TWO SURPRISED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20233, 17 February 1934, Page 13

TWO SURPRISED.

Long Arm of Racing Law Reaches Out. DEBT OP 29 YEARS AGO. The long arm of the racing law stretched out in Melbourne recently after a lapse of 29 years and mulcted a trainer named Walter Lee of £lO. Years ago Lee raced horses in Melbourne in collaboration with his brother, but in 1905 decided to try his luck in Queensland and left for the N T orth. For vears he raced in that State and then moved to Sydney, where at the Associated Racing Club’s meetings he had considerable success with ponies. When the A.J.C. lifted the ban some time ago Lee became a registered A.J.C. trainer, and with his apprentice, D. Lightfoot, won many races. A few months ago Lee decided to give Melbourne another trial. He brought his horses to Victoria, where Lightfoot has already made a name for himself as a rider. He was Dumbfounded. The blow fell when Lee was asked to call on the secretary of the Victoria Racing Club (Mr A. V. Kewney). “ Do you know, Lee. that you are in the forfeit list for £10?” asked Mr Kewney. Lee was dumbfounded, and exclaimed, “ But, sir, I haven’t been in Melbourne since 1905.” Mr Kewney then asked Lee whether he ever raced a filly called Wandain. Lee admitted that he did so with his brother. He was then shown the files, which proved that Wandain had been left in the Oaks of 1905, and. as she had not been scratched, the forfeit of £lO was due. Lee had to pay, which he did with good grace, although he ruefully remarked as he walked out of the office, gazing at his receipt, “ that it was just as well that he was not charged interest, as even a ‘ tenner ’ after 29 years would be worth something now at 4 per cent.” Actually, at compound interest it would be worth £3l 3s 9d. The Second Surprise. But that is not the end of the story. The owner of the Oaks winner of 1905 is Mr John M’Donald, a millionaire, who was formerly a member of the Australian Jockey Club Committee, and who owned and bred many great racehorses, including Mountain King and Lady Wallace, at his famous Mungie Bungie stud. Mr M’Donald will get a shock in the next day or two. As the. owner of Lady Wallace—the Oaks winner of 1905—he will receive a cheque from the V.R.C. for £lO, as in those days at Flemington the sweepstakes went to swell the value of the prize.