SPORTING.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18534, 14 January 1932, Page 2

SPORTING.

CONDUCT OF RACING. i ... 'S-g™ f 13 IT LAX IN AUCKLAND? /• ’ . ’ SOUTHERN''OFFICIAL’S 'OPINION. The chairman of the Canterbury Jockey Club, Mr George Gould, in a comment on the published statements of a Northern owner that the control of meetings in the Auckland district is generally lax, emphasised particularly the difllculty of fixing too blame for accidents and interferences during the running of races, but he did not support the representation ol jockeys at inquiries by .counsel. “I would not like to say that the statements of the. Auckland owner are applicable to Auckland in particular,” said Mr Gould, “although there were a lot of accidents at the recent meeting for which there was insufficient explanation. Apart from the question of older jockeys terrorising juniors, which probably does exist to some extent, one of the difficult features. in dealing with irregularities, is that there is a certain comaraderie between jockeys which operates to prevent them bearing witness against one another in evidence, and this adds to the difficulties of -the slewardsjn determining and fixing the blame for accidents -and interferences during, the running of races.'i .

Stewards and Jockeys,

“My experience does not lead me do think that there is any basis for the statement that stewards, are more lenient to senior jockeys than to juniors. I should rather be inclined •to take the opposite view. I think it is an over-statement to say that the prevalence of abuses occurring during races materially affec,ts the amount of money staked on the- totalisator. People who bet on horse races, especially sprints, know that -they are playing largely with chance; and must accept the risks of the game. That fact enters largely Into racing, .whether one Is an owner or a punter, and we, all have to learn to accept with’ smiles .The rebuffs of fate."' ",v “I think there is perhaps some substance for the statement that malefaetprs have a better chance of ‘gettingaway with it’ in the last race o! the day, and this statement should serve as d- spur to future vigilance. As for jockeys being represented by counsel, I have always opposed this suggestion...on.Ltlie”conference, and 1 idrh- still ofHheisame'opinion; The real difficulty ! s, as I have stated, to get at the true facts.”