ON THE WEST COAST

NZ Truth, Issue 1103, 20 January 1927, Page 9

ON THE WEST COAST

I Things That Look Life

I (From "N.Z. Truth's" Greymouth Representative.) The urgent need for drastic changes m the present conditions f racing on the West Coast was most marked during the, justoncluded circuit, particularly at the Keefton fixture, which was iinctuated by seemingly glaring "jokes."

IPHE racing game, on the West L Coast has had a chequered career and, m the. old days' '"jokes" were ulled" off which would have done redit to the Kelly gang. For the last few years, several of the clubs have,, ho doubt, made an honest attempt to clean tip the game. These efforts have, however, been nullified during the past .season. Following the notorious 'Maunu lurdle race at Reef ton sporting writers irew the attention of the Conference ;o the necessity of appointing a qualiied stipendiary steward with a pracic'al knowledge of racing for the West' ?oast meetings. 7 The officials of the clubs are more, to ilame th^n, the stipendiary steward for. tot exercising the vigilance necessary--0 the conduct of race meetings, and whether the public : wlll. again stand or some of the malpractices witnessed t the circuit fixture is a matter for onjecture. The second T day 1 m the Slimmer landicap, Some Abbey, the -outsider ."'.-'■ y . '."/ ': ■■' ■

of the field, won from Moorland and Note. In the Cronadun Handicap at Reeftori Nincompoop won from Nbte m lmin. 15 l-ssecs. ... Some Abbey also started iri the race, but was tottering like a drunken man at the start and collapsed m the , straight after going a few yards. The mare was pulled off the track and lay m an unconscious condition m full view of the public Until the meeting was concluded. An inquiry was held, and it was decided:; "that, should the horse live, a sample of blood would ' be taken arid analysed. In case of the animal's death, further proceedings would be taken." . "Why was not a swab taken earlier? Many neople are inclined to blame the stipendiary steward for the state of racing affairs on the West Coast, but he has his . own troubles.In any case, it is quite time _ that a "Royal Commission" of the 7 racing world was appointed to. make a thorough investigation. . ; •