Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1920. RACING AND GAMBLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2151, 17 July 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1920. RACING AND GAMBLING.

“CHEESE has its maggots, and (lie rose its thorns!” So, also, the “Sport of Kings” has its parasites. The Racing Conference, we believe, is honestly endeavouring to purify the sport. To see a trial of speed between well-bred and fleet horses appeals to most people. It is inhere ent in the blood of our race. Bu,t the whole racing business is parasites, whose operations, are a menace to the moral welfare of society. Can racmg be dissociated from gambling'? Without the totalisator many clubs could not exist. We admit the totalisator is the fairest form of gambling, but from a strictly moral point of view it cannot be justified. But it is the lesser of two evils, and provides a safe avenue for those whose, conscience is easy on a “flutter.” The race to the mass is of little interest unless invested with a monetary consideration, and this is at the root of the However, the Racing Conference is to be commended in its endeavours to scotch the parasite. At this week’s Conference allegations avSto made that a number oT‘ jockeys were simply touts for bookmakers, and should never have been licensed. It was with a view to improving the present.system, whereby jockeys’ licenses are issued by district* committees, that the president proposed a new rule, with consequential amendments, in place of the rules regarding registration of trainers and jockeys. On being put to the Conference, the motion was favoured by 19 to 12, but was not carried by the required two-thirds majority. Stewards were warned not to make a with a bookmaker, either directly or indirectly. During a discussion on the desirability of restricting the operations of bookmakers, mention was made of the practice of some owners in trafficking with bookmakers, and this it was urged should be put down by the Conference. It was a matter which deeply concerned the welfare of the Turf, and some action should be taken to show the Government that the conference was acting in good faith. The proposal to amend rule 12, part lb, was carried, "the rule now reading as follows“By the entering of a horse, every person having, dr subsequently acquiring, an interest in such horse, shall be deemed thereby to undertake, neither directly nor indirectly, to make any wager with a bookmaker in connection with such horsfe, or any other horse in (he race in which such horse is so entered. Each eu-# try shall contain, or, if assumed to contain, such an undertaking; breach whereof shall be deemed a corrupt practice within the moaning of part xxxiii. of these rules.” ,