Size Of Race Fields Causing Anxiety

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 176, 28 July 1942, Page 7

Size Of Race Fields Causing Anxiety

Anxiety regarding the notable increase 1 n the size of fields in races in the Auckland Province was expressed by Mr. J. E. Wells, president of the Avondale Jockey Club, in his annual address to members this afternoon. Mr. Wafls said the question was exercising the minds of racing executives, and if fields continued to be too cumbersome some means would have to be adopted to deal with the matter, as lar<?e fiolfis become unwieldy and the majority of starters had little chance. A comparison of the number of starters on the first day of each meeting during the season was as follows: Spring, 122; second spring, 131: autumn, 181. "It is not my intention to criticise the action of the Government," said ."..r. Wells, "but if these figures can be taken as a criterion, it will readily be seen that the restrictions In the number of racing days will cause cumbersome and unwieldy fields. The increased number of entries for classic races proves that more horses are being bred and must naturally increase the fields. I might also point out that, based on last year's figures, the Government will lose approximately £15,000, and the owners £8000." Sound Financial Position Mr. Wells drew attention to the fact that, after allowing the sum of £2816 for depreciation, writing off of bad debts amounting to £101 8/, and making provision for taxes and sundry creditors, the sum of £1109 8/4 had been carried to capital account. The totalisator turnover for the year had amounted to £278,027 10/—a decrease of £8580 10/, which was accounted for by the loss of one day's racing. Stakes distributed amounted to £12,895, and the Government taxes (including totalisator. dividend, stakes and amusement) to £26,560 14/4.