STRATHMORE’S RUNNING IN THE AUSTRALIAN CUP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 86, 17 March 1892, Page 8

STRATHMORE’S RUNNING IN THE AUSTRALIAN CUP.

WHAT CUSDIN SAYS ABOUT IT. On Thursday the Flemington paddock habitues were soon made aware that Harry Cusdin, who had enjoyed the confidence of the St. Albans stable, had been ordered to “return the colors,” and that he would not again ride for Mr. W. R. Wilson. Of course it was known that this dismissal had come about owing to the unsatisfactory riding of Strathmore in the Australian Cup. Accordingly, we interviewed Cusdin on Thursday evening in order to obtain his version in the matter. The jockey was by no means averse to discuss the affair, and in presence of another well-known light-weight, freely spoke his mind. “ Yes, it is a fact that I have been dismissed, and naturally I am very sorry for it. This morning I was told that I was not to ride Strathmore in the Champion, and that I was to go and see Mr. Wilson in town. When I saw him, he at once dismissed me, and now I am at the service of any owner who chooses to give me a mount.” “ What can I tell you about Strathmore’s running in the Cup ? Now, first of all you must bear in mind that I rode a bad race, and I admit it, but circumstances were against me in the race, for there were two or three of the jockeys who seemed determined to go for me, and whenever I tried to get a position there they were always blocking me, and do the best I could, it was .impossible for me to get clear.’’

“ Would you mind telling me who thfSe jockeys were ? ” “ Well, the worst offender was undoubtedly , on f for every time I attempted to move my horse either one way or the other there was he blocking me. I should not like to say he did this on purpose, but it certainly looked very much like it. And, too, he was serving Billy Delaney, on Forty Winks, just the same way ; and I’m sure Billy would tell you the same thing.” “ But when you were all clear in the straight you did not appear to ride Strathmore with very great vigor. How do you account for that ? ” “ Don’t you believe it. I got every ounce I could out' of the horse, and when he was tackled by Highborn Strathmore had not another effort in him, so it was useless my trying to cut him up.” “ Yes, Highborn most undoubtedly did interfere with him, and bumped right against him. I wanted to enter a protest, but Mr. Wilson would not let me.” “As for those yarns about certain bookmakers buying me over, they’re all —— bosh, for I never speak to a bookmaker, and I did not have a bet on the race. There is just as much truth in that yarn as there is about my having taken a thousand to five about Wild Rose and Highborn for the double.” “ Yes, they cheered me for winning on Florrie, and I felt heartily grateful.”—Sportsman.