Sporting Review. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1893.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 166, 28 September 1893, Page 4

Sporting Review. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1893.

A very promising turf quarrel is taking place in Melbourne between Mr S. G. Cook, the well-known racehorse owner, and the V.R.C. handicapper, Mr F F. Dakin, in consequence of the repeated statements made by the owner of Admiral respecting alleged incompetency and prejudice on the part of the handicapper. Stung into action by Mr Cook’s charges Mr Dakin requested the V.R.C. to institute an inquiry into the charges preferred against him, but the big Victorian racing authority, after considering the request, saw no reason for the holding of an investigation. The fact that Mr Cook is regarded as the owner of a perpetual grievance in addition to horses, doubtless led the V.R.C. to disregard the request of the handicapper, but as mud when thrown ifi sufficient quantities invariably soils in some degree the individual against whom it is directed, we think Mr Dakin’s request might well have been acceded to. Irritated by the refusal of the club Mr Cook has written to the Australasian adversely commenting on the decision. In his letter he gives what he terms “ the highly suggestive fact” that he has made 170 unsuccessful and consecutive attempts to win under Mr Dakin’s handicapping, and hints that he will on some future occasion furnish the public with a specification of some of the V.R.C. handicapper’s incongruities and instances of lack of judgment. Mr Dakin’s answer has been to challenge Mr Cook to state a case of unfair treatment for the committee of the V.R.C. to investigate. Thus far the matter rests with abstract assertions and unfulfilled challenges, and it is to be hoped for the fair name of Mr Dakin, especially as Mr J. B. Clark has joined Mr Cook in his plaint that the V.R.C. will take some step towards ventilating Mr Cook’s grievance. A prominent official of an organisation like the V.R.C. should not be allowed to remain open to serious charges by a gentleman of his accuser’s standing in the racing world without an effort being made to either prove or disprove the accusations hurled against him. The club may be satisfied with the fairness of their servant, but the public, who support the sport, have a right to some consideration in the matter.