"SWEETENING" THEM UP

NZ Truth, Issue 1143, 27 October 1927, Page 9

"SWEETENING" THEM UP

Trainer-Touts And A Grievance Up North (From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Representative.) Quite a lot is heard m racing circles at times over certain horses being boomed on track gallops, and there are owners and trainers who resent the booming.

THE booming, of course, means that 1 connections are compelled to accept what they consider a shorter price on the totalisator than they hope for. In most cases there is some reason for the "sweetening" as after happenings prove. Occasionally the booming is credited to fellow-trainers, who chance to catch some speedy gallop, and on this account "N.Z. Truth" is often appealed to.

One of these cases happens along m connection with an important northern gathering of recent date, "Truth" being m possession of a letter purported to have been written on behalf of the connections

of the horse concerned.

This paper does not Intend to divulge the name of the horse, but a copy of the letter is printed below with the objections raised, and those concerned can arrive at their own conclusions — and act accordingly

Before doing so, "Truth" has to admit that it was a little surprised at the heavy support accorded to the horse m question when pitted against such a classy field. At the same time, the fact must not be lost sight of that last season's form was full of possibilities. This fact alone merited attention, while m the race itself the horse made such a gallant showing as to dispel all doubts about him being worthy of the cash showing against his name on the machine. . The horse's showing was worthy of every shilling that he carried. Here is .the letter of protest:

"On behalf of the connections of , 'Truth's' assistance is sought m ventilating a matter of great interest to owners and trainers of racehorses. "It is with reference to the fact that there are so-called trainers whose chief aim seems to be to tout for punters re the track doings of other people's horses. "This is clearly evident m the case of . This horse won only two ] minor handicaps, did not have a race for six months, met the best sprinters the country could produce, and was backed down to a ridiculous price, While the investments of his connections were under £50. j

"The horse's connections did not think him unbeatable, but his 'track I gallops were exaggerated and broadcasted by; trainers of other horses. "We have made full inquiries and know our facts and who those individuals are. "Was any horse's

connections ever given a stronger incentive to hold a horse up than m this case? "The betting public should appreciate the fine run they received lor their money. "The matter has been discussed with a gentleman who races a number of horses and he stated the trainer-tout was not confined to the particular track where is trained. "We know how the racing heads treat these touts m Australia. "Reform is needed, or is it going to rest with individuals to protect themselves? If the latter, can owners be blamed if they handle the matter m a manner which will put the 'paid , stamp' on those concerned?"