Editorial— THE RACING CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1930, Page 5

Editorial— THE RACING CONFERENCE

The New Zealand Racing Conference sat in Wellington last week, and the total result of its deliberations cannot be regarded as sensational. Possibly the delegates consider that the Rules of Racing are perfection, and while the remits were apparently innocuous, short shrift was given to the bulk, which shows how hard it is to move such a body.

It was amazing to learn that the conference turned down Taranaki’s reasonable suggestion to permit counsel to appear for clubs or persons in appeal cases, which simply means that appellants are denied common British justice. The conference and judges of appeal contain a fair number of barristers and solicitors, and before these trained persons what chance has a layman to state his case to the best advantage? Pressmen in years gone by were privileged to attend ordinary racing inquiries, and can tell of the pitiable figures which trainers, jockeys, apprentices and others cut when under the fire of professional interrogators. And, more often than not, these same trainers, etc. had good cases, but frequently suffered through inability to state them properly.

Then there was the death knock given to the proposal to provide longer races. To the credit of several delegates it must be admitted that they spoke up strongly for distance racing, as conducive to improved stamina of horses, and as being of greater interest to the sporting public. Perhaps the remit was rather drastic, and the mover asked fob too much, but there is little doubt that the intention was good, and benefit would have been attained by slightly amended regulations..

The new rule, which found favour, aiming at the prohibition of trainer divulging information regarding any horse placed under his or any other trainer’s care to any person other than the owner or trainer of the horse, is likely to be more honoured in the breach than in the observance. Doubtless the idea is to prevent a trainer divulging information to a patron regarding another owner’s horse in the same stable, but what would an owner think of a trainer who encouraged him to support his horse against a stablemate which had proved immeasurely superior in their try-outs? If an owner is not satisfied .with his trainer he has his remedy.

The provision of more races for apprentice riders is commendable, as without opportunities how could these budding horsemen ever hope to gain experience and confidence, let alone due recognition of their abilities? With the advent of riding instructors many promising lads will be given their chance, and will serve to strengthen the dwindling ranks of our really capable riders, both on the flat and" over obstacle. One cannot deny that there has been deterioration in these spheres, particularly in hurdle and steeplechase riding, and it therefore comes as pleasing that the conference did not see fit to alter the rules which limit riding in high-weight handicaps to regularly qualified riders over fences. The wish has been expressed that the qualifications might, in this instance be made more thorough.

♦ of a motion to give stipendiary stewards seats on judicial committees leaves the paid steward in the same old place —with wings clipped, simply powerless. And, this being the judgment of our racing authorities, why continue the farce For it is nothing better. 0

Support must be given to the election of Mr. 0. S. Watkins as the new president. He has served long and faithfully in the vicepresident s chair, and will undoubtedly fill the bill. No delegate is better fitted to occupy the position so long and so capably filled by the late Sir George Clifford. *

—“Paritutu.”