CANTERBURY NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 360, 17 June 1897, Page 9

CANTERBURY NOTES.

" June 15. The South Island Trotting Association met last night. An appeal was received from J. Loughlin against the decision of the Canterbury Trotting Club in disqualifying for twelve months Count and his rider, on the score of his alleged suspicious running in the Winter Handicap, and the owner’s subsequent refusal to allow him to be ridden by the club’s rider. Mr Kippenberger stated the case on behalf of the owner, who was then called to give evidence. He stated that he had been trotting horses for eight years The animal had always been unreliable in starting. On the present occasion Count having the limit start he considered he had an excellent chance of winning; consequently, having first taken care that he went through, his preliminary efforts satisfactorily, he backed him on the tote for £3O. He also backed him for £lO with a bookmaker. At the start Count commenced to prance about, and absolutely refused to trot, despite the utmost endeavours on his rider’s part. His reason for refusing to allow the club’s nominee to ride the horse was that the conditions would not have been the same, thus a fair test would not have taken place. To try a horse by himself against time would be .very different from starting him with a number of other horses amidst the excitement that attached to a start of a race. Sworn affidavits by T. Finnigan, T. Kett, M. McLaren and T. Bowie were read. Letters were received from J. McGuinness, J. Fleming, Mason and Roberts, J. Townsend, J. Grindley, and T. Myers. Verbal evidence was given by R. J. Mason, E. Outts, and Chas. Kerr. Their evidence was corroborative of the statements of the owner as to the character of Count, as shown by past running; also as to the genuineness of the rider’s effort in the present instance. After a long discussion it was resolved, by eight votes to seven, that the appeal should be allowed. It was decided that the additional evidence should be forwarded to the Canterbury Trotting Club. A complaint was received from Victor Harris, as steward of the Canterbury Trotting Club, to the effect that Loughlin had, while near the Empire Hotel, stopped him and stated that if the association endorsed the club’s disqualification he would punch complainant’s head. The writer objected to such interference with him in his capacity as steward. The letter was referred to the Canterbury Trotting Club, requesting the club to inquire into the matter. At the Christchurch Magistrates Court to-day charges were heard against G. Hyde and F. Buckley, two bookmakers, of having trespassed on the grounds of the Canterbury Trotting Club on May 24. For the defence it was contended that defendants had not received notice that they would not be allowed on the course. The cases were dismissed with costs against the club. The charge of trespass against Jas. Nelson was proved; the defendant was fined 20s and costs.

A trotting match, three miles, between General Tracey and Sam Slick will take place to-day. On past performances, General Tracey should win, but I have just heard that Sam Slick has done a performance which has not been excelled by any trotting horse in the colony. Under the circumstances I shall not endeavour to pick the winner. 1 The Canterbury Trotting Club has drawn up a programme for a two days meeting in the National week. ’ The total value of stakes is £llOO. The club has decided to discontinue the employment of Hobbs and Goodwin to work the totalisator. Fresh arrangements were made with Mr W. A. ’Goodwin.