CAUSTIC CRITICISM

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 133, 2 December 1936, Page 15

CAUSTIC CRITICISM

FORBURY SCRATCHING

"The main topic of conversation during the Forbury Park Meeting was the scratching of Southern Smile after she had been carded as an acceptor for the principal race on each day," says the "Press." "Southern Smile was a warm favourite with ante-post bettors, and there was some caustic criticism passed when it became known that she had not leftChristchurch. This was intensified when she was again paid up for and scratched for the second day's race. On the concluding day the judicial committee held an inquiry into "the acceptance of Southern Smile for both days of the meeting and her not being brought from Christchurch to Dunedin either day," and after hearing statements from the owner and trainer, it was decided to accept the explanation, which was to the effect that the I mare was not in the best possible condition. "No provision is made in New Zealand for ante-post or double betting. and no sympathy can be offered to those who backed Southern Smile for her Forbury Park engagements, for which she was a late withdrawal each day. There is, however, a duty on the part of owners and clubs to the racegoing public, who are entitled to know, before the races what horses will compete. In most cases when late scratchings are notified the decision not to start is not made until the morning of the race, and in this case the public cannot be informed. Last season, however, one North Island horse and its connections became unpopular because of the habit of continuing a horse's engagement until the day of the race and then scratching it. The practice became so regular that the trainer was informed by the officials of one club that if the practice were to continue the club could well do without the nominations. In double betting in New Zealand a withdrawal on the day of the race is not recognised, and it is quite possible for a horse to be scratched at 9 a.m. and heavily supported until the time of the race. There is no redress for those who indulge in illegal betting." ,