FILMS AT THE RACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21144, 30 March 1932, Page 10

FILMS AT THE RACES.

THE METHODS OF JOCKEYS. CLUB OFFICIALS RETICENT. "I have no official statement to make on tho matter," said Mr. W. S. Spencc, secretary of the Auckland Racing Club, when asked whether the motion picture operators who wero to bo seen at various parts of the course at Ellerslio during the Auckland Racing Club's autumn meeting were taking films for official purposes. Hundreds of feet of film wero taken, but tho presence of the operators did not create any particular interest among racegoers by reason of the fact that films for tho theatres aro taken frequently on the course. As the operators were stationed in advantageous positions to secure pictures of the fields sweeping round tho turns an impression exists that the club was trying an experiment in having tho races filmed at points where interference of len occurs. It is reported that the film obtained on Saturday was (screened before members of tho committee, but so far the report has no official confirmation. Whether the club is endeavouring by means of the motion picture camera to show officials what actually happens in races is not known. Complaints of rough riding in Auckland, not particularly at Ellerslic, where racing is on the whole well conducted, have been rife this season, but, if tho motion picture camera is to bo in regular use lor (he purpose suggested, it v. iil be a novel method of keeping a check on riders. At present, however, Iho innovation can only be in an experimental stage. If successful it should be of great assistance to racing officials.