FAIR OR UNFAIR CRITICISM

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 65, 8 June 1927, Page 6

FAIR OR UNFAIR CRITICISM

Peter Bingen, the younger brother to the champion pacer, Great Bingen, is a much discussed equine at present. The lenient treatment meted out to Kennerley’s representative in the Campbell Handicap at Auckland this month is partly responsible for the Southerner being so much in the limelight, but there is a further reason for this publicity stunt. When Peter Bingen was handicapped for 'Canterbury Park by Mr. Thornes he was placed on 2.42 in a mile and a quarter. A Southern critic immediately announced that “the connections of Peter Bingen are dissatisfied with the handicap in the Au Revoir Handicap, and he will not fulfil his engagement.” While there was nothing to caul at over the adjustment, Peter Bingen, who at Easter won a ten furlong event of a 2.43 mark in 2.43 3-sth, was asked by Mr. Thomas to go 2.42, the connections are of course quite within their right in thinking what they like. But where the unfairness of such criticism comes in is through one of the chief connections being a contributor to a sporting journal, which gives an unfair advantage over the unfortunate handicapper. “ People who live in glass houses should not throw stones,” and as the critic has aspirations towards handicapping, he may some day find the “chickens have come to roost.”