Mixed Reception For Racing Proposal

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 16

Mixed Reception For Racing Proposal

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 20. Prominent racing and trotting men today gave a mixed reception to the proposal by the Waikato Owners’ and Trainers’ Association that a Royal Commission should investigate all aspects of the sport. “We’ve just had a Royal Commission,” said Dr. A. McGregor Grant, president of the Auckland Racing Club. “I think racing is jolly well managed. “Who are these people, anyway? I can’t comment because I don’t know anything about them. I don’t know who is who in their organisation,” he said.

"They would be well advised to leave racing to those who are working at it." The secretary of the Auckland Owners. Trainers and Breeders' Association (Mr M. T. Willis) said he “agreed wholeheartedly" with the move by the Waikato Owners and Trainers’ Association. "Members of my association have often discussed sueh a scheme.” he said, “and I feel sure the Waikato association would receive our support. There are many aspects of racing and trotting which are in urgent need of close scrutiny.” The Auckland Trotting Owners, Trainers and Breeders’ Association has a membership of about 400. Approach Executive The president of the New Zealand Racing Conference (Mr G. H. Grigg, of Hororata). said: “If anyone is dissatisfied with the present administration, the right thing would be to approach the executive of the Racing Conference. "The executive will always give due consideration to any representations." Mr Grigg said he knew nothing about the Waikato Owners and Trainers’ Association. The president of the New Zealand Turf Investors’ Association (Mr J. T. Winstanley) said: "Our association has been interested to read the published account of the Waikato Owners and Trainers’ Association. "We will be getting in touch with it

in order to get a fuller account of its aims concerning the general running of racing. “If they correspond with the aims of our association, they can be assured of our fullest support and co-opera-tion.” Press Statement The secretary of the Waikato association (Mr S. J. Taylor) issued a press statement today and he has advised the secretary of the Waikato District Committee (Mrs M. V. Skelton) of his committee’s findings as follows: •“In connexion with the swabbing system and doping inquiries. the Waikato Owners’ and Trainers’ Association views with grave concern the administration of the system and considers that (1) Every winner of a rade should be swabbed. (2) All samples taken should be divided into three sealed portions to be held by (a) the owner or trainer concerned; (b) the racing club; (c) the New Zealand Racing Conference. (3) Access to runners at the course should be denied to all unauthorised persons. (4) After a hearing the charge, and at least a precis of the evidence given before the district committee to reach a decision. be given to the

press for publication in every case. Mrs Skelton .said today that the recommendations of the Owners’ and Trainers’ Committee would not be discussed by the Waikato District Committee until February 1, the date fixed for the next committee meeting. It was generally conceded that every winner of a race should be swabbed, so there can be no dispute with the owners and trainers in their recommendation in this regard. The Auckland Racing Club swabs every winner and has been following this practice for some considerable time. The second point raised by the association, regarding the division of the sealed portions into three, was thoroughly investigated at the J. L. Muir inquiry. It was decided then that circumstances did not make this practicable, as often there was insufficient material, and in addition it was considered that if the division were made the test material could fall into unauthorised hands. The contention was upheld by the Supreme Court at appeal. Trainers and owners are permitted under the present rules of doping, clearly defined and made known to them when the tests are being taken, that they may appoint their own chemist to be present when the analytical tests are being made in Wellington. This rule was introduced to safeguard owners and trainers.