HAPHAZARD METHODS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1945, Page 12

HAPHAZARD METHODS

RACE-TIMiNG IN ENGLAND

In drawing , the attention of racecourse executives in. England to the desirability of having races officially timed, a correspondent in "Sporting Life," England, points out that on several occasions he had found the times reported in the Press to vary, in some instances by seconds. Apparently, the Turf critics are accustomed to timing the races themselves instead of having an official to do so. Naturally, with so many races run on straight courses, or starting from points not within view of the grandstands, there must be a good deal of guesswork. Careful attention is paid to weights and distances, but the timing of the events is apparently considered unimportant. However, more modern methods will probably be introduced when racing returns to normal in England and electric-timing systems will be installed, on the larger courses at least. Position Here.—ln New Zealand, more particularly on the country circuit, not a great deal of importance is attached to the timing of races. Frequently the position is held by a person who probably only operates a stop-watch at the annual meetings of his club, and this does not make for accuracy. It is - not uncommon for trainers to time races for themselves, but even where there may be a difference with the official time, the position is accepted without protest. Unfortunately, it may be many years before electric-timing systems are installed on all Dominion courses. Delayed Debut.—Shipmate, _ who finished with a great rattle to wm the Trial Handicap on the opening day at Wingatui, did not race prior to this season, although'now rising five years. In his eight earlier starts he had registered one second only, at Beaumont, and he was little fancied in what appeared to be a much stronger field at Wingatui. However, it was smooth sailing for Shipmate, who revelled in the heavy going. That was not altogether surprising, as he is .by Man s Pal, the majority of whose stock have shown this ability. His dam, Lady Glanely, was by Tea Tray from imported Maid of the West, but the earlier members of the family did not make names for themselves. Improvements.—The remodelling of the Wanganui race-track greatly improved conditions for horses at the last meeting, for the strmgnt now offers a run-in of the best part of two furlongs. The bends have been made easier, and competitors in mile and a quarter events have now a run ot two furlongs before hitting a turn. With the lengthening of the straight, the winning post was moved to .a point west of the official stand,, and in transferring the judge's box the committee wisely moved it back m • line with the stands and elevated it, thereby giving the official a much better view of the finish of the races. A Wonder.—That grand Australian 'chaser Winterset is still capable of winning races despite the big burdens he is required to carry. Last year he won; the Hopetoun Steeples with 12.12, and last Saturday he triumphed once again with 13.0 on his back. The poundage did not frighten backers, for the Son o' Mine gelding was made favourite. ' „, , Good 'Showing. —Tamawhero, a brother to Baron Bold, showed possibilities in the role of jumper at the Wanganui Meeting, and with racing experience he should make . good. Like Baron Bold, he is owned by that hunting enthusiast Mr. A. W. Lupton, of Waverley. Beaten.—Siegform, who was confidently expected to make a bold bid in the Novice Handicap at Wingatui on the King's Birthday, only to find Killarney too many for him; is a four-year-old gelding by Siegfried from the Some Boy II mare Some Form, dam of Ashaway and .Boaform. A member of A. E. Didham's team, Siegform should develop ' into a useful handicapper later on. . Young Tramer.—Parnell, winner of his division of the Castlecliif Handicap on the second day at Wanganui, is a three-year-old gelding by Solicitor General from the Beau Pere mare Lady Drake, who showed plenty of promise in private,, only to fail to repeat it with the colours up. She was retired to the stud early, and Parnell was her first foal. A younger halfsister by Battle Song, Battle Cruiser, has still to make her debut. Parnell is now trained by the former rider P. R. Williams at Otaki. Delayed Debut.—Sketch, winner of the first division of the Trial Handicap on the opening day at Wanganui. is a four-year-old by Leighon from the Resinous mare Tapurau. It was Sketch's second start, his previous outing'having come at Marton a fortnight earlier. Strangely enough, his dam did not make her debut till she was a five-year-old, and her one success came in a novice event .at Waipukurau. This is not a Stud Book family. _ r At Odds.—On the opening day of the Wanganui Spring Meeting in September Greek Effort won the Okehu Hack Hurdles nicely from Siglow and The Champ, but on the second day lie jumped badly. The Greek gelding has mixed his racing in the interim without any material success until Kings Birthday, when he reverted to hurdling at Wanganui. to win Jne Purua Hack and Hunters' Hurdles. Strangely ..enough, he ranked sixth favourite in each instance at Wanganui.