Qualification For High-weights Same

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 7

Qualification For High-weights Same

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. A move to reduce the number of rides which qualify a jockey for high-welght mounts was defeated at the annual racing conference meeting In Wellington yesterday. The rule stipulates that a rider must have five jumping mounts to qualify for hlghweights, but because of a persistent shortage of high-weight jockeys the executive sponsored a resolution stipulating three rides. Mr W. A. H. Thompson, introducing the resolution, said the shortage was most keenly felt in the South Island. It could have the advantage of introducing more young jockeys to riding In jumping races, but could also cater for jockeys who wanted to qualify

merely to ride In high-weights. Mr F. C. Johnston (Waikato) told the meeting that even the executive committee was not unanimously in favour of the measure. He said ft might lead to a greater decrease in the number of hurdle riders and pointed out that regular hurdle jockeys were having a lean time. The president, Mr R. A. Whyte, in reply to a question from Mr J. A. L. Bennett (Manawatu), said that jockeys were opposed to the move. There was no support for the reduction and it failed. Another section of the same rule waa amended so that it is no longer mandatory, in the absence of qualified high-weight riders, to give preference in choosing a substitute to a Jockey who has ridden in a jumping race in the 12 months preceding the meeting.