UNWIELDY FIELDS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31196, 21 October 1966, Page 5

UNWIELDY FIELDS

Effect On Crowds

Unwieldy fields in which much interference occurred could well be the cause of declining attendances at trotting meetings, said the Yaldhurst trainer, G. B. Noble, on ] Wednesday. Noble was speaking after a talk on his recent visit to trotting meetings throughout the world given to the directors of Addington Raceway, Ltd., and officials of the three Christchurch trotting clubs. Too often horses were not able to produce their best because of rough racing and interference in big fields, and he felt that such racing sickened the betting public, said Noble. ] In addition, too many medijocre horses were catered for [and there was too much racing horses into form. Much sterner action should be taken against persistent breakers, he said. The use of a second line on the limit when horses were handicapped on 12 yards was condemned by Noble. Horses handicapped on 12 yards in such races had little chance of getting away on terms with their rivals, and they were poor risks as betting mediums. It was too easy for horses to qualify on most tracks, said Noble, who recalled that some years ago a distance post had been placed on tracks in Sydney. Horses finishing behind that post were ineligible to start again for two months. He suggested that such a system might help overcome problems of unwieldy fields and poor-class horses in New Zealand. Thames Race Named The £1250 race for three-year-old fillies at the Thames Trotting Club’s meeting in December has been named the North Island Oaks. It will be run on the second night. December 17. The distance is 11 furlongs and the mobile barrier will be used. Six of the nine races each night will have mobile starts. One of them on the first night, December 10. is the Debutante Stakes, one mile and 72 yards, for two-year-old fillies.