RACE BROADCASTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 87, 22 January 1938, Page 6

RACE BROADCASTS.

EFFECTS OF THE DECISION.

CLUB OFFICIALS PERTURBED

(United Press Association —Copyright.) SYDNEY, January 21.

Metopolitan racing clubs are very upset by the adverse decision on broadcasting contained in the Privy Council decision which permits the continuance of the broadcasting of racing from outside the courses. It will have a similar effect in other States.

It has cost racing clubs about £IO,OOO to test the litigation. Sir Joynton Smith, chairman of directors of the Victoria Park Racing Club, which was the nominal defendant, said: “We shall now be obliged to rely on the State Government to provide protection from the competition of broadcasting. It is useless to expect the Federal Government to do anything because of the revenue it receives from broadcasting.

Mr Tlieo Marks, chairman of the Rosehill Club, expressed the opinion that racing prize-money would have to be reduced. Because of the competition from broadcasting and starting-price betting, its hand-maiden, race clubs could no longer stand up to the strain. The Australian Jockey Club from to-morrow will close its telegraph office at Randwick, and later the office at Warwick Farm. It is understood the reason for this action is to thwart the starting price and off-course betting. Smaller clubs had done this some time ago, resulting in an elaborate system of “tick-tacking” which was operated from positions overlooking the suburban courses.