PRAYER AND RACES

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17451, 11 July 1928, Page 9

PRAYER AND RACES

CLERGYMEN AND BOOKMAKERS. WHAT THEY THINK. Rev. J. 11. Davics, chaplain to the King's' stablemen at Newmarket, prayed for the success, during Guineas Week, for the King's filly Scuttle (says a Sydney paper). "I see no reason why I should not have done so," said Mr navies. Sydney clergymen and bookmakers give their opinions— Clergymen. Dean Talbot: "I cannot think hovy such prayers could commend themselves to healthy-minded Christian people." Archdeacon Charlton: "The vicar must lack a sense of humour. If horse racing were to the glory of God he would be justified, but why differentiate between the King's horses and others?" Rev. Mr Anderson (secretary to Presbyterian Church offices) : "I would pray for church secretaries and for journalists, but as for horses " Rev. D. V .Brandt: "The whole thing is absurd. If the vicar wished to pray he should have prayed privately." Rev. H. C. Foreman: "It is absolutely unworthy of his position. I cannot understand an educated man bringing religion to such a level." Rev. T. E. Ruth: "How much had the vicar on Scuttle himself?" Bookmakers. Mr "Syd." Baker: "If everyone prayed, and obtained iike results it would be disastrous for the 'ring.' " Mr J. llackett: "I don't know what to make of it. Prayer and the turf do not go together." Mr R. Clayton: "I've heard of men who have prayed fior their fancy to win." A Rig Fielder, who asked that his name he not disclosed: "To adopt such means is, I consider, very unfair to bookmakers."