CRITICISM OF RACING AUTHORITY

Press, 11 December 1976, Page 21

CRITICISM OF RACING AUTHORITY

Staff reporter Greymouth The holding of the Reefton Trotting Club s amenities grant to a strict minimum by the NewZealand Racing Authority was a matter of grave concern, the club president <Mr D. J. O’Sullivan) said in his annual report. He said the present method of calculation of funds available from the authority for amenities meant in fact that the club’s account would remain overdrawn for the next 20 years, even without taking into account planned future improvements.

“It would seem that a review of the means of distribution of amenities funds is urgently required. Where a club is prepared to help itself to improve conditions and facilities, it seems unjust that its plans should be hampered bv this policy of the authority,” said Mr O’Sullivan. The anual race meeting was held in warm weather before a large attendance. The track was at its best, this being reflected in the record times by horses in their respective classes-. On-course investments of $116,151 set a record and offcourse figures of $142,430 also exceeded last year’s turnover.

“Although our race day profit of $3061 was very satisfactory, this is reduced to a $1385 loss. “However, the value of our assets continues to expand and it is pleasing to report that the club’s finances are sound,” said the president. Mr O’Sullivan said the cordial relations that existed between his club and the Reefton Jockey Club had been maintained and he thanked the Jockey Club's members for their help. He congratulated the Jockey Club on its forthcoming centenary. Mr O’Sullivan was returned as president of the club. Other officers elected were:—-Vice-presidents, Messrs A. Archer, K. McMahon; committee, Messrs C. Ladner, W. C. Lockington, A. J. Shutt, J. P. Morris, W. F. Hunt C. MacGougan, G. C. Ladner, B. Archer, W. Monk, V. Stewart, M. Farrar, R. Crook, A. Tropp; treasurer, Mr A. Archer.

Boxing.—The British middleweight boxing champion, Alan Minter, has stopped Sugar Ray Seales, of the United States, in the fifth round of a bloodspattered international fight. Minter dumped the North American middle-weight champion on to the canvas tor a count of six and then was pounding him mercilessly on the ropes when the referee, Roland Dakin, stepped in to save him at two .minutes 14 seconds of the round.