Question of Field And Barrier Limits Will be Reviewed

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27093, 30 May 1949, Page 2

Question of Field And Barrier Limits Will be Reviewed

PA CHRISTCHURCH, May 28. The whole question of barrier and field limits will be reviewed by the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association. The board met in Christchurch yesterday. The Canterbury Park Trotting Club inquired about the elimination of secondline starters, arid the board replied that safety limits were imposed as a maximum. To reduce them arbitrarily at this stage might not suit the majority of clubs, but clubs were free to do so if they desired. A report was received on starters at the one mile and a-half barrier on the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s course, and it was decided to reduce the safety limit to 16 plus three. As a result of this report, it was agreed to ask stipendiary stewards to report on barrier limits on all courses, particularly those narrowing after the start. Field limits were proposed in a letter from the chief stipendiary steward, Mr F. J Beer. Large fields were causing undue risk, and the chances of mai>y horses were ruined, he said. Field limits should promote better racing. Some members of the board agreed that the size of the tracks and their individual peculiarities led to accidents and interference in large fields. On the other hand, owners, trainers, and drivers might object to restriction of competition. Mr Beer’s report will be circulated to members of the board, who will observe conditions in forthcoming meetings and prepare reports for the incoming board.