TROTTING RULES

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 9, 10 July 1940, Page 9

TROTTING RULES

HALF-HOPPLE AGREED TO

Of the nineteen remits thjit came up for discussion at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Conference today no fewer than five were withdrawn and one lapsed through want of ; seconder.

A remit sponsored by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club for the inclusion of one two-mile race for pacers on all programmes aroused a lot of discussion, but it was finally carried. .In supporting the motion, Mr. A. Matson (New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club) said that the present trend to frame leading races on a mile and a half basis was detrimental to the progress of the sport, and it also had a depreciating effect on a horse's stamina. He stated that the public would unquestionably prefer a 4.30 thrill for their 10s investment rather than a 3.15 thrill.

An alteration to Rule 40 to -'videmnify officers, members, and representatives of the conference against all claims for damages was carried.

A proposal to alter the rules governing the use of half-hopples and thus allow their use in all races was carried, it being the opinion of the majority of members that it would improve races as spectacles both from the public viewpoint, and also that" of contests as betting mediums. Some speakers urged that th« half-hopple should be used for a period not less than twelve months, but this amendment lapsed as it was felt that the present ruling of one month was sufficient to cover the position.

A remit-to disallow all classics to be run in two divisions was carried unanimously.

A motion covering the bracketing of three or more horses in that it would not be aff-~'.3d by the scratching of any one horse, notwithstanding that the link would be eliminated by the scratching, was carried.

It was also recommended that the conference should ask clubs to reduce as much as possible the period between dates of nominations and acceptances, and also the time between acceptances day and the day of the races.

It was also recommended that the stipendiary stewards' committee should so alter the present handicapping system as to provide for Free-for-All races without penalties.

Mr. H. F. Nicoll was again elected president, and Mr. B. S. Irwin vicepresident. Mr. A. L. Matson was elected treasurer, and the vacancy on the executive committee has been filled by Mr. J. E. August.