WANT ONLY THE BEST

NZ Truth, Issue 1212, 21 February 1929, Page 13

WANT ONLY THE BEST

Poor Starting In The North

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Representative.) One of the most essential factors towards the success of a race meeting is good starting. , ,

OUCH conditions did not exist at O either Rotorua or at Te Aroha on opening: day. Northern enthusiasts want the best m that direction; and are entitled to consideration. At Rotorua, especially, some horsemen even became unpopular • because they were allowed to do things which they should not have done. Cribbing better positions at the bar- : rier than they were actually entitled to by the draw was held against some of the riders. This all came about because the starter was a bit easy, and wjth jockeys it does not pay to be lenient. They take advantage of any starter '■who is not firm, and this means, m the long run, moderate to poor despatches. ■■•■■•.■*■ The temperament of some men will never allow, them to make successful , officials at the lever, but there, are others who will stand for no hankypanky, tricks. In this connection, Charlie O'Connor lias proved that he can be trusted entirely. His only fault nowadays is that lie is inclined to dwell too long m his

efforts to get the fields away on even terms. Better that than letting the fields jump off m straggling order. To witness a field trailing away like Brown's cows is a . ghastly spectacle. O'Connor ia unfortunately not always available. Then up north it is a case of securing others to fill the gap. "N.Z, Truth" has no hesitation m stating that it is the general wish o£ the northern racing man that the most able man available for the position should always be secured. Of late years the work of Jack Vincent at country meetings m all parts of the country has given great satisfaction, while, when Jack Cockerton has been called into action at Dargaville and "Whangarei he has done fairly well. Either of these men should be sought after when there is necessity to fill m a gap. Northerners want the best that is offering when thousands of pounds are always at stake. A starter can make or mar a meeting, and, sorry to relate, there are too many of the latter variety these days.