G. Jenkins), 10 Howick (E. A. Keesing). 6 Rangikaha (H. Goldfinch), and 1 Hit the Deck (H. Gray). Ellerslie Candidates in Training Work. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, October 2. The weather was fine though dull for training work at Ellerslie this morning, and, although it rained overnight, the going was in fair order. The No. 2 grass track was available, but there was not a great amount of galloping. A large number worked on the sand track. The two-year-old Tankard sprinted three furlongs in 40 3-ssecs, hitting out freely. Lady Pam did similar work in 41 4-ssecs. She looks in first-class condition. Taurua did strong work, running the last three furlongs in 42 4-ssecs. One of the best efforts of the morning was that of Silvermine and Chief Link, who covered half a mile in 49 3-ssecs. They carried light weights; nevertheless, it was a good performance and there was little between them at the end. Prince Val did strong work over a couple of rounds, and is in good order for his Mitchelson Cup engagement. Karapoti was sent out to do strong work on the sand with J. M’Rae in the saddle. He pulled very hard and ran seven furlongs in lmin 33 3-ssecs, the last six in lmin 20secs. He is very well. The Mitchelson Cup candidate, Spearmiss, worked a round, Te Hoia assisting her over the last five. She completed the task in lmin 45 4-ssecs, the last six taking lmin 18 4-ssecs. Considering the track conditions, it was a first-class gallop. The Guineas candidate, View Halloo, cantered round to the half-mile post and, jumping away, ran the first furlong in 12 3-ssecs and finished the task in 50 4-ssecs. He looks a particularly fit horse. Baroscope and Flying Prince ran six furlongs in lmin 16secs, a good effort. Puriri Park ran home from the three furlong post in 37 4-ssec. He has lightened up a bit since racing at Avondale. My Own ran half a mile in 55 l-ssec, going very comfortably. Gay Cockade ran the same distance in 51 3-ssec, doing the work in good style. Chromadyne covered three furlongs in 38 2-ssec, and could have improved on this time. He has freshened up and is now carrying more condition than for a long time. Lady Quex and Gibraltar ran their last three furlongs in 43sec. Seatown was worked over a couple of rounds and showed no signs of soreness. He has been troubled with a festered corn, but, if the going is very soft, this is not likely to affect him. Golden Wings and Croupier were both doing pace work on the sand. The last-named bears an improved appearance. At Takanini, Tea Chat covered five furlongs in lmin 4 3-ssec, the first three taking 38sec. He shaped better than he has for some time. Horomia and Bronze Eagle sprinted three furlongs on the plough in 37 3-ssec. The latter is in good order. Tea Trader completed four furlongs in 52 2-ssec. __ High Comedy and Royal Artist ran six furlongs in lmin 20 2-ssec. Cornerman was scratched for the Guineas at 9 a.m. to-day. Manawhenua was scratched for the Shorts Handicap at 11.20 a.m.

SYDNEY DERBY PROSPECTS

(Received October 2, 2.15 p.m.)

SYDNEY, October 2

The weather prospects for Derby Day are excellent. Ammon Ra and Phar Lap have reduced the interest in the Derby and the Spring Stakes, but the Epsom is regarded as more open ,though Pentheus is still favoured, with Autopay next. Cypress has been scratched for all Spring engagements.