Racing: Inquiry ends early for Allan Sharrock

It was a case of action speaks louder than words in the inquiry room at Trentham yesterday as judicial chairman Neville Harris was delivering his decision on a protest in the $60,000 Wellington Stakes.

It was about the time Harris mentioned that the margin between second and third, Chettak and Abbey Drive, was only narrow when Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock decided he had heard enough.

Sharrock got up out of his seat in the inquiry room, walked out and had closed the door behind him before Harris had announced it had been decided to relegate Sharrock's horse, Wahid, from first to third.

Chettak, who was second across the line and not involved in the interference, was promoted to first while Abbey Drive was promoted from third to second.

It was evident as the inquiry progressed, the decision would go against Wahid. Outside the inquiry room as the judicial committee deliberated, Sharrock would not comment on the likelihood of losing the race.

Another person not talking some time later was top jockey Leith Innes.

He was subsequently charged with careless riding in the race and was suspended for three weeks from after next Wednesday's racing. The suspension is up to and including February 12.

Said Innes: "Go and talk to those jokers in the judicial room."

Wahid, who was a $2.15 hot favourite, drifted across to the rail when passing the leader Willie Ryan about half-way down the home straight.

Chief stipendiary steward Noel McCutcheon said Wahid had taken the line of Abbey Drive who had switched to the inside for a run in the straight.

Abbey Drive was clearly in second place at the time, there had been clear galloping room for Abbey Drive and Innes had taken Grant Cooksley's rightful line of running.

Innes argued in the inquiry room that he was 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Abbey Drive when his mount crossed to the rail and Abbey Drive was no more than an unlucky runner which was seen in most races.

McCutcheon told NZPA the relevant rule requires a horse to be two lengths ahead of a runner before it can cross in front of it.

Because the margin between second and third was only a long neck the judicial committee determined Abbey Drive would have run second and decided Wahid should be relegated.

Chettak's trainer Stephen Marsh, couldn't believe his luck at his horse being awarded victory.

"We'll take it," Marsh said.

- NZPA