METROPOLITAN MUDDLING.

NZ Truth, Issue 76, 1 December 1906, Page 2

METROPOLITAN MUDDLING.

Jockey's Jaunts. , The Issue of Jockeys' and Trainers' Licenses. It would appear from a case recently brought under notice that, tjiere is not' too much discretion used py the Metropolitan Club m the planting of owners and trainers* licenses. In a district not far away there dwells an individual possessing ii certificate of character m the form 'if a trainer's and Jockey's license issued to him by the governing body. ! The term "certificate of character" I is usetl advisedly. for it is something I more than a .tacit admission that the Club is satisfied with the character of the applicant when they issue to him a license. Surely then when anyone holds a brace of these testimonials he must have -riven unusual satisfaction to? the Metropolitan Club. If this is the case the Intelligence Department of the local Club is m sad need of a thorough reorganisation, for the trainer-jockey we refer to is an utter reprobate. Sometime ago he was m Serious trouble over 'an assault on a colored female, and his love of licyior is known far and wide. As a matter of . fact his jockey's license is ' of little use to him for owners want a more reliable horseman. The annoying part of the Whole "business is the fact that a trainer of eood character who resides close to the same district was

[ refused a joGkey!s license. The <lail/ter case is not by any means an isolated one. There are numerous jockeys holding licenses who ate no credit to the turf, who follow the meetitoss but never wish to secure a -mount m anything, but the "Nip Stakes," and who are altogether too tired to think about riding work or taking a billet m a >st«;ble. In contrast to ttieee there are good honest lads, working diligently m the stable and on the tracks, who are refused licenses because they show no shining prospects. However, I incline to. the opinion that there is an element of luck m riding the same as m other occupations, pvery bo^ cannot he expected to win a host of" races m his first yeaf ot two.\and some ' unfortunate youths never get a chance, on a good •galloper. 7 What prpspectp can they sho^- alongside the bOy'who by. a lucky strbke Secures a det)ent mCtUnt? Readers will remember the case of a jejune jockey who attained a measure of fame a seasbn or two back. Punters .turn-bled. over tb&m^ selves to back his mounts, owners and trainers eagerly sought his services, ami next it was reported that he had secured a retainer from a prominent owner m the South Islands The Metropolitan body would never dream of asking his prospects, the name of his owner would be enough for such a conservative crowd. Now I comes the sequel. As the months rolled on the lad's success somewhat diminished and a factor m the diminution may have been the material he was riding ; for, though his employer owned a large team of racehorses they were anything but champions. The next chapter shows' the jockey playing second fiddle, finally his services are not required and if you enquire now as to whether he actually got a retaining fee or not, you might possibly receive a negative reply. The prospects of this lad are Vastly changed, but as he is a respectable youth and a fair horseman he will always be able to earn a good living while he keeps his license; but all the same there is some around for the belief that the earlier part of his career wp,s brimful of good luck. Probably there are a large number

ol' sa<i.s ill various paii.; vi ihe colony who would .. soon become- . efficient horsemen .with a,- little experience. Stablework and trackwork are undoubtedly helpful to the jockey to gain experience and retain his "form, but the main factor must be the ex- , j perience gained-in races. The Metropolitan Club might consider the iew points raised, and, besides, giving the youngsters a chance, exercise a little more discrimination m granting licenses and avoid standing .bond, as to character to one or. two roughs. No one would sufox?st that the gentlemen m question desire, to do anything but justice, but their .rule is very Conservative. In a country where Liberalism abounds a little broader fcelin* might be . introduced into the racinsr. a little more sympathy extended to the youths whose apprenticeship is "not all "milk and honey" : but a more necessary re- . form is the eradication of the jockey or "the trainer who is not only a j menace to the safety of other jock- ! eys but a mark for the wowsers and a disgrace to the sport..