TROTTING By “ABAIDOS.”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1020, 10 July 1930, Page 12

TROTTING By “ABAIDOS.”

Handicapping System Gets Further Trial

MORE UNIFORMITY AUSTRALIAN PENALTY STANDS The much-discussed handicapping “system” will be given a further trial according to the decision arrived at by the Trotting'Conference yesterday. Mr. J. Rowe, president of the Auckland Trotting Club, spoke strongly against the present system, as published in The Sun yesterday. A cablegram was received from the conference presodent, Mr. H. F. Nicoll, who is absent in England, supporting the scheme. He referred to the question in the following terms: —“The most important reform last year was the handicapping. The results have been singularly successful. I earnestly hope that the delegates will decide to continiae the movement which has given the public and the majority of owners and trainers such satisfaction.” Mr. Rowe contended that that was quite all right from Mr. Xicolls point of view. The owners might be satisfied, but judging by the many complaints he had received the system had not been a success. After discussion it was decided to continue the system for another year, the view being expressed that this would give liandicappers a better chance to get into line and adopt a more unnform practice in their application of the system. A new rule proposed by the New Zealand Trotting Association providing that no races shall be included in any programme with slower limits than 2.30 to the mile. or flat rate equivalent for pacers, or 2.34 to the mile or flat rate equivalent for unhoppled trotters, was adopted. A proposal by the conference executive that liandicappers should be licensed by the conference was defeated and so also was a remit from the Trotting Association seeking for it the power to make, rescind or vary regulations in regard to the basis upon which imported horses shall be handicapped in New Zealand. Praise for Mr. J.* RowSeveral leading owners and trainers interviewed today by “Abaydos** expressed appreciation of the stand taken by Mr. Rowe to bring about more uniformity in the question of handicapping. They also agreed that he was quite right in his contention that some adjusters have shown a leaning toward the big owner by curtailing the penalties, while the small enthusiast gets the full measure every time. Thev also concurred with the opinions repeatedly expressed by the writer when dealing with this important subject ir The Sun.