REVERSAL OF FORM

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 11

REVERSAL OF FORM

Speculative Public. Losing Confidence in Trotting Game

STEWARDS MOVING IN RIGHT DIRECTION

WHATEVER excuses may be made or theories advanced for the big decrease in the totalisator revenue of the Otakuhu Trotting Club at its meeting just concluded, one fact cannot be overlooked, and that is the sport of late in this locality is losing a lot of its popularity with the general public.

Like other pastimes, .trotting has had its ups and downs, and while running in a smooth cycle the sport increased wonderfully in public popularity. From a spectacular viewpoint it has been recognised as a great asset, while its speculative values have at times been well in the ascendancy. During the last two decades rapid progress has been made until from a speed ‘point of view, the sport has reached a remarkable altitude. Highclass breeding, clean increased stakes and improved conditions generally all played a prominent part in raising tho standard of the light-har-ness sport, until it became a iriencin rival of the sister sport in popularity. The progress of the pastime was not made through a bed of roses, but strict administration had the desired effect of keeping the game well above board, and periodically there was a “roundup” and a real “bag-wash” indulged in that made for the betterment of the pastime and its large army of followers. Latterly, however, there has been a change in the scene, and things have happened during the last 12 months in this centre that have caused the public to lose a certain amount of confidence in the business. • Some incidents, which did not meet with the approval of the multitude, while they may have reasonably stood the test of investigation, ware allows to pass unheeded, but to the credit of those in authority be it said that, at the recent fixture, they showed a desire to satisfy the “majority who pay, pay, pay” that their affairs in this direction were being safeguarded and kept under strict surveillance. Something Attempted It is at least satisfactory to know that something has been attempted and perhaps even something done that will create a feeling of safety among the speculative assembly at trotting fixtures: but the outside sign which is usually flown at Alexandra Park after an inquiry of “explanation satisfactory,” conveys little after all to those who have lost their cash in which they are apt to term “cold blood.” These explanations, whatever may be the outcome, should be available for the information of the public, which after all is the greatest factor toward the success or otherwise of the various carnivals. Time was when such evidence was handed to the Press for publication, but as the sport progressed, this important phase of the question took a reti'ograde movement, and “star chamber” methods were eventually adopted in dealing with protests and inquiries. Tho sooner a reversion is made to the old order of things the better for all concerned, and especially is it advisable if the public confidence is to be regained. The First Step “Abuydos” does not wish to bring back unpleasant memories by alluding at length to incidents that- have occurred at Epsom during the last 12 months, but in the interest of the sport and those who keep it going by their practical support, he would suggest that in future prompt action be taken where there is any grounds for suspicion. If a horse does not perform in keeping with his past essays, a lot of good would result if an inquiry was instigated right away and the public made cognisant of the full facts of the case. This would be a safer and wiser method to adopt than to wait till the same hors© had won later, and perhaps lost the race as the result of investigation, thus again delivering a severe body blow to the unfortunate and unsuspecting investor. That this “modus operandi” is workable was demonstrated in one instance at Epsom on Wednesday, and if the stipendiary stewards continue on this line of action they will earn the confidence of tho general public. Unless a firm stand is taken this fine sport

will be doomed, and those who are given the power to keep it fair, square, and above board will be weighed in the balance and found wanting. There is no doubt some strange things have been witnessed of late regarding reversal of form. Rot Must be Checked But the powers have the remedy at hand, and if the medicine is administered fearlessly, despite its unpleasantness, an appreciable cure will be effected. If the cleansing power is withheld then the business will decline and decay until all. the good work of the past has gone for nothing. The rot is setting in, and it must be stopped in time. Clubs are catering well for owners by giving excellent and liberal stakes, while th© ever-paying public are assisting tow'ard this end by continued patronage. Unless the owners play their part in the proper sportsmanlike spirit, public support will be alienated and as a result clubs will not be able to offer such tempting prizes. This

gloomy outlook can be frustrated by direct action on the part of those placed in the highest administrative positions, and tho writer is of the opinion that the “heads” have at last recognised the need for closer scrutiny into various phases of the sport, and are determined to clean it up and reinstate it once again to the high pedestal of popularity it enjoyed. Delay will be extremely dangerous, and “now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.”