JOCKEYS’ RIDING

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 30 March 1932, Page 5

JOCKEYS’ RIDING

WATCHED BY CAMERA.

FILM RECORDS AT BLtLERSLIE,

AUCKLAND, March 29. Although they were not aware of the fact, jockeys riding at the Auckland Racing Club’s Easter meeting, which ended yesterday, were under the eye of a camera at different stages of races, as at three points round the course men w-ere stationed to take moving pictures of the horses as they came racing for a turn. Hundreds of feet of film were taken on the first day, and it is understood that this was shown on a screen to members of the committee of the club on Sunday. Just whether it showed any , unfair tactics on the part of any of the riders is not known.

For some time past there have been complaints of unfair riding in 'races at various meetings, and though the stipendiary stewards have had a number of inquiries held by judicial committees there is still a feeling in the minds of most racegoers that what is commonly known as rough riding is indulged in. Just what is at the back of the taking o’f moving pictures at the Easter meeting can only be guessed at, but the obvious object would be to have a check on riders should there be reason to hold an inquiry into a complaint. In the Easter Handicap on Saturday there appeared to be several horses whose prospects were jeopardised by crowding, and after the race R. Coveny, the rider of the winner, Great Star, was suspended for interference with Pomp. .Other riders in the race were heard complaining that they did not get a clear Tun, and it would be interesting to know whether the camera supported their statements. . ,

So much can happen accidentally in a race that it is very difficult to decide whether any interference is deliberate. Track stewards take up positions -at different, points of the course to watch the running, but rarely does one of them make a report which warrants an inquiry. Again, jockeys are always inclined to shield each other, and this makes it difficult for officials to get the real truth. With a camera taking moving pictures officials will have something concrete to work upon, and if, as .is said, the camera cannot lie, then jockeys may find thaf in future it will be good policy to disclose the full facts.— ‘ 1 Dominion ’ ’ (Service.