James Courts Elite Controversy
Posted 10/08/06

Reserve James Cockle got another booking in the Elite League tonight. He was called in by Peterborough to ride at no 4 against Poole as a last minute guest for Iverson - caught up in the today's travel restrictions - and was immediately at the centre of some controversy.

The youngster rode his first race but trailed in last. The Doctor was then called to the pits and from a radio broadcast made by Radio Dorset, a rather contentious decision was made to withdraw him from the meeting by the Doctor.

The implication was that James was feeling the effects of a fall sustained last night whilst riding for Glasgow at King's Lynn. Initially the Referee's reaction was to insist that as he started the meeting and had not sustained any further injury during it that he should be required to carry on. After discussions however the Doctor disagreed and declared him unfit to continue.

Poole have lodged a complaint over the decision to allow James to withdraw from the meeting despite the Doctors ruling, a situation exacerbated by Peterborough winning the meeting by one point.

Poole fans feel that the situation was manufactured by Peterborough after they were forced to use a 3 point guest to cover for Iversen's absence and have accused James of being party to the conspiracy.