SPORTING NOTES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7101, 31 August 1949, Page 7

SPORTING NOTES

WHO IS TO OPERATE OFF COURSE BETTING INSPIRED MOVES APPEAR FUTILE (By “Old Rowley”) In recent. weeks there has been agitation for some action about implementing the scheme for off-course betting which was included in the referendum which the people of the Dominion carried by a substantial majority some time ago. A feature article. appeared in certain dailies in which it was suggested that off-course operators who had been satisfying the pifblic desire to wager on horse-racing might well provide a solution to the problem with .their offer to work for the racing and trotting conference on a percentage basis. Where this article originated or who sponsored it is a question which has so far remained unanswered. New Zealand Truth dealt trenchantly with the proposals and in a summary manner suggests that it be rammed down the throats of the perpetrators. I am not, at this stage, going to attempt to argue the merits of either opinion, but I do think that the answer is irrefutably found in the statements of the leaders of racing and trotting control in New Zealand when they openly stated at the sittings of the Royal Commission, “Bookmakers will be opposed in any shape or form in the Dominion. In effect they went on to say that their respective controlling bodies would fight to the last ditch to prevent the bookmaker from ever again taking an active legal part in the sport within the Dominion. This would appear to effectively slam any door of hope which may have been prised open by the reaction of eager punters when they read the article. Now, what about the average punter? How is he taking the time-lag which, at present indeterminately delays, the putting into operation of a plan which many expected to solve their wagering problem. In the main it seems that the racing public are not unduly perturbed, except in some of the metropolitan centres where offcourse odds have dropped to a level where the punter is almost paying for the privilege of betting away from the course; but even in these instances there does not seem to be any undue castigation of the authorities because Gf the delay, but rather a far-seeing and philosophical outlook embracing a desire to have a settled system whereby the farcical position which has prevailed during past yeajs will be wiped out and all transaction will be made openly. There is of course yet another side to this betting business. Prior to the referendum religious and other bodies opposed the legalising of the scheme. Their cause was a lost one, because of in the main the tolerance of the masses gives them that streak of determination which will forever oppose, the suppression of pastimes or habits, be they questionable or not. Now is the opportunity for these guardians of our morals to gain respect and a greater understanding of humanity. Since the public failed to espouse their cause they have had very little to say publicly and although they may not have accepted defeat as final, nevertheless if is doubtful much confidence can emanate from their headquarters on the possibility of reforming a large enough number of the public to turn the tables in their favour. Has it occurred to those men, whose j sincerity has carried them on to a dogmatic opposition to gambling, that they may gain much if they would broaden their outlook, step down from the pulpit and the office and go out and about among the racing fraternity, in spirit sharing the ups and downs of this most fascinating and dangerous of sports. Instead of threatening the gambler with eternal damnation, would it not gain them stature and respect, even among the cynical if they could stop by the wayside and discuss with knowledge and a genuine interest those myriad subjects which make racing an everyday and tireless topic among its adherents ? There have been many race-minded men among the ecclesiastics of most denominations, and one of the most popular and successful clergymen of our age, the Reverend Jasper Calder, proved during a long and successful career that a sympathetic understanding of the public mind, particularly that of the working class, brings confidence and with it the opportunity to guide the weak through the tortuous paths which beset them. Aloofness and condemnation, brings in its turn antagonism, whereas participation and at least tolerence, is rewarded by an attentive and intelligent appreciation of any warning which might be issued. Yes, those who opposed off-the-course betting would do themselves much good and help greatly to keep racing on a decent plane if they elect to broaden their mental horizon when dealing with the public.

The Ballot and Two-year-olds There has been some criticism levelled at the Avondale Jockey Club for adhering to its principle of balloting in connection with the Avondale Stakes, the first two-year-old racing of the season. Firstly owners and trainers protested about the change cn the programme, for usually a four furlongs race on the first day of th j meeting enabled the fillies to show their paces. This newest worry of youngsters being prepared for early successful racing only to be subject to balloting out has not found favour in many quarters. However, it must be admitted that the club would have been creating a precedent had it elected to cater for the full complement of juveniles nominated and it took the wisest course, even though the officials may have realised that it would create a certain amount of displeasure. Frankly, I do not think a great deal of barm has been done to racing and although sympathetic understanding with the owner whose two-year-old is unable to race leads me to suggest that on future occasions some special clause may. bq P inserted to. apply in such cases, the whole matter is one for the Owners’ Breeders’ aind Trainers’ Association to

take up and this body would no doubt be given a very attentive hearing should it elect to send a deputation to discuss the matter with club