Conference must appoint chief stipendiary steward

Press, 28 October 1982, Page 26

Conference must appoint chief stipendiary steward

By

G. K. YULE

The appointment of a chief stipendiary steward and the extension of the declaration of drivers for T.A.B. doubles and trebles events to all races should be priority items on the agenda for the next meeting of the executive of the Trotting Conference.

The executive traditionally gathers in Christchurch for most of New Zealand Cup week, with sub-committee meetings as well as one involving the whole executive.

Members of the executive should devote time to scrutinising closely the activities of stipendiary stewards. It took media criticism of the failure of the stewards to inquire fully into the defeat of beaten favourites for a sudden spurt to develop in this direction. It is many months since stipendiary stewards were directed to inquire into the failure of favourites, particularly short-priced ones, and make their findings public.

Public confusion followed the decision of the stewards at Addington Raceway last Friday to relegate Nevele Ara from first to second in the Dailey’s Grain and Produce Stakes. . The stewards-claimed that Nevele Ara, which beat Master Will by a neck, gained an advantage when she tangled for about four strides near the finish at a time when it appeared to the majority of observers that she had the result in safe keeping. The subject of horses

breaking in the home straight was further confused when Lopez Mac Faber, which galloped for some 70m to the finishing line, was allowed to retain his placing as the stewards considered he had gained no advantage. It was on September 17 that it became obvious the stewards were creating problems in this sphere when they allowed Nevele Ara to retain first place when she beat Star Patron by- almost two lengths in the' Walker Ladders Pace at Addington Raceway.

Nevele Ara broke some distance before the post when winning easily and she was allowed to retain her placing as it was considered she had gained no advantage as a result of her lapse. In the previous race, the 0. Hutchinson Free-for-all, Hands Down went off stride just short of the post and won by a neck from Quiet Win. He, too, was allowed to retain first place.

It is difficult to reconcile the decisions involving Nevele Ara, Hands Down and Lopez Mac Faber with that which resulted in the firstnamed horse being relegated to second last Friday.

There have been similar controversial decisions involving pacers breaking and crossing the line off stride. It has long been accepted that other than in extremely rare ‘instances a pacer cannot gallop in his hopples and make ground, particularly close to the finishing line.

In the case of trotters it is different. Should they break in the middle stages and travel for a long distance

before reverting to their correct gait, they can be claimed to be gaining an advantage as they do not have to exert quite as much energy to gallop as to trot.

Also, when a trotter breaks in the run home, it is usually because he is tired and it cannot ■be disputed that he gains an advantage and should be relegated in the event of his finishing in the money.

The executive considered creating the position of senior stipendiary steward inCanterbury and an appointment was made about 12 months ago. However, before the appointment was made public the decision was reversed after representations from other stipendiary stewards who considered they were being downgraded. As a result, the unsatisfactory situation continues in which one of the three stipendiary stewards stationed in Canterbury is in charge of meetings in various areas, with one or two of the others acting in a secondary role. The appointment of a chief stipendiary steward appears essential to secure uniform interpretation of rules throughout New Zealand and more consistent penalties for breaches of the rules. The introduction of the naming of horsemen for horses engaged in legs of the T.A.B. double and treble for week-end meetings so that they can be posted in offices of the T.A.B. has been successful this season. There were some minor problems to start with, but the greatest co-operation has

been received from the majority of trainers.

So successful has the scheme been that there seems to be no reason why it cannot be extended to cover all races.

The clubs racing at Addington Raceway have for some time been listing the drivers for all races in their race books, with the percentage of error being minimal, as has been the case in Auckland where the idea was first introduced.

Some clubs claim that they have not the professional staff to provide the services such as those at Alexandra Park or Addington Raceway. This hardly holds credence when the recent Greymouth meeting is considered. Some 48 hours before drivers had to be named for the legs of the double and treble, the secretary, Mr Arthur Garforth, had compiled a list of drivers for all races, with fewer than a dozen gaps in the whole programme. If a club such as Greymouth can provide such an excellent service, there seems to be no reason why all others should not become as efficient. At a time when on-course turnovers are struggling to meet those of a year ago, anything which can help to boost them should be encouraged by the executive.

It is claimed that there have been increases in offcourse turnover when drivers have been listed for doubles and trebles and it would be reasonable to assume that these could be boosted further by the naming of all drivers.