RACING AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 21

RACING AFFAIRS.

REMITS CONSIDERED. OFFICIAL STATUS GRANTED. APPROVAL OP CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON", Friday. The national secretary, Mr. C. E. Craig, stated at a meeting of tlie executive of the Xew Zealand Racing Owners, Breeders and Trainers' Association to-day that the secretary of the Xew Zealand Racing Conference, Mr. H. R. Sellars, had intimated that the conference would be pleased to grant official recognition of the association. Tlie conference had also decided to receive remits direct from the racing body and those favoured would be placed before the conference and sponsored by the executive, but would be recognised as coming from the association. Dr. E. H. B. Milsom, who presided, said this was very pleasing information, as it not only gave the association official status but indicated that the Racing Conference recogtTWed that the organisation was based on souni! lines for the improvement of the sport "generally. Hie following remits were unanimously agreed to l'or presentation to the executive of the Racing Conference:—Auckland Branch.—An amendment to rule 272 providing that the judicial committee may impose a fine on a rider in lieu of disqualifying the horse. That the conference press through the proper channel for the return of the double totalisator. r i hat the proposal to have finishes photographed, as in America, be f.illy investigated. That applicants for the position of judge must produce a certificate of fitness as to health and eyesight. That the question of a flat-footed or a move-up start be left to the discretion of the starter, and that, to ensure efficiency in starting, the conference appoint starters. Closing of Acceptances. That the time of closing acceptances be reviewed by several clubs, with a view to securing a uniform day for receiving entries, witli a standard time for closing of acceptances. Where maiden horses become ineligible, acceptance fees be returned. The conference was recommended to reimpose one-half of 1 per cent on the stakes of winning houses to augment the provident fund. Taranaki Branch.—That is be compulsory for clubs to provide a suitable hurdle at tlie start of races, so that unruly horses may be separated from the field. A gradual reduction of the time required for horses to parade before each race. That the time when jockeys are weighed out be registered by the clerk of the scales as a cheek for owners and trainers when they are fined for being late in the birdcage. Wh ere a jockey is suspended, that he I be allowed to complete his engagements for the day. Canterbury Branch.—That it be compulsory for all clubs to provide an ambulance and attendant. Where races are run in divisions, stakes be increased. That flubs be asked to base entrance and acceptance fees on a lower scale, as is done by the Auckland Racing Club. It was urged that the position of trainers receiving sustenance and competing unfairly with regular trainers be reviewed and that stricter supervision in the granting of trainers' licenses be recommended. Hurdles To Be Padded. Hawke's Bay Branch.—That it be compulsory for all hurdles to be padded. That a badge be issued to trainers when licenses are granted and that no applicant who lias not served a term of ygiprentiee#<hip be eligible for a trainer's license. Manawatu Branch. —That a uniform type of hurdle be enforced. That owners, trainers or jockeys charged with an offence before the district committee of the Racing Conference be permitted to employ legal counsel. On the hurdles question, Mr. L. Dulieu stated that tire Jockeys' Association endorsed the recommendations. He expressed appreciation of the courtesy ] extended him by the meeting as the jockeys' representative. The Hon. G. R. Hunter referred to the proposal of the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, for improving the standard of horses as remounts. The Minister proposed to give a subsidy on suitable and selected sires. The meeting approved of the scheme. Amended rules of the association were endorsed. Authority was given Mr. Craig to visit the Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Taranaki branches. Present, were:- —The Hon. O. R. Hunter. Messrs. H. Xurse. Canterbury: C. W. Boyd and T. R. George. Manawatu: A. R. Standish. J. Somerton. R. Barlow and H. Dulieu, Taranaki: S. J. Reid and O. W. B. Greene. Hawke's Bay: H. R. Loricran and A. Goodman. Wellington: .T. Sullivan. Wairarana: Dr. Milsom and Mr. R. S. Bacbv. Auckland: and Mr. L. Dulieu, Xew Zealand Jockeys' Association.