Darby__In a Life Time__Rod Johnson

Darby McCarthy’s disqualification 1976-77

The modest Black and White Whisky Handicap over 1600 metres at Hamilton in March 1976 was to propel racing – and its appeal procedures – into the limelight.

It developed into one of the longest racing enquiries in Australia.

Lasting more than three months, the inquiry dwelt on the ride of jockey R.L. (Darby) McCarthy, who finished fifth in the race on Rickshaw’s Luck.

Stewards said his actions in the race caused interference to favourite Blue Bubble, which bumped into the eventual race winner Matrium.

While stewards only reprimanded McCarthy at the time, sinister allegations were reported by newspapers next day.

The allegations included stories that McCarthy had traveled to the races on the same plane as a well-known racing figure, identified only as “Mr. X”, who allegedly conspired with McCarthy to fix the race.