SPORTING.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 15 March 1920, Page 3

SPORTING.

Says a Sydney writer:—There is a j law of the A.J.C. which says that I jockeys must, attend the, training j grounds in the mornings and be prepared to ride work when requested to , do so: but, from.what a well-known | owner-trainer states, the order is often ignored. Tho practice employed by I those riders who are prepared to side-, step the law when it suits them, is to excuse themselves on the plea that they have an engagement to fulfil in a few moments, and as tin- trainer concerned is often pressed for time, he is unable to wait cither for the rider's convenience or for evidence that he has been tricked out of the services which he has a right, to have placed at his disposal. This"does not., of course, oecur in connection with fashionable or big betting stables. They have no difficulty in being served.' It is the other variety which is placed at. a disadvantage. Recently a well-known owner threatened to report a certain jockey for refusing to ride his horse work, and- failed to put his intention into execution. Somo race riders never fail to attend tho "tracks" on regular galloping mornings, and there; are a lew of the number who are always ready to offer their services when required. However, if jockeys refuse to obey instructions as laid (town in their permits, they are able to do so only so long as the ignored trainers care to tolerate such treatment. It is a mistake not to report their shortcomings in the right quarter. From riders who arc able to grow rich in a few seasons because of the liberality of their patrons, somthing more should be demanded than a view of their figures on race days. Says the Auckland "Star":—Following the lead of the Auckland Racing Club, several of the Auckland country clubs are charging those entitled to complimentary tickets for admission to the course. Sort of inviting a man fo dinner and asking him to bring half the eatables. Writing in the Dunedin "Star," "Old Identity" relates the story of one of the late Matt McLaren's trotting jokes of many years ago:—"He was riding some horse (whose name I do not remember) in a race at Dunedin. and Jack Taggart was riding Maniac in the same Tace. Matt spurted up to Maniac, taking the chance of a break, and made a loud clicker with his tongue. The same thing occurred a ilttle further on. Matt's horse broke each time, but Matt got in his clicks, it was to no purpose, however. Maniac went mi and won. On returning to the paddock Taggart had his say. 'Col you fixed this time. Matt. You did it before and stopped me. Look, I'll show <rou.' and Taggart. forthwith thrust his hand into Maniac's ears, and pulled from each a ball of crumpled-up newspaper."