Racing: Apology after 3 months

Waikato trainer Chris Wood has finally apologised for comments about a stipendiary steward in March which he initially refused to retract.

Wood described John Oatham as an "amateurish stipendiary steward" following a judicial inquiry at Te Rapa on March 1 at which rider Leith Innes was suspended.

Wood also said at the time: "This is the worst judicial system in the world. I can't believe common sense hasn't prevailed."

Judicial panel chairman Richard Seabrook asked Wood to apologise but he refused.

But yesterday New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing said Wood had, in writing, "offered his deepest apology for the statements."

It also said Wood had made a donation to the general trust fund, which is used to provide financial assistance to racing licence holders and others who have suffered accident or misfortune.

Wood, who is president of the New Zealand Trainers' Association, was charged with misconduct over the incident but the charge has now been withdrawn.

However, the role of stipendiary stewards still remains an issue for Wood.

NZTR said Wood had raised some issues with the its executive in relation to the training and development of stewards throughout New Zealand.

- NZPA