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This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Sydney Referee
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Date
Feb 23, 1939
Page
12
In a lurid turf section reminiscence, the author details a scheme to pass off a bay horse named Mexican Belle as La Lune by dyeing and disguise, aiming to fool trainer Dick Wootton and jockeys at Folkestone. The narrative highlights the counterfeit act and the involved participants, including two white legs and a pale face alteration.
The confession recounts plans to humiliate La Lune by dosing with laudanum in a first race and cocaine before a Friday event at Doncaster. The schemers, Robertson and Marsh, discuss delaying La Lune and using a “gee-up” stimulant to ensure a strong finish, risking public race integrity.
A racing scheme collapses as La Lune reels under cocaine influence and reins break. Jockey Robertson struggles to control the filly while Dick Wootton sprints to intervene, ending in a dramatic defeat for the planners.
Pat Barrie narrates a misadventure surrounding a claimed winner horse ridden by La Lune. Backers faced losses as Dick Wootten’s deception and a fake pedigree stirred danger of exposure. Barrie vows to recount the dramatic attempt and its costly fallout in a forthcoming piece.
A meeting of the S.Ad.G. Committee followed steward decisions on a trainer at Chejtentimis. A recent penalty was held up and a suspension for the remainder of the Benson was considered due to guidance given to a young apprentice. Commander Martin, the trainer, will be asked to attend the next meeting.
Vintage racing anecdotes recount four mares named Black Bess with distinct owners and traits at early meetings. Geelong and Kilmore races feature winners like Skylark and Morris, while Loup Garon earns acclaim across derbies. Mare margins and jogging times stir curiosity as trainers recall turf’s rougher, quirkier days.
The article recalls early racing where horses sometimes won by narrow margins or in hollow fashion. It notes protests, disqualifications, and malpractices such as pulling, with examples from Ararat and Meredith courses. It mentions unnamed horses racing against sires, and a vivid portrait of rough racing culture.
Q T C’s Wise e notes a more progressive plan by the committee to handicap all runners on the second day after the first day’s racing. The old discretionary penalty system on the second day is replaced, as unplaced runners are no longer required to run again under a cap they could not meet on their initial start.
P P Venaglia, owner trainer of Bris bane, tops both owners and trainers lists in Queensland with 16 wins from his four-horse stable. The former Toowoomba butcher began training his own horses after retirement and has earned EE235 this season as recorded by Capricorn.
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