RINGING-IN A TROTTER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1162, 18 July 1912, Page 9

RINGING-IN A TROTTER.

A cablegram from Sydney last week stated that the stewards of the New South Wales Trotting Club had handed out disqualifications galore in connection with the ringing-in of the New Zealand trotting horse Coral Hue. From particulars to hand it would appear that the persons responsible for the running of the geld-

ing had enjoyed a long unchequered career, but the truth of the saying that “It is a long lane that has no turning” was once again borne out. Since the beginning of the year Mr. R. C. Hungerford, secretary of the New South Wales Trotting Club, has been investigating a case in regard to the bona fides of a bay gelding that was entered under the name of Ring Off, late Billy, for a race at the New South Wales Trotting Club’s meeting on December 29th, 1911. Before the horse was allowed to start the owner and the person who disposed of the horse were made to give statutory declarations as to their bona fides regarding the horse and his performances. Mr. Hungerford had the horse photographed, and sent copies of the photo to several person in New Zealand, for the purpose of identification. Inquiries were made in Queensland, where it was stated in a statutory declaration that the horse had previously performed. When the horse was registered, he had a certain brand on him, but when inquiries were made in Queensland as to the brand, it was discovered that it was not a registered Queensland brand. On the horse being clipped, it disclosed that he’ had an entirely different brand, the first one having been plucked. Mr. Hungerford sought further information, and was at last rewarded for the perseverance and energy. Photos of the horse were shown to two visitors from New Zealand, who recently arrived in Sydney, and, on making an inspection of the horse, they immediately identified it as Coral Hue, by Huon —Coral, twelve years old, a well-known performer in New Zealand, and having a record of 2min 28sec. The stewards held several inquiries, called many witnesses, and took massive evidence. It has been proved that about July, 1905,

the horse was brought to Sydney, and shortly afterwards taken to Northern Queensland, and, at a race meeting at Towsnville, was rung in under the name of Clarence. He was brought back by steamer to Sydney, and, at an Agricultural Show near the Metropolis, won two prizes in the name of Charlie. In that name he was raced in western districts of New South Wales, and again won. He next appears to have been raced round about Brisbane under the name of Billy, 1911. He was brought once more to Sydney, and raced at Victoria Park and Epping under the name of Ring Off, late Billy. It having been conclusively proved that the horse was Coral Hue, the stewards decided to disqualify the horse, and P. J. Byrnes, of Sydney, the present owner, for life' for ringing-in. Byrnes was ordered to refund the prize he won on March sth (second division of the Tramway Handicap at Epping). The stewards recommended the club to take further action in the matter. Daniel Sullivan, who brought the horse from Brisbane, and disposed of it to Byrnes, was also disqtfalified for life for his connection with the horse. The stewards’ inquiries are being continued, and there' is a probability of further development.