TROTTING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 11 July 1923, Page 10

TROTTING.

CONFERENCE IN SESSION.

PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM WELLINGTON, July 10.

The annual session of the New Zealand Trotting Conference commenced this morning, the vicepresident (Mr John Rowe, Auckiand) occupying the chair.

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT. The chairman read a letter from Mr H. F. Nieoll, the president, in which the writer expressed regret at being unable to take the chair owing to an urgent business call to London. Mr Nieoll asked the chairman to advise the delegates that he viewed with pleasure the steady ot the sport and the brighter outlook in the promise of gaming legislation which will give increased facilities to clubs, enabling them to offer further encouragement to the importation and breeding of high-class horses. Mr Nieoll commented upon the work of the racecourse inspectors appointed by a joint committee of the Racing and Trotting Conferences. “I have "had exceptional opportunities to mark their work during the past two years, and . . their ap_ ointment has proved of great value to both racing and trotting. We can rest assured that the money charged against clubs under this heading is well spent, and we can congratulate ourselves upon the orderliness and good conduct of the crowds at our race meetings.”

The president referred to recent criticism of handicapping, and pointed out that this matter was under the control of individual clubs, though it might be necessary, with the increased progress of the sport, to lay down certain new rules for the guidance of handicappers. “The stipendiary stewards,” said Mr Nieoll, “apparently still are not working to the satisfaction of some clubs, but as the executive are reporting on this matter I will not comment further than to say that the stipendiary stewards, as a system, have come to stay, and it will be the duty of the Conference to see that the men appointed carry out their dnties according to the rules, and also that in doing so they receive all the support of which they are worthy.”

THE CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. Mr Rowe, after reading tne president’s letter, went on to say that unquestionably high-class trotting continues to be appreciated by the public, and he congratulated everyone connected with the sport upon the eminence it had attained despite difficult financial conditions. The executive clearly recog'nisod that many clubs, especially the smaller ones, had been financially handicapped during the past few years. The financial strain had also been materially felt by owners overwhelming taxation and transit charges proving far too heavy a burden. Every endeavour possible had been made to improve matters, and he hoped that a material reduction of taxation and in the cost of transit of horses would result.

Mr Rowe referred to (he efforts to secure additional totalizator permits for trotting, which he was hopeful would this year be granted. He put forth the suggestion that in the event of extra permits becoming available the allocation of these should be left in the hands M the executive of the conference, rather than in the hands of a commission or politician. The claims of the stwight-out trotter were advanced by the chairman, who went on to deal with the very large fields now seen, particularly in harness races. “ A number of accidents, fortunately so far unattended with serious results, have taken place, but unless something is immediately done I fear that we shall not always be so fortunate. Practically not one horse in such big fields" is offered a fair chance. . Last year I mentioned that division racinghad been suggested as a cure for the large-field disease, but under the existing law this solution of the difficulty is not debatable. I have come to the conclusion that limits must be materially reduced if any lasting improvement is to be effected. It is impossible to race decently under such conditions, and I sincerely trust that clubs will cut down their limits, and so endeavour to secure better and more equitable contests. A few nominations may lost, but the amount which is now received from these will be more than made up.in other ways' if tne fields are smaller. Harness events with 20 to 30 starters are merely scrambles with scarcely one redeeming feature.” improvement in timekeeping at country fixtures was noted, and the neat appearance and general good conduct of riders and drivers were mentioned Avith appreciation. Referring to classic contests, Mr Rotve spoke as folloAvs: —“I feel sure that though fields are occasionally small clubs will continue their classic races. Very great interest is always taken by the supporters of trotting in the meeting of young horses on level terms, and there is no doubt that breeders and oAvners keenly appreciate the possibility that they may either raise or oavh the Avinner of a classic contest.”

The question of unruly horses was dealt with, and an appeal made to dubs to honour the recommendations made for refusal of nominations of such animals, who should not be allowed on the track until their manners . have improved. The vice-president concluded by voicing tlie hope Giat the deliberations of delegates would prove beneficial to the sport they all wished to see prosper.

It AA - as decided .that clubs should j for each meeting "appoint a judicial ; committee. i The report of the executiA'e on the j stipendiary steAvards system stated : that the system Avas an undoubted j success.

A discussion took place on the motion by the Timaru Trotting. Club that Avhere a rider or driver is engaged who is not the trainer of the horse he shall not be permitted to start unless the amount of bis minimum fee as l’or a losing mount has been previously deposited Avith the clerk of the scales or some other official appointed for the purpose. The motion Avas carried with the addition that in case of a Avin the balance of the riding fee shall be deducted from the stake otherwise payable to the owner and shall be paid to the rider or driver by the club. A remit from the Canterbury Park Trotting Club that no AVhip shall be used containing anj' metallic substance, and that any person found using such a AVhip should be fined not less than £2 or be disqualified for any period the stewards or committee might think fit, Avas lost. A motion from the Wellington Trotting Club proposed by Mr J. Sharp, and seconded by Mr B. S. Irwin (Forbury), that in all handicap races the handicap shall be made on the yards system, Avas carried by 15 to 7. On a shoAV of hands it was decided that in all handicaps the handicapper shall frame such handicaps so that 12 yards shall equal one second and six yards shall equal half a second. The following officers Avere elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr H. F. Nieoll; vice-president, Mr J. Rowe; executiA'e, Messrs H. R. Mackenzie (Otahuhu), B. S. IrAVin (Forbury), C. M. OUivier (Christchurch). The executive Avere appointed to act as a Dates Committee. It was decided that the next Conference should be held at Wellington on a date to be arranged. Dates for next season Avere agreed to as follows: Poverty Bay, August 2. N.Z. Metropolitan, Aug. 11, 15, 17. Auckiand, October 20 and 24. Greymouth, October 20 anR 22. Oamaru, October 22. N.Z. Metropolitan—Nov. 6, S, 9. Otahuhu, Nov. 19 and 21. Forbury Park, Noal 30, Dec. 1. Waikato, Dec. 8. New Brighton, Dec. 15, 17. Ashburton, Dec. 26, 27. Gore, Dec. 26. Westport, Dec. 2 6 and 27. Auckland, Dec. 27, 29, 31. Greymouth, Dec. 31, Jan. 2. Canterbury Park, Jan. 1 and 2. Otago Central, Jan. 1. Westland, Jan. 4. Inangahua, Jan. S. Wellington, Jan. 12. Manawatu, Jan. 18. Forbury Park, Jan. 31, Feb. 2. Wanganui, Feb. 19 and 22. N.Z. Metropolitan, Feb. 9. Otahuhu, Feb. 16 and 20. Nelson, Feb. 29. Marlborough, March 7. Kaikoura, March 14. . Timaru, March 22. New Brighton, March 27 and _j. Auckland, April 5 and 9. Ellesmere, April 10. Waimate Plains, April 26. N.Z..Metropolitan, April 19 and 23. Forbury Park, May .8 and 10. Canterbury Park, May 31, June 3. South Wairarapa, June 3. Ashburton. June 7.