THE BATTLEAXE INCIDENT.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 692, 11 June 1903, Page 13

THE BATTLEAXE INCIDENT.

There have been several unpopular demonstrations made at Ellerslie against owners who have been supposed to be “ running a bye,” but I doubt whether anything quite so bad has been seen or heard before, as when Battleaxe returned to scale after winning the Grand National Steeplechase. The public contrasted his form in the Remuera Hurdles with his easy victory in the big race, and appeared to have arrived at the conclusion that there was a screw

loose somewhere, that is judging by the tremendous storm of hooting which broke out immediately, and which was continued without intermission till the protest board was displayed, when cheering took the place of the groans and hoots. However, after a lengthy consideration, the stewards decided there was nothing wrong, in which connection it would be interesting to know how many present agreed with the verdict. It is perhaps hardly fair to condemn a man unheard, as the great majority of the public who were present at Ellerslie on Wednesday week, did Mr Fred Watson, so it may be as well to give the owner of Battleaxe ’& version of the sensational incident. During a conversation with the Southern sportsman, he told me that up to three weeks before the National Meeting, the son of Hotchkiss was lame, and consequently restricted to the mildest of exercise on the beach. He had apparently straiDted a sinew in the near shoulder, and was simply led about. It was not till a fortnight before the Remuera Hurdles that he had a saddle on his back . When the time came for that race none of the stable had much confidence in the gelding’s ability to win, and Mr Watson s .nvestments on the totalisator amounted to a solitary fiver. Battleaxe was all at sea in the heavy going, and jumped poorly. At the last hurdle, when the gelding cut his stifle rather badly, Johnson eased his mount thinking he was more injured than was really the case. Mr Watson is of opinion that, despite this mishap, the gallop did Battleaxe so much good that he was able to show a remarkable improvement at fine next time of asking. The rumour about a sensational double bet is the veriest rubbish, as the only double wager booked bv Mr Watson was one of 200 to 4, Awahuri and Battlraxe, while about £7 was the total wager on the race straight out. Although, of course, those who witnessed the two races will have them own opinion in the matter, yet there is ruo getting away from the fact that a horse who was much backward in his work would be greatly benefited in a strong gallop in public, and also that the stewards, after considering the matter at length, decided that everthing was in order. Mr Watson thinks that if the public had known the true facts of the case, there would not only have been no hostile demonstration, but instead some well-deserved cheering at the success of a good horse under difficulties.