GOLD BLOOD

NZ Truth, Issue 1200, 29 November 1928, Page 11

GOLD BLOOD

Late Scratchings Exasperate NOT DONE WELL An owner can please himself whether or not he runs, but he can displease a 'lot at times. THIS is a free country, where bookmakers do not exist — at least, according to Statute. • . Doubles can be backed all the same, and lost- in cold blood, too. With' the law a farcical arrangement, owners . have every right to withdraw a horse within the prescribed time, and there is no comeback — so far as the racing authorities are concerned. But there are occasions on which a question can be asked. Unfortunately, under the existing law the "stipes" cannot ask one. They have no legal ground to work; on. , "N.Z. Truth" supplies the views of the majority of race-goers and it is that majority that keeps the sport where it is. The sooner owners and trainers realize fact the better — without support, oats wdiild remain a long time m the. merchant's stores. » Otaki, last week, experienced a couple of cases 'of late scratchings, and m both instances the horse' could have been taken 6ut a good deal earlier. This applies especially to the second day. i • . • ,;. The usual stereotyped excuse of' "not done well" hardly meets the case. The trainer knows before the first leg "is run how his horse is faring. \ If he does' not, he had better get into another game. Still, remembering the buying of the oats part of the business, owners and trainei-s should bear m mind the .poor simpletons who make the buy possible. In any business, fair play. Js bonny play. .■■ . : -\ -, • ■ ■■•.;