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T. M. BOTTS-J. HEUPEL CASE Latonia Stewards Fail to Definitely Fix Blame and Refer Testimony to Racing Commission. LATONIA, Ky., June 9.— With regard to the investigation of the recent race of T. M. Botts McComas, under jockey Jake Heupel, the stewards gave out the following statement : "After several days of investigation, the stewards are unable to definitely fix the responsibility for the unsatisfactory race run by the horse McComas on June 5. Jake Heupel, the rider, upon dismounting, was summoned by the stewards and charged with unsatisfactory riding. He protested his innocence, placing the blame elsewhere. "In the investigation which followed the testimony of Heupel and that of T. M. Botts, the owner and trainer, conflicted materially. Heupel made serious charges against Botts, which were subsequently reiterated in the presence of Botts and the stewards. These charges were denied by Botts. The latter also testified that the horse never ran out or bolted in any of his races, but that he had a tendency to bear out slightly unless controlled. He also, an hour after the race was run, claimed that McComas bad race was due to the fact that the horse was cut or injured during the race. Two days later he reported that McComas would not be able to start again during the meeting. Two experienced veterinarians, employed by the Latonia Jockey Club, were directed by the stewards to examine the horses — one of them within thirty minutes after the injury, and the other twenty-four hours later. Dr. Bradley, Avho made the first examination, reported a slight cut which, in his opinion, did not in any degree retard the free running of the horse. "Dr. Chawk, who made his examination a day later, stated that the cut, as is customary in many cases of the kind, had swollen and suppurated and that the horse had become lame in consequence. He, however, testified that, in his judgment, the cut. when made and while fresh, did not affect the horses speed. "The full testimony in the case will be reported to the Kentucky State Racing Commission. Jake Heupel and T. M. Botts, owner and trainer, are permitted to resume their respective vocations, the stewards reserving the right to terminate such privilege should any subsequent or additional evidence justify such action. Signed The Stewards."
