CONTROL OF RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23425, 15 August 1939, Page 7

CONTROL OF RACING

VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR AUCKLAND CLUB'S AFFAIRS BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING Over 50 members attended the annual meeting of the Auckland Racing Club yesterday afternoon. Tlve president, Mr. 0. Nicholson, presided. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, dbtails of which were published on August 3, Mr. Nicholson said the balance-sheet and statement of accounts disclosed a vory satisfactory position, and members would bo pleased at the results of the year's operations. The • popularity of tho club's meetings had been maintained and the speaker thought it eoidd fairly bo claimed that bettor sport had not been so consistently witnessed in any previous year. In common with other racing clubs in tho Dominion, there had been a substantial ihcreaso in totalisator turnover, which no doubt would liavo been further augmented had tho committee varied its long-established policy of including comparatively more classic and jumping races than other clubs. Their inclusion to the extent indicated tended to reduce the volume of totalisator investments, ih comparison with what could reasonably be expected by the substitution of other events. The committee, however, believed that in the interests' of the sport these races should be retained, notwithstanding that such retention might result in a decrease of totalisator revenue. Net Profit of £15,733 The sum of £58,550 was paid out in stakes for tho year. The committee intended further to increase the prizemoney for the coming season. The net profits for tho year amounted to £15,733, which had been transferred to capital account. Government- taxation amounted to £85,418, in addition to which £2267 was paid in local rates. The Government again allowed a rebato of 2i per cent on the first £20,000 of totalisator turnover and also one-fifth of.tho totalisator tax, which was appreciated by all clubs. It is hoped that tho Government will continue these rebate's during the coming year, especially in view of the high rate of taxation now levied on the sport and tho large disparity between the amount paid to the Government and that which the club was able to provide for stakes. Increases in wages accounts and maintenance costs were accounted for by higher award rates. Racing clubs under the present law were liable for social security taxation and it had been deemed prudent to reserve a sum of £2OOO to meet this tax and other taxation contingencies. Improvements Planned The improvement of the_ steeplechase course was completed during the year and the new portion was used for the first time at the autumn meeting. Alternative plans had been prepared for the making of substantial alterations and additions to the members' stand, or for tho erection of a new stand in its place, but certain circumstances had arisen which necessitated a postponement for a short period of a final decision. If the work had been approved, it could not have been proceeded with at the present time under existing trade conditions. Tho committee fully appreciated the necessity for additional accommodation. However, members for the time being ought to be content to leavo the matter entirely in the hands of. the committee to act in such manner as prudence and sound judgment dictated. Among possible improvements of facilities, for members and patrons at. Ellcrslio, Mr. C.. E. Major advocated; the. extension> of the race-broadcast to: the Hill and Derby stand, the overcoming of delays at the post by endeavouring to secure walk-up starts, and the substitution for the present win and ; place betting system of the payment of one dividend with five or fewer horses, two dividends with six to ten and three dividends for over ten. Under the win and place system eight lots of fractions wore retained, which, the speaker declared, got into the region of 30 per cent. , Betting and Broadcasting In view of the scramble for position soon after the start of the mile and a-quarter races, Mr. G. A. Sanders urged that tho distance of these events be increased. Mr. G. S. Poole asked that betting booths be set up on the main stand, as hundreds would not leave their point of vantage, especially in wet weather, in case they missed a view of the big race. More seating on tho Hill, shifting back the judges' box and the photographing of close finishes were suggestions put forward by Mr. J. P. Kalaugher. In reply, Mr. Nicholson said the committee knew the broadcasting had not been satisfactory, but Ellerslie was a difficult ground to cover at air points. They were about to try a new system and would have to await results. Walk-up starts were barred by the rules, but it appeared a reaction was setting in at the Pacing Conference in this respect* and the rule might be varied. Mr. Major's suggestion that •fractions had been greatly increased under win and place betting did. not fit the facts. Fractions had been less than under the single pool system. It would overtax the present capacity of the totalisator to have more outside betting units. In the last six months, much additional seating and shelter had been built for the comfort of Hill patrons. The shifting hack of the judges' box would be done after the Hunt meeting and the speaker thought the new, arrangement would prove satisfactory. The numbers would not be announced from the judges' box, but hoisted on the number board. Tho committee had decided that a camera apparatus would be too costly to instal at present, but the innovation would not ho lost sight of. The committee had_ discussed the practicability of removing the start in front of the main stand, but there were difficulties in tho way. Undeclared Weight Rule

Mr. A. 11. Long thanked the club for its grant of £2OO to the Owners and Breeders' Association to assist endeavours to obtain amendments to the Gaming Act and paid a tribute to the work of the officers.

A motion for the drawing up of a remit to alter Pule 272 of the Pules of Pacing was brought forward by Mr.' T. 11. Kenny and seconded by Mr. Long. Under this rule, horses whoso weight on weighing-in exceeds the declared weight by more than 21b. in a flat, or 41b. in a jumping race, must be disqualified. Tho case of the horse Rulctte .at the Ohinemuri Jockey Club's meeting was instanced. Pulettc had declared l£lb. over the handicap weight, but the jockey had weighed in 41b. over, or Jib. in excess of the allowance. The meeting agreed that a remit should be drafted with a view to making tho penalty less drastic than disqualification for. tho race. The following officers were elected:— President: Mr. O. Nicholson (re-elected unopposed); vice-president, Dr. A. McGregor Grant (re-elected unopposed); committee, Messrs J. M Carpenter' T Tmnev. W. H. Lunn, G. A. Wynvard and Dr. E. H. B. Milsom; 'stewards, Messrs. Brian L. Hewitt, M. J. Lynch and E. H. Isolan.