THE TOTALISATOR AT WELLINGTON.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2151, 11 February 1880, Page 3

THE TOTALISATOR AT WELLINGTON.

In an article on the Wellington races the “ New Zealander ” thus refers to Foul Play’s victory and the introduction of the totalisator: —“lt ivas amusing yesterday to note the manner in which the totalisator was consulted, and not once did it deceive. There in plain figures ou its broad face, was the state of the betting market, and as soon as betting on the race closed, holders of tickets could calculate to a fraction what they stood to win or lose in the event of the horse or horses they held winning or losing. About £IOOO passed through Messrs Hill and Poole’s totalisator yesterday, and as there was very little outside betting, this quite demoralised the “ring.” That venerable and iniquitous institution suffered dreadfully yesterday between the “ new-fangled innovation ” and Foul Play’s victory. The gratification of the public was about equally divided between the working of the totalisator and the win in ' the Cup race of the clever little horse. It was known that our sporting Governor held an interest in the animal, and that coming out of stables with which he was connected the horse would be run fair and square upon his merits, and that meant that every horse that started would have to go for it, and, barring accidents, that the best foot must win. And so it proved ; there was no getting at Foul Play in any way, and his victory created general enthusism, which said a great deal in favor of theprcvailinglovc of fair racing on the part of the public. We can com mend the wise discretion of the Jockey Club in permitting the introduction of the totalisator, and also that of Colonel Header in countenancing it. It should be an adjunct of every race meeting.”