FLYING STARTS IN AMERICA

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 108, 28 July 1927, Page 6

FLYING STARTS IN AMERICA

GLOAMING’S OWNER PAYS VISIT TO FAMOUS BELMONT

An interesting lettter has been received by THE SUN from Mr. G. D. Greenwood, who attended the races at America’s famous racecourse, Belmont Park. He states as follows: Racing in America is very different in fnany respects from the same sport in England and the Colonies, and I was very fortunate to be able to attend a big meeting at the leading course of this wonderful country. Belmont Park, the Randwick of America, situated on Long Island about an hour’s journey from Central New Y r ork, is a lovely race track in a picturesque park of about 100 acres. PRETTY LAY-OUT The ornamental trees, well laid out gardens and comfortable, well-built, old-world clubhouse, surrounded by neatly-kept gardens adorned with fish ponds, stately trees and ornamental flower patches offer a lovely quiet retreat for those fortunate members who lead the sport in the States. The race track is a sand one, and is well laid out and maintained in good order. There is also a steeplechase course on the grass outside of the racing track with well-trimmed brush fences, about 3ft. 6in. high, and one water jump with fence in front. The straight six furlong track is wide, good and efficient, and gives a good view of the races. The longer distances are run on an equally good track of a long oval form also. It is free from bad turns and with an efficient straight, to finish. GOOD BUILDINGS The buildings are well kept, and the stands and enclosures easily accommodate the 35,000 who attended the races on Anzac Day. Seven events were carded for decision, including one two-year-old handicap, five furlongs, for maidens; one steeplechase, two miles; one mile handicap, which was the chief race of the day, worth £1,500. and other popular handicaps. There were no weight-for-age events. The stands are very strictly divided, also the lawns in front of them, which are rather small, and on that day uncomfortably crowded. By the courtesy of the secretary, Mr. Fitzgerald, I was taken out into the centre of the course to. see the mile race, and also the following event, and so had the greatest opportunity of seeing a really notable race at famed Belmont. COMPARED WITH RANDWICK There are numerous and marked differences in the conduct of the meeting between Randwick and Belmont. Belmont has no bookmakers nor betting machines, but the gambling is done by handing your wager to quiet, welldressed gentlemen who are well-known to the racing public. They fill the place of the Australian bookmaker. I am sure it will surprise racing men in Australasia to be told that all races are started with a flying start. The fields are lined up about 50 yards behind the official starting-post, and from there the starter dispatches them in line which they are supposed to keep till after passing the real starting-post. THE DROPPED FLAG A flag steward, or assistant starter, is Placed 40 or 50 yards in front of the official starting-poles, and the start is not effective till his flag is dropped. I have endeavoured to give this starting business the prominence it deserves, because it affects all records of comparisons of race times between the United Satees and British-bred horses to the detriment of the latter by one to lj| seconds. Races in America are run for 18 to 20 consecutive days at each course. No wonder everyone is sick and tired of them, and how the horses stand up to it is a mystery.