N.Z. RACING CONFERENCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 July 1935, Page 5

N.Z. RACING CONFERENCE.

QUESTIONS AFFECTING RACING,

(By Telegraph—Press Association.; WELLINGTON, This Lay. The Racing Conference opened to--day when Mr J. S. MeLeod delivered his presidential address, comprehensively dealing with many questions affecting the sport. Mr. Ward, chief racecourse inspector, reported that the steadfast loyalty of his three colleagues to him, and their .strict attention to carrying out of the policy of the Executive in every phase of their many responsibilities, enabled him to" report that nothing had arisen to interfere with the effective carrying out of their duties. Consequently, he had no special reeonimeni.itions to make. He said that a number of prohibited persons, especially in the larger centres, continued to loiter around outside courses while meetings were being held, and undesirables of the guesserspieler type still followed the racing circuits, but certainty of detection should they centure inside and the consequent possibility of prosecution for trespass, was in most cases an effective deterrent. Ample provisions of the regulations for the relief of persons excluded from racecourses was well known and fully availed of. Later in his report, he suggested that the supervision of persons licensed under the rules of ra-cing had continued to (assist in maintaining the standard of good conduct that now generally prevailed. He mentioned also, that their work in keeping close track with owners and trainers in connection with apprentices was appreciated and their efforts were welcomed in pursuing inquiries. In connection with the rules of racing and trotting governing corrupt practices, these had invariably been effective, and constant and careful attention iu that regard was always maintained. Needed Reforms. Mr. Gomer. chairman of the stipendiary stewards, reported tliat the management and control of meetings had been quite satisfactory. The most important suggestion he wished to make and he thought the most needed reform, was in regard to the length of time horses were kept out on the course before the start of a race. The majority of clubs stipulated that horses must be in the birdcage 25 minutes prior to starting, which meant that if races were run to time, horses were out 20 minutes. He considered that wrong, as horses should not be kept out that length of time, often in cold, rough weather. The public could do Letting- just as easily in ten ,minutes as in twenty. To bring the reform about it would lie necessary that all clubs adopt the system that horses must be in the birdcage 15 minutes before, the start. He though it should be made compulsory for clubs to include in their programmes a hurdle race or steeplechase on each day from April Ist to November 30th. Cross country riders, especially in the South Island, found it very difficult to earn a living and continued in highweight handicaps such as they, had there, which meant that soon very few hurdle or steeplechase riders would be qualified to ride in them. He again brought forward his suggestion of .his 1933-34 report that the minimum weight in all flat races should be eight stone. At a number of meetings starting barriers worked too slowly and it was common to see horses taking it with them. This was a matter to which clubs should give atention with the object of procuring the best starting machine possible. He suggested that to save horses having sametimes to return to> the birdcage, starters should ,be supplied with a pair of reins, stirrup leathers, girth surcingle and a strip of greenhide. He also advocated the totalisator being closed to time, as a rule to be strictly adhered to. The value of racing to New Zealand was shown indirectly in a marked degree by the success of the yearling sales which were well attended with good prices and Australian buyers well to' the fore. Remits Dealt With. A remit from the Executive Committee was adopted to reduce 'he qualification for hacks from winners of a race worth £250 or of races worth £SOO. to £2OO and £4OO respectively. It was decided to define a hack race as a race in which any horse is debarred from entry by reason of his winnings, even though the word "hack' 7 is used in the title of a race. The Executive's remit recommending . the reinstatement of an Sst minimum , in flat races, other than the principal flat race in a programme on each day • of any meeting, and the extension of the date of operation making it June Ist to August 31st, was adopted. Mr. A. N. Smith, Dunedin. nv.ved for consideration by the next Conference that the minimum be 7st 71bs during the remaining months of the year. Approval was given to Manawatu'* remit to .allow stewards to provide a man on a quiet hack to stand in first position on the rail to assist the starter in lining up the horses.