Remits to conference

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33215, 3 May 1973, Page 16

Remits to conference

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. Par-reaching changes Involving increases In the pre, sent minimum top and bottomweights in races, and the creation of a new series of classes which will eliminate the present hack class, will be proposed by the executive of the Racing Conference in remits to the annual meeting of delegates to the conference In July. With the change to metric weights and distances in the new season, commencing on August 1, the executive proposes that the present • minimum weight of 7-4 be raised to 47 kilograms (equiva. lent to 7-6) and that the minimum top weight, at present 8-10.

be raised to 57 kg (equivalent toi 9-0). ! An increase in the minimum lowest weight will meet to some extent the claims of jockeys that the minimum of 7-4 has been too low because of the increasing weight of youngsters over a number of years, and the rise in the minimum top-weight will also cope with the situation where with the top-weighted horse allotted 8-10 being withdrawn the handicap not infrequently starts at some pounds below 8-10.

The rise in the minimum top weight to the equivalent of 9-0 is logical because in 1968 when the minimum weight was raised from 7-0 to 7-4 there was no increase in the mirdmum topweight. The executive will propose the establishment of a new sys-

'tern of classification of horses as follows:—

Maiden: As now, a horse which has not won a flat race at a totalisator meeting. », Class 4: A horse whose earnings have not exceeded $lOOO. Class 3: A horse which hatf earned more than $lOOO but not more than $2500.

Class 2: A horse which has earned more than $2500 but not more than $4500.

Class 1: A horse which has earned in excess of $4500.

The classes proposed for jumpers (hurdlers and steeplechasers) are:—

Maiden: A jumper which has not won a hurdle race, or a steeplechase, as the case may be. at a totalisator meeting. 1

Class B: A jumper which has not won stakes exceeding $3OOO in his particular role. Class A: A jumper which has won in excess of $3OOO in his particular role. The stake limit in each class will refer only to stakes for first placings. The proposals for new classes are the result of Investigation and study over two years. Conference members who attended the Asian Racing Conference in Tokyo in 1969 and in Singapore in 1971 were impressed with the system of classes In both Tokyo and Singapore, and the introduction of similar classes for New Zealand racing has been the sub. ject of Intensive study. The secretary-manager of the conference (Mr A. R. Algie) said yesterday in discussing the remit on the new system of classes that it was never envisaged that clubs would be obliged to run races for class 1 horses only. Clubs would have the option of making provision to race class 1 and class 2 horses together, even with the addition of class 3 horses in the one race if the necessity arose, as it might in the case of some of the smaller clubs, especially in the South Island. The executive committee will sponsor another remit which, if passed, will have the effect of amending the definition of stake winnings so as not to include the value of any trophies attached to races.

There has been an increasing tendency to go beyond timehonoured trophies such as cups to Include such additional prizes as overseas trips, liquor, free services to stallions, and even, as in one notable case, livestock. The executive committee will sponsor another remit relating to voting powers of clubs at the annual conference to provide

each club with one vote for each day’s racing it conducts during a season. The new proposal will have the effect of increasing the voting strength of the district clubs compared with the present system.