RULES OF RACING

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1931, Page 3

RULES OF RACING

CONSOLIDATION COMPLETED.

SOME NEW PROVISIONS. . * The consolidation of the New Zealand Rules of Racing lias been completed in readiness for presentati n to the annual meeting of the Racing Conference in July. The ordinary racegoer probably has little conception of the magnitude of the task involved in framing anti compiling the laws that safeguard the many and complex interests of racing, and possibly he cares less. But by racing clubs, owners, trainers, and jockeys, the much-needed revision and co-ordination of the rules will' be welcomed. No fewer than 417 clauses, many of them lengthy, and six schedules, / are embodied in the new Rules of Racing. While those that deal with the direct government of racing show little material alteration, there are some important additions which constitute a forward step towards uniform control.

The most notable of these concerns the procedure to he followed at inquiries. The only previous guidance in regard to this matter was contained in a circular issued to racing clubs in 192 H, and the inclusion in the rules of defin. ite methods to be followed should he of benefit.

Among the new provisions are the following:—

Formulating a Charge

. “Where the subject matter of the inquiry is in writing it shall he read fa every person charged or otherwise involved (hereinafter called the defendant) if such person is present, or if lie is not present, to such person as is present as his duly ,authorised representative. Where the subject matter is not submitted to the tribunal in writing it shall, if the exigencies of the ease allow, lie committed to writing by tile secretary or his deputy and be read to the defendant or bis representative. “Where the subject matter is not committed to writing the nature of the inquiry and the grounds upon which if is based shall he explained to the defendant or his representative by the chairman of the tribunal or some other member, or the secretary, by his direction.

“In every case where an owner or trainer or rider of a- horse, though not actually charged with any offence, is present or as a witness at an inquiry arising out. of the running or riding of a horse, the chairman of the tribunal or some, other member thereof, of the secretary, by direction of the chairman, shall read over to such owner, trainer or rider the exact nature o; the charge.

Rights of Defendants. “Every defendant, or in his unavoidable absence his duly authorised representative, together with the person bringing the subject matter ehfore the tribunal, shall have the right ’to lie present while the whole of the evidence is being given. “Where an apprentice or any minor is a defendant his employer, parent or guardian or other person for the time being having control of him. may he granted permission to be present for the purpose of assisting him and saieguarding his interests. “Every defendant or in his unavoidable absence his duly authorised representative,' shall be heard in defence and shall have the right and he given the opportunity* to give evidence, to produce or to call for the production of all relevant documents, to call and examine witnesses, and to cross-examine witnesses giving evidence in support of the charge.

Announcement of Penalties. “All Evidence admitted by the tribunal as relevant to the inquiry shin] be committed to writing, and -the person giving any such evidence shall, if so directed by the tribunal, and may. it he himself so requests, sign suc-n writing. The tribunal may require any witness to verify his evidence by statutory declaration.

,• “The decision o: the tribunal shall be committed to writing and signed by the chairman; state the specific rule or rules under which any defendant is penalised; and if it involves an.v penalty be communicated to every person penalised as soon as reasonably convenient and (where made at a race meeting),-announcing on the .official notice-board and communicated to the press.”

Stakes in Disvislon Races. The procedure in regard to division races is outlined in clearer form. Jt is provided that where the totalizator is operated separately in respect of each division the Club shall allot to each division as prize-money an amount at least' equal to the total advertised value of the race where that value does not exceed £SOO, or an amount at least equal to half the total advortived value of the race or £SOO, whicnever amount is the greater, where that value' exceeds £SOO. The amount -so allotted to each division shall be distributed between the winner and the other placed horses in thy. same pro- ; portions as those provided for in the conditions' o‘; 'the race. Where the totalizator is not operated separately in respect of each ' division tlfe present stipulation that the prize ! money for each division shall he at least' 50 per cent of that officially advertised for the race is retained.

“Pay-out” Rules Amended. The rules relating to the payment of dividends have been altered The present rule states that no dividends shall be paid .out on any race until the hor-

ses have been duly weighed in, and until ten minutes after the placed horses have passed the winning-post, unless the stewards direct that the dividends be paid out sooner. ff a protest be lodged or objection made be fore the dividend lias been ordered to be paid out the totnlisator money shall be retained .until the protest or objection lias been decided by the stewards. The new rules state: —“No payment of dividends shall be made until authority therefor is given by the stewards. The stewards shall not give such authority until after the expiration of the period of five minutes allowed tor the making of objections, and if within that time an objection is duly made, such authority shall not be given until the objection is .decided.”