THE RACE IS THE THING

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 127, 19 August 1927, Page 7

THE RACE IS THE THING

AN AMERICAN GOES TO THE GRAND NATIONAL TAKING OUR PLEASURES SADLY “I am an American journalist visiting New Zealand,” wrote Hill Tolerton to a Christchurch newspaper, “and I noted some very striking differences in the way racing is conducted in New Zealand and in the United States of America on my visit to the Riccarton race track, when the Grand National was run. “Riccarton is certainly a great place, and let it be understood that my remarks are not to be construed as criticism. The first thing that caught my attention was the skill with which the railway and tramcar people handled the enormous crowds. This was efficiency—plus. But then it must be remarked that it was a very sedate and good-natured crowd, seriously intent on taking their pleasures sadly in the time-honoured English way. This is an old gibe, but there is a basis of solid truth in it. THE DIFFERENCE “In America there would have been more sparkle, vivacity, and general excitement, especially at the time of the actual racing, when we are apt to get a bit hysterical. “Certainly a most efficient machinery was behind the racing itself. Every race started promptly on scheduled time, and the wholg business was beautifully managed. And to see actual green grass on the track itself was something new to me. ALL RESERVED SEATS “In America a ticket to the grandstand entitled the holder to a specified numbered seat that is easy to find, as

the aisles are plainly lettered. This seat belongs to the holder of the ticket as long as he or she remains on the track that day. He can leave it to saunter on the lawn, and it will be waiting for him on his return. “But this is not so at Riccarton, where a ticket to the grandstand is merely equivalent to what we in America would call general admission. In fact, the arrangement now is such that I could not see the races to any advantage at all until I obtained by good fortune a place in the grandstand. I arrived at. the track at 1.30 p.m., but every available seat in the grandstand had already been taken. PURCHASED THE RIGHT “Have I not as good a right to a seat, in case I tire of parading the lawn, as the early comer? I should imagine the conditions might be rather unpleasant in case of inclement weather. “It seems to me that there is room for another up-to-date stand that would take care of everybody, in addition to the present arrangements. And it could be built without spoiling the present lawn. “The New Zealand and American points of view toward racing differ. In this country the horses and the race itself are everything, whereas in America we go to the .races primarily to enjoy ourselves, and that includes the Important matter of being perfectly comfortable while we are looking at. horses running. It might be kangaroos, wild pigs, running a race, or any other spectacle. We regard it as merely a spectacle, and nothing more. Possibly we are wrong, and the race, like the play, is the thing.”