Change Proposed In Handicapping

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29829, 23 May 1962, Page 4

Change Proposed In Handicapping

“The Press" Special Service

INVERCARGILL, May 22. The Invercargill Trotting Club will put forward a recommendation to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Conference at Wanganui in July that it consider an overhaul of the present mechanical system of handicapping. The recommendation is likely to be the subject ot lively discussion. There has been growing criticism of the present system and the view has become widespread that it does not adequately provide for the handicapping requirements of trotting.

The Invercargill club believes that the mechanical handicapping system, which has operated for some years, is restricting the progress of trotting. Excessive penalties for cup class pacers have restricted their racing oppor-

tunities with the result that leading pacers do not get the chances to which they are entitled. This is also to the disadvantage of metropolitan clubs which are in a position to cater for cup class horses. These have had their racing opportunities reduced at a time when they are at their peak and are a great drawcard to dubs. It is also felt that an overhaul of the present system could assist country clubs, which provide for the slower classes. An uneven flow of horses through the slower dasses has seriously affected some of the country clubs, which have been duty bound to cater for these classes. Penalties for second placings have also proved an embarrassment in big fields, and it is felt that they are out of line with tighter-class horses, which, in the main, are not liable to penalties for much more valuable second placings. With the present system inadequate and the likelihood of sweeping changes brought about by the starting gate, the Invercargill club feels that the time is opportune for the conference to consider an overhaul of the present system.