JOCKEY SUSPENDED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 20, 24 January 1946, Page 6

JOCKEY SUSPENDED

CASE OF G. F. HUGHES

The suspension for a month of G. I 7. Hughes has applied a temporary ; heck to the success of a young rider, v. hose exemplary behavious and conduct on and off the course has earned him considerable respect, states the ‘ New Zealand Herald." Hughes bus i eon climbing rapidly to the topmost rung of the ladder in his calling. Howi ever, the zeal and initiative lie shows ! in his riding are .evidently not anprov,ed everywhere. An official remarked ■ at the recent summer meeting at. El- ' lerslie: “A short, holiday will do him good. He is getting too cheeky.” The official meant by “short holiday” a period of suspension. It will be unfortunate for Hughes if his uncommon skill is mistaken for unfairness by racing officialdom. The public respects his integrity a ’d fair-, ness. It has reason 1o regard him as a young rider of exceptional talent and character. The suspension of Hughes was imposed as a result of alleged interference by his mount, Gold Dash, with [Spring Day <E. V. Dye? and Lady Maj maeroa (L. H. Clifford) in the Morri nsville Hack Handicap. Only*a few were aware, indicating that the alleged in- | terference was not very obvious, that tan inquiry was being held until after t ' the suspension was announced. Ap- t parent Iv the evidence tendered sa : isI lied the judicial committee that j | Hughes was blameworthy. No ex- • I planation was given in the finding as | I to how and when the alleged inlerfer- ( p nee occurred. A young lider of | ! Hughes’ undoubted character and ac- < complishment should be more worthy j iof encouragement than of frequent i j < ensure. It. behoves Hughes to be extremely careful. If officialdom continues to take its present view of ni.-. riding the liitur*' may be fraught with difficulties for him. It is said that the way of the transgressor is hard. It I may be said with equal truth tm t the j way of an honest jockey is not easy. i to try again, as I thought ho might as well have another “go" when Roman Law gave up." i The race was worth £196 to the | owner of the winner.