view raw text
DEATH OF KEITH VOnRE Removes One of the Most Colorful Figures From the Ranks of Australian Jockeys. MELBOURNE, Australia. The recent death of Keith Voitre has removed from the ranks of Australian jockeys one of its most colorful personalities. Voitre, who died in St. Vincents Hospital on September 11, received a fractured skull and other injuries when his mount, Frill Prince, fell in the Budgeree Handicap at Moonee Valley September 10. Voitre, who was born in New Zealand, was 25 years of age and unmarried. He was the leading rider in the Dominion before he came to Melbourne in 1934 to follow his calling, and his services were eagerly sought by Victorias most successful trainers. Voitre was recognized from the beginning of his career as a natural horseman, and before long he earned for himself a high reputation, which he maintained to the full throughout his turf career of nearly twelve years. Voitre was held in high esteem by all members of the racing fraternity, and many are those who regarded him as a friend. Voitre electrified the racing world when he rose to supreme heights in the Spring season of 1935, winning the Doncaster Handicap on Hall Mark, the Victoria Derby on Feldspar, the Melbourne Cup on Marabou, the Oaks on Nalda, and the Williamstown Cup on Garrio. He met with serious injury when Valiant Chief fell in the Quality Handicap at Moonee Valley on September 26, 1936. After twelve months absence from the saddle he resumed ridingp at Flemington last October, when he had the mount on Kham-seeh, and was given a wonderful reception. Voitre, had a perfect seat in the saddle, and often was held up to apprentice jockeys j as a model of correct deportment. However, I his chief asset in race riding was his extraordinary facility for economy of effort. He took the shortest route to the winning post, and nursed his mount as much as possible for the final run. For all his quiet method, he was extremely vigorous in a finish, and stole many stakes by superior generalship. He stormed the fortress of fame like no other New Zealand jockey since Hugh i Cairns, leaving a record emblazoned with re- jmarkable deeds.
