AN IMPROVEMENT WANTED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 53

AN IMPROVEMENT WANTED.

The moral atmosphere of the turf in Southland is in a bad way, and abundant evidence was recently furnished there that a modern Admiral Rous would confer a heap of benefit on the sport if he visited that part of the world, and was allowed to say a few words, such as "Fold up your riding-gear for six months," " Spell that horse -for 12 months, and let the traiper and rider have ,a* holiday for the same period*" '" There is no doubt he rode an honest race, but if he rides such another stand him down for 12 months on the ground that he is incompetent to ride,' 7 etc." One could .smile at the brazen tactics adopted by some riders; but the matter is too serious for •» jesting, ,arid if a remedy is • not promptly applied a further deterioration is sure to set in. In on 9of the minor events oh the first day of the Southland Raoing . Club's meeting the race, on paper, practically lay between three of the field. One of the trio was allowed to streak away and » obtain a long lead from the brace of possibles, one of which was running with his head ron his chest until the straight was reached, whilsttfie other, not bein^ such a keen goer, was allowed to dawdle and' loaf in 'the early part of the race. Neither of the non-triers made^an effort to go after the leader until 1 it was almost under the shadow of tho winning-post, and* then up went the whips, which were vigorously applied fo the atmo^ sphere until right under the officials' noses.' At this stage the race was practically over, ' and a bit of genuine finishing was indulged 1 in. Sad to eeary r H evidently effectually

hoodwinked the officials, who, as far as is -. known, did nothing in the way of carpeting or holding an inquiry. Palpable iiontriers in other races were far too plentiful, and extreme reversals of form were noticeable at the meeting, but allowed to go unquestioned. Some horses were always in the ruck in some races, and displayed little or no pace, whilst in others they were out in front from the word " Go." It is possible that the gale of wind which was in evidence on the first day had something to do with the matter, but it evidently blew dust into the officials' eyes as well as hampered the speed of the horses. i