COURSE CRITICISED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20231, 15 February 1934, Page 12

COURSE CRITICISED.

Investigation Into Death of Jockey. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 14. A verdict of accidental death was returned by the Coroner (Mr Wyvern Wilson) at an inquest concerning the death, on January 27, of George Albert Baker, aged nineteen years, an apprentice jockey. Deceased was injured the same afternoon while riding the two-year-old Kelly in the Calliope Handicap at the Takapuna races. “When a jockey is killed a thorough investigation is essential in the interests of the public, other jockeys and the club, so that no blame shall’lie on anyone who would be blameless,” the Coroner said after hearing the evidence. “There is no doubt how this unfortunate boy lost his life. Deceased’s mount and his foot came in contact with the rails. Deceased was riding a two-year-old, an inexperienced horse. “Looking at the plan of the course and in the light of the evidence, it does not seem a good course for racing two-year-olds. When pressure is put on a horse it is natural for it to gallop straight forward, not in a circle.” The Takapuna course was too circular for a horse to maintain its balance and keep up a high speed. There had been remarkable contradiction in the testimony, the Coroner added. The facts led to the assumption that Kelly lost its balance and rolled against the rails. The rider was skilful and the horse was well trained.