RACING CONTROL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 13

RACING CONTROL

ANNUAL CONFEEENCE POINTS OF GENERAL POLICY REVIEW BY THE PRESIDENT [I!Y TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON. Friday No exemptions were this year granted to clubs to give less in stakes than the amount required under the rules, stated Mr. J. S. MeLood in his presidential report to the .Racing Conference today. Ninety per cent to the average yearly not amount derived from tho use of the totalisator during tho immediately preceding three years was. required to be given in stakes, consequently clubs had to rely 011 subscriptions, gate money, nomination and acceptance fees and the sale of privileges to carry on successfully. Tho one-fifth refund of the 5, per cent totalisator duty had been a wonderful lielp to clubs and the Government had been requested to make this permanent.

Conference hoped the Government would give an opportunity to Parliament to lift the restrictions on tho publications of dividends, the use of the double totalisator and the transmission of investments on the totalisator and that the Government would enact legislation which would permit off-tlie-courso betting to be diverted to the totalisator. Positions at the Post

It was hoped the charges for the carriage of racehorses on tho railways would be reduced to the former basis of the return journey free and that tho crippling taxation on racing woidd be reduced. The stipendiary stewards had been instructed to bring before the judicial committee of 11 elub to be fined any starter who failed to carry out tho rules governing the positions of horses at the starting-post. If starters were not prepared to be firm and decisive in their duties, the stewards' must,act. A suggestion that fines be reinstated as an alternative to suspension or disqualification of a jockey found guilty of careless riding, crossing or interference did not itieefc with, tlio approval of the executive, which considered the present rule should remain unaltered. Judges should bo placed in an elevated position back from tho inside rail of tlio track. Weight-for-Age Races Tho time had arrived when the conference must insist upon clubs providing at least one weight-for-age race or a race at fixed weights each day from September 1 to May 31 in any one year. This suggestion tho speaker made because of the importance of having high-class horses as an attraction to race-goers and as an encouragement to breeders. It was the intention of tho executive to tighten up tho issue of dual licences to trainers and jockeys, with due regard for the merits of each case. Reference was made to the deaths of Messrs. O. S. Watkins and W. Crossan and appreciation of the outstanding services given to racing by Mr. Watkins had been placed on record. Mr. H. 11. H. Chalmers had been appointed a trustee of the General Trust Fund. Claims arising out of injuries to riders or attendants had again been heavy in the past year. The general trustees were somewhat concerned as to the financial position of this excellent fund, hut considered it would be wise to wait for another year before suggesting any action to increase tho revenue of the fund.

OWNERS AND TRAINERS OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS AT AUCKLAND [by telegraph OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Friday In framing rules for the New Zealand Racing Owners, Breeders and Trainers' Association, the executive today made definite its aims and objects. In respect to the advancement of all racing interests, the rule adopted states that the objects of the association shall be to deal with all matters conducive to the advancement of owners, breeders and trainers and the sport of racing generally. "While watching more particularly after the ultimate interests of owners, breeders and trainers, the association aims at giving whole-hearted support to the Racing Conference. The executive elected Dr. hj,. rl. Milsom, Auckland, as president of the association, the Hon. G. R. Hunter, Christchurch, vice-president, and Mr. C. E. Craig, Auckland, was appointed organising secretary and treasurer. At an earlv date the secretary will visit Canterbury, Otago and v Southland with a view to establishing branches, and the president of each branch will he given a scat on the Dominion executive" The headquarters will be established in Auckland for the coming year, and it was resolved to hold tlitf annua! meeting in July pf , each year at Wellington. . . The basis of subscriptions was fixed at one-third for provincial branches and two-thirds to tho Dominion council. The registration of the association as an incorporated body )vas left to the president and secretary. _ . Representatives .pi~" the provincial branches expressed appreciation of happy relations existing between the association and the racing clubs and also for tho consideration shown by the Racing Conference executive to any matters placed before it. A tribute was paid to tho energy and enthusiasm of the former 110110rarv organiser, and secretary, Mr. L. G. Sutherland, Auckland, whose efforts had led to the formation of the association., . " . . .. i, r A voto of .thanks was accorded Mr. Craig for his services in arranging the general meeting, which tho executive considered very successful.

CHARTERIS BAY'S MARK

HAS BEEN ADJUSTED TO 3.3 5 [by TKLF.r.iurH—own - correspondent] WELLINGTON, Friday That the owner of Charteris Bay adopted a wise policy in not starting tho horse off 3.34 on the second day of the Auckland Trotting Club's Winter Meeting, was shown by the fact that his mark had been adjusted to 3.35, his penalty 'of 60 yards being allotted from the lino from which he won the Mangere Handicap; The fact that Charteris Bay's wrong assessment on 3.40 was not corrected before the closing of the acceptances removed any onus from tho owner, and in accordance with Hule 4G9 the Trotting Association decided that the horse was entitled to his win wlion assessed on 3.34. Charteris Bay was penalised 72 yards, or 12 yards beyond the maximum penalty allowed, and tho case was referred to tho Auckland Owners', Trainers and' Breeders' Association, who advised the owner not to accept the' new mark until tho matter was dealt with by tho New Zealand Association. Mr. James Twohill, president of the Thames Trotting Club, states that the extra permit granted his club for this season will probably be used for a meeting in October, following the Auckland spring meeting.