STEWARDS ACTIVE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 32, 8 February 1927, Page 7

STEWARDS ACTIVE

MANY SUSPENSIONS INFLICTED.

Since New Year's Day, the stipendiary stewards of the Associated Racing Uubs, _ the governing body of the pony clubs m Sydney, have suspended or disqualified no fewer than sixteen individuals and six horses. The Sydney "Referee" does not appear to think that the punishments _ have been consistent, but a little activity of a similar kind would be appreciated in New Zealand. The "Referee" says:— • The stewards must be commended on the stand they have taken against persons who, in their opinion, are guilty of dishonest practices. In view of the offences that are committed, however, the penalties' allotted^ appearl"to be too lenient. This much is seen when a jockey, who for _ interference, which may have been accidental,: was suspended for three Inonths, yet a jockey who, in their own opinion, was found guilty of one of the worst offences against the rules, only gets six months' suspension. This sentence for such an offence is ridiculous. The lightest sentence for such an offence should at least be twelve months.

B. Porter was the jockey suspended for three months for interfering with another competitor, while the jockeys found guilty of alleged improper practices, and given only six months' suspension, were E. Keeble, V. Murray, P. Ponton, C. SmitE and P. Kuhn. This is not meant to convey that Porter was done an injustice, because that is not the case. If he was guilty of interfering with another competitor, then the suspension meted out to him was correct. But, as the others were found guilty of a more serious breach of the racing rules, the penalty should be more drastic.-

It should be remembered that no penalty is too severe for a person found guilty of improper practices. Therefore, the harsher the sentence imposed by the stewards, the more salutary the lesson to the person disqualified.' It would also act as a deterrent to .any others contemplating a similar offence. This farcical suspension for six months on the connections of disqualified horses is also looked at in the same light. The sentence should be twelve months at least. If the. A.R.C. stewards see that a more; severe penalty is imposed in future on those who offend, they ■ will have the whole-hearted »upport of the followers, of racing.