Most Horses Require Pushing, Not Pulling

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 838, 5 December 1929, Page 12

Most Horses Require Pushing, Not Pulling

CONTROL IN SYDNEY

COMMENT OF A.J.C CHAIRMAN

“Dead uns” and rumours of “Dead Tins” were under discussion at a Sydney gathering recently, at which such subjects might be considered taboo. But it was no less a person than Mr. Colin Stephen, chairman of the Australian Jockey Club, who brought up the matter in a friendly and close little talk with members of City Tattersall’s Club and others, at a social function following the formal presentation of the club’s i-900 hospital cheque. Mr. Stephen made a brief speech in refutation of rumours that were circulated from time to time concerning “crooked” racing. “The Official Ear” Coming from Mr. Stephen, the head of the premier racing body in the State, it was an important pronouncement, for it shows that, although by the man in the street the official ear might be considered deaf to the outcry that is sometimes raised against the Turf and its doings. Mr. Stephen and his A.J.C. committee are aware of the criticism. As owner, trainer, and rider of his own horses in the amateur ranks of the past, and a modest punter, Mr. Stephen has had much more practical experience of racing and knows much more than the next man about the Turf, besides which his official position gives him an insight into important phases of racing* that few others enjoy. Speaking with the voice of such authority, his remarks, created a deep impression. A Close Talk Mr. Stephen said he appreciated this opportunity of a close talk to men of City Tattersall’s Club, and an institution whose members played no small part in the. racing game. The A.J.C. was faced with many onerous duties involving the rights and privileges of other clubs, but he

could say definitely that one of them which worked amicably with the Australian Jockey Club was City Tattersail’s Club. Much was said in irresponsible circles at times concerning racing, and frequently there was adverse criticism, and the A.J.C. was blamed for not doing this or that. But there were two sides to every question, and his experience was that when the occasional outcry arose concerning alleged crooked racing, it was without foundation, and due to the irresponsible assertion of people who had failed to back a winner, and didn't realise that there might be a legitimate reason for a horse running badly and then winning, or vice versa. These people said, “Why doesn't the A.J.C. rub them out or why doesn’t to do something to make its stewards do something?” It was His belief, however, that there was very little running dead, as it. was called. Most horses needed pushing, not pulling. People behind most horses were eager to win a race to keep the pot boiling. and his experience had taught him that the most difficult thing in the world was to get a horse to win, and not get him to loso. Clean Racing Racing was often discussed by peoplo with irresponsible views, and these views were sometimes made the subject of sensational allegations about racing generally, but he could say, not only from what he saw,from a long experience of the Turf, but also from his inner knowledge gained as chairman of the Australian Jockey Club, that it enjoyed a clean repute, and he hoped it would continue to do so in New South Wales.

“I like to meet men such as the members of this club, and I have the reputation of setting - on well with people in all walks of life,” concluded Mr. Stephen. ‘’lt gives me the other fellow’s point of view; so that I can see both sides of a case. I hope that this earns .for me a reputation for being dinkum to all with whom 1 come on contact in my official capacity as chairman of the Australian Jockey Club and privately, too, for that's what 1 want to be.” Mr. Stephen’s remarks were greeted with loud applause. Smart Juveniles to Meet • To judge by the nominations there should bo some excellent juvenile racing at Woodville next month. Among those entered are Gesture and Siinba, and other likely ones who have carried silk are Cylinder and Princess Betty. F. Davis has Honour’s sister, Courtesy, in on the first day, and his Legionnaire colt. Commandant, on the second day. Both of these youngsters are expected to carry Mr. T. TT. Lowry’s colours with distinction later on. The Solferino—Marsa filly, a half-sister to Nightmarch. as yet unnamed, is also an entrant for both days. Add to these Drastic, the Absurd filly of Mr. G. M. Currie: Tentcrden, the Chief Ruler — ltosellate gelding from W. D. Moroney’s stable, who has yet to be produced, and quite a number of possible improvers, and it will be realised that the Woodville events may prove firstclass dress rehearsals for juvenile classic events yet to come.