RACING IN N.Z.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1935, Page 8

RACING IN N.Z.

THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. (Por Press Association, Copyright). WELLINGTON, July V2. When the Racing Conference opened to-day, Mr J. S- McLeod delivered Iris presidential address, comprehensively dealing with many questions affecting the sport.

Mr Ward, chief racecourse inspector, reported his colleagues had strictly carried out the policy of the executive in every phase. Their many responsibilities enabled him to report nothing had arisen to interfere with the effectiveness carrying out of their duties. Consequently he had no special _recommendations to make.

He said a number of prohibited persons, especially in the larger centres, continued to loiter around outside courses while meetings were being held, and undesirabes of the guesser-spieler type still followed lacing circuits, but the certainty of detection should they venture inside, and the consequent possibility of prosecution for trespass was in most cases an effective deterrent. The ample provisions of the regulations for ,relief of persons excluded from racecourses was well-known and fully availed oi. Later in the report he suggested that the supervision of persons licensed under the Rules of Racing had continued to assist in maintaining standard of good conduct that now generally prevailed. He mentioned, also, that their work in keeping in close touch with owners and trainers in connection with apprentices was appreciated and welcomed. Their efforts in pursuing inquiries in connection with the rules of racing and trotting, governing corrupt practices. had invariably been effective and constant, and the careful attention that was required was always maintained.

The chairman of the stipendiary stewards reported the management and control of meetings had been quite satisfactory. The most important suggestion he wishes to make, and, he thought, the most needed reform, was with regard to the length of time horses were kept out on the course before the start of the race. The majority of clubs stipulated horses be in the birdcage 25 minutes prior to starting, which meant that, it races were run to time, the horses were out 20 minutes. He considered that wrong. Horses should not be kept out that length of time, often in cold rough weather. The public could do its bettipg just as easily in ten minutes as twenty. To bring reform about it would he necessary for all clubs to adopt a system that horses must be in the birdcage 15 minutes, before the start. He thought it should be made compulsory for clubs to include 1 in their piogramme a hurdle race or steeplechase each day from April on to November. Cross-country riders, especially in the South Island, found it very difficult to earn a living, and the continued high weight handicaps, such as they had there, meant that soon very few hurdle or steeplechase riders would he qualified to ride in them. He again brought forward his suggestion in the 1933-34 report that the minimum weight in all flat races should be Bst.

At a number of meetings the 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 attention with the object of procuring the best starting machine possible. He suggested that, to save hroses having sometimes to return to the birdcage, the starters should be supplied with a pair of reins, stirrups, leather girth, surcingle, and strip of greenhide. He also advocated the tote being closed to time as a rule to be strictly adhered to.

The value of racing of New Zealand was shown indirectly in marked degree, by the success of the yearling sales which were well attended, with good prices, and Australian buyers well to the fore.