TURNING AT LAST

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 410, 19 July 1928, Page 6

TURNING AT LAST

PROHIBITIVE CHARGES WHAT THE ENGLISH RACEGOER HAS TO PAY Racegoers in New Zealand often complain of the stiff charges they are compelled to pay to get on to the lawn at a race meeting. So far, however, we have not reached the stage of paying the £2 admission demanded on so many courses in England. After the Derby at Epsom last month, “Sporting Life” had the following comment on this subject: Epsom has emphasised the need for cheaper racing. The slump from the colossal Derby Day multitude to the Oaks Day quite ordinary crowd was attributed in part by people who study these things as much to the inflated charges as to losses by “regulars.” Epsom stands alone in its scale of charges. That JC 2 for admission to Tattersali's is parted with simply because the lure of the Derby draws from the racegoer’s pocket whatever is asked. But, as a fair enthusiasts remarked on Wednesday, “it’s a lot of money for the privilege of standing, in thin shoes, on sun-scorched concrete.” In the Paddock Then there is the 22s 6d fur going into the paddock. At one time the cost of viewing the animals in the parade ring, which is dear to the heart of a great number of people, was 10s, but for some reason it has been raised. Complaints were voiced by men who come to this country from abroad specially for Epsom and Ascot, and spend a deal of money just to get into touch again with English racing and the thoroughbred. In tli© old days the tree that stands in the middle of the paddock was a rendezvous for these sportsmen year after year. There was a general gathering on Epsom’s first day this year, but very few turned up afterwards, it being felt that the charge for the pleasure was to high, especially when paid in addition to the £2 asked at Tattersail’s entrance. Plea for Trippers Other complaint is from a different class of people altogether and prin- I

cipally concerns those who come from the provinces for the day’s sport by charabanc. A charge of seven guineas is made for parking each charabanc, and it can be safely assumed that this is borne by the public who come in them. Yet no consideration is shown for these people. They cannot see the number-board to get the runners and jockeys, and they have to rely on bookmakers or any tic-tac for the results. Xo doubt they are generally fairly dealt with, but the executive might install for them a number-board of some kind so that they can follow the sport properly Epsom may be the finest course and the best managed meeting in the world, but these facts do not shut out | room for reform. RACING FIXTURES July 19—Waimato Hunt July 21—South Canterbury Hunt. July 26, 2S—Gisborne R.C. 1928-1929 Season August 4—Christchurch Hunt. August 4—Poverty Bay Hunt. August 14, 16, 18—Canterbury J.C. August 25—Hawke’s Bay Hunt. Sept. I—M&rton J.C. Sept. s—Dannevirke R.C. Sept. 6—Dannevirke Hunt. Sept. I—Otago Hunt. Sept. S—Taranaki Hunt. Sept. 1-3, 15 —Wanganui J.C.