THE WORLD OF SPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 6 January 1936, Page 5

THE WORLD OF SPORT

SUCCESS OF THE TOTALISATOR (By Air Mail—From Our Own Correspondent) - LONDON, sth December. At last the totalisator seems likely to realise expectations, (writes our racing specialist). It has even broken down the opposition of the bookmakers whose experience has proved to them that there is still a place for them in the ring, for there are many racegoers who prefer to know what odds they will receive when they make their stake instead of waiting for the mathematical calculations of the Tote accountants before the odds are returned. As a matter of fact most of the big commissions are still worked through the bookmakers. For the ordinary public, however, the tote has a big fascination, and as its operations have beep extended over most of the courses of the country its revenue has increased remarkably. From the figures which are already available it is known that the takings this year will total over £0,000,000, which is an increase of £1,000,000 as compared with last year and £1,500,000 for 1933. This wonderful growth in the operations of the machine is partly explained by its installation at the Doncaster St. ‘ Leger meeting and also to its extension at Manchester, but it is also true that the public have been attracted to it in increasing numbers. . • , , The tote was, of course,, introduced in the interests of the sport, and it now seems as though the highest hopes will he fulfilled. Owing to the heavy initial charges the Control Board were beset with a huge deficit, but not only arc the interest charges now being met, the arrears having now been paid off but a substantial part of the money borrowed has been repaid. Indeed, the time has come when it is possible to make small grants for the benefit of racing and breeding. I believe, too, that the public will benefit, for as the "■rants to the courses increase it ought to be possible to reduce the admission charges. This has. been done already at some places, and even at Newmarket the results have been entirely satisfactory. The proposal that the awards to tne owners of the second and third horses in a race should be greater has the strongest backing since place betting through the tote has become so popular: The public who invest their money are entitled to see horses with a chance of finishing in the first three ridden out. In fact, there is nothing more exasperating than when a jockey drops his hands instead of perserving to the end when lie realises that he cannot overhaul the leader. To make the competition keener it is also suggested that in more of the big races prizes should go to the fourth horse. This is already done in the Grand National and the Eclipse Stakes, and the arrangement is appreciated by the owners.