HANDICAP SYSTEM FINDS FAVOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18936, 5 December 1929, Page 14

HANDICAP SYSTEM FINDS FAVOUR.

TRAINERS URGE THAT IT BE RETROSPECTIVE. The new system of handicapping for trotting events was discussed at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Owners’ and Breeders’ Association last evening. The meeting was agreed that the system was satisfactory, but it was considered by some present that the handicappers should take into account performances before the new system came into operation. a Dealing with the matter, the annual report stated that during the past season the New Zealand Trotting Conference called a meeting of trotting representatives from all clubs in the Dominion, and also invited two members of the association, Mr J. N. Clarke and Mr F. Hickinbottom, to the conference, which was held in Wellington in May to formulate a system of handicapping. This conference gave the matter great consideration, and drafted out the system as now in operation. At the annual conference of delegates held later, it was adopted entirely as drafted to be given a trial for twelve months. It had now been in operation since July,

and was proving one of the greatest innovations in the sport of trotting The chairman (Mr T. G. Fox) said that the new handicapping system seemed to be a success. It seemed to give the public a better run. Mr J. N. Clarke said that to the association was the credit due for the inauguration of the new system. Handicapping had now been put on a Dominion basis, which was for the good of the sport. Mr S. Bennett, president of the Kaikoura Trotting Club, described the new handicapping system as a boon to trot ting. Mr D. Withers said that he thought that the new system had come to stay. Mr W. J. Tomkinson, in reply to a remark made by Mr E. C. M’Dermott that handicapping should be retrospective, said that tjxe new system had been a success, not with the aid of the handicappers, but rather in spite of them. The system was all right, but a recommendation should be made that handicappers should give more consideration to performances in the past. He had no axe to grind personally, but some consideration should *be given to the men with small teams. The new rules said that the system could not be retrospective. Mr Clarke said that it was the understanding that handicappers should be lenient with horses that had had performances last year. Mr R. Munro said that the New Zealand Trotting Association had directed that past performances should be taken into consideration only under exceptional circumstances. Mr F. Hickinbottom said that the system had not been made retrospective in order to avoid complications. It was understood, however, that the handicappers would be lenient. He could assure them thht some change would be made at the next conference. Mr J. B. M’Dougall said that the new system was the finest thing that had ever been introduced to New Zealand. He would be against any alterations being made to it. Mr Tomkinson: But you can improve on a good thing. It was decided to make a recommendation to the incoming committee that an effort be made to have the new system made retrospective.