RACING IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30005, 14 December 1962, Page 5

RACING IN BRITAIN

Criticism By American (Special Crspdt. N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, December 12. “British racing is run very much on the lines of the doxology—as it was in beginning is now and ever shall be.” the American racehorse owner, fanner and financier, Mr D. G. Van Clief, told the annual Gimcrack diner in York in a speech which was strongly critical of the British racing industry. Mr Van Clief s horse Crocket won the Gimcrack Stakes last August. British racing, he said, was. with few exceptions, insular. "There have been promises, rewards offered and suggestions —particularly about doping—but to my knowledge very little has been accomplished.” Mr Van Clief emphasised the threat to Britain's traditionally high standard of breeding by the export of her best stock, deplored the lack of unity in international racing and urged that more be done to combat the doping scourge. “It is shocking to me, coming from. America, to arrive at Newmarket and find it necessary to employ two bodyguards for Crocket to assure his having a fair chance the following day. This W’ould be unheard of in America I would be loth to ship a horse to run in your Cambridgeshire or Two Thousand Guineas. knowing that, additional to the risk of shipment, the excellent competition I should receive, the difference in the course, the difference in the method of the start, I would face a chance of having my horse got at and not only put out of competition but put out of racing for good.”

Sponsored Mile At Ellerslie

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, Dec. 13. A new, sponsored mile race, with' a stake of £4OOO is to be included in the programme for the Auckland Racing Club's Easter meeting next year. The stake is being shared equally by the club and Caltex Oil (N.Z.). Ltd. The race will be known as the Caltex Mile. The president of the Auckland Racing Club. Dr. A. McGregor Grant, said yesterday that the Caltex Mile would be run on the third day of the meeting. “The Easter Handicap, run on the first day, attracts the best mile horses from all over New Zealand," he said. “Owners and trainers will welcome the new race.” The Easter Handicap next year will carry a stake of £4525.