Our Letter Box.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 215, 6 September 1894, Page 9

Our Letter Box.

W® do not necessarily identify ourselves with th® opinions expressed by our correspondents, though at the same time, we gladly afford space to all communications on matters of public interest to the sporting community.—Ed. Sporting Review.}

THE AUSTRAL PROTEST.

(To the Editor Sporting Review) Dear Sir, —A case recently adjudicated upon by the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, one of the Metropolitan Clubs of the Colony, has caused some comment in sporting circles here. I refer to the decision given in the protest against Austral, winner of the Maiden Steeplechase at the recent meeting. It will be remembered that Worth (the property of the Hon. J. D Ormond) ran second and Kaffir third in the race in question. Mr Ormond, one of the stewards of the Club and a Conference delegate, did not protest, which was entered by Mr T. T. Watt, the supposed owner of Kaffir. The case was referred by the Club to their solicitor, who decided against the winner. The rule on the subject states that any protest, referring to forfeits, must appear in the official organ, or else notice must be given to the owner of the horse or the secretary of the Metropolitan Club by 10 p.m. on the evening preceding the races at which the horse has to run. The meeting was held on Thursday, June 28th. The official calendar in which the horse’s name appeared was not issued until the day of the races. However, in the face of this, the stewards decided in favour of the second horse, to whom the race has been awarded. The list of stewards of the Club included the turf magnates, Captain Russell and the Hon. J. D Ormond, both of whom are at present engaged in legislation affecting the future career of racing in this Colony. In the event of a New Zealand Jockey Club being formed no doubt both gentlemen would be selected as officers. I desire you to express an opinion on the case. Apologising for trespassing on your space, I am, etc., Subscriber. Wellington, August 21st.