RACING AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 10

RACING AFFAIRS

OWNERS AND TRAINERS CONFERENCE RECOGNITION [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, March 18. When the executive of the New Zealand Racing Owners', Breeders’ and Trainers’ Association met this morning Mr. C. E. Craig, national secretary announced that Mr. H. R. Sellers, secretary of the New Zealand Racing Conference, had intimated that the Conference executive was pleased to grant official recognition to the association. It had further decided to receive remits of a national character direct from the association executive, and those favoured would be placed before the Racing Conference, sponsored by the Conference executive but recognised as coming from the association.

Dr. E. H. B. Milsom, who presided, said this was very pleasing information as it not only gave the association official status but indicated that the Racing Conference recognised that the organisation was based on sound lines for the improvement of the sport generally. The following remits were unanimously agreed to for presentation to the Racing Conference:—

Auckland Branch.—An amendment to Rule 272 providing that the judicial committee may impose a fine on a rider in lieu of disqualifying the horse; that the Conference press through the proper channel for the return of the double totalisator; that a proposal to have finishes photographed as in America be fully investigated; that applicants for the position of judge produce a certificate of health and eyesight fitness; that the question of flat-footed or move-up start be left to the discretion of the starter; that to ensure efficiency in starting the Conference appoint starters; that the time of closing acceptances be reviewed by several clubs with a view to securing a more uniform day for receiving entries with a standardised time for acceptances; that where maiden horses become ineligible acceptance fees be returned; that the Conference be recommended to reimpose a one-half per cent, tax on stakes of winning horses to augment a provident fund. Taranaki Branch.—That it be compulsory fo clubs to povide a suitable hurdle at the start of races so that unruly horses can be separated from the field; that there be a gradual reduction of the time required for horses to parade before each race; that the time when jockeys are weighed out be registered by the clerk of scales as a check for owners and trainers when fined for being late in the birdcage; that where a jockey is suspended he be allowed to complete his engagements for that day.

Canterbury Branch.—That it be compulsory for all clubs to provide an ambulance and attendant; that where races are run in divisions the stakes be increased; that clubs be asked to base entrance and acceptance fees on a lower scale as done by the Auckland Racing Club; that the position of trainers receiving sustenance and competing unfairly with regular trainers be reviewed, and that stricter supervision in granting trainers’ licences be recommended.

Hawke's Bay Branch.—That it be compulsory for all hurdles to be padded; that a badge be issued to trainers when licences are granted; that no applicant who has not served a term of apprentice ship be eligible for a trainer’s licence. Manawatu Branch.—That a uniform type of hurdle for all meetings be enforced; that owners, trainers or jockeys charged with an offence before a district committee or the Racing Conference be permitted to employ legal counsel. On the hurdle question L. Dulieu stated that the Jockeys’ Association endorsed the recommendations of the Owners’ Association. He expressed appreciation of the courstey extended by the meeting as the jockeys’ representative. The Hon. G. R. Hunter referred to the proposal of the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, for improving the standard of horses as remounts. The Minister proposed to give a subsidy on suitable and selected sires. It was agreed to approve of the scheme.

The amended rules of the association were endorsed and the secretary was complimented on successfully carrying out its registration and incorporation.

Authority was given Mr Craig to visit the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and Taranaki branches, the opinion being expressed that after the annual meeting at Wellington in July the secretary should visit Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill for organising purposes.