SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1921, Page 3

SPORTING.

, WELLINGTON ACCEPTANCES. By Tftlejraph.—Press Associatiofi. Wellington, July 14. The second day's acceptances for the Wellington races aro:— TALAl r ERA HURDLES HANDICAP.—Simon 11.6, Tigritiya 11.4, Hyttus 11.3, Demagogue 10.10, Dick 10.9, Te Oro 10.6, Kipling, Ruddy 10.5, Sweet Tipperary 10.4, Sir Agnes 10.3, Wild Pilgrim 10.1, The Baronet, Raumanuwhiri 9.9, Hallow, Trentham Rose, Courtfield 9.0. CROFTON HANDICAP.—No Bother 10.3, MlUtaire 10.2, Bitters 10.1, Rebuff 9.13, Californian 9.9, Passenger, Lord Desmond 9.7, Some Fashion, Lady Lucullus 9.5, Hallowvonia 9.4, The Digger, Silk Ribbon 9.3, Great Effort, Cantoris, Sir Wai 9.0. KIA ORA HANDICAP.—RoyaI Mac 11.0, Eistedfodd 10.9, Fabrinado 10.7, Militalre 10.2, Marauder 10.1, Chant Royal 9.13, Lord Usk 9.12, Deucalion 9.10, Lord Desmond 9.3, Lady Kotlropo 9.6, Projector 9.5, Jackaroo 9.3, Waimahoe 9.2, Plume, Jingleform, Rowan, Silk Rein, Opiato, Moutoa Caanp, TFe Beiver 9.0. SECOND HACK AND HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE.—Yankee Jack 11.11, John Bunny 11.3, Silent Dick 10.8, Otauru Kid 10.7, Golden Glade 10.2, Sartoline 9.9, Maluhini, Malincourt, Pokanakane, Chummy 9.7. LIVERPOOL HANDICAP.—Dainty Step 11.0, Mustard Pot 10.10, Income 10.3, Ruatara 10.4, Tari 10.2, Callaghan 10.0, General Advance 9.12, Astlnome 9.11, Blrkle 9.7, Probate, Bonny Briar, Automoana, Weldone 9.0. WINTER OATS HANDlCAP.—Molyneauz 11.3, Menelaus 11.0, Strategy 10.12, Hymestra, Income 10.2, Archie, Admiral Codrington, Arch Salute 10.1, Bonnie Maid 9.12, Verbosity, Miss Muriel 9.10, Kareuo 9.8, Kilgour 9.7, Printemps, Mort Avis, Sylvan 9.3, Jock 9.2, Battle Knight, Moutoa Ivanova, Spook 9.2, Royal Exchange, Counter Stroke, Caverock 9.0. FINAL HURDLES.--Multi?e 11.3, Hyginafl 11.2, Gladful 10.13. Zola 10.6. Sea Dell 10.5, Sir Fanciful 9.13, Simon, Maniahera 9.9, Penury Rose 9.3. THE,NEW ZEALAND RACING CONFERENCE. PRESIDENT'S REPORT. Wellington, July 13. In his address to tke Racing Conference, the president (Sir G. Clifford, Bart.) stated:— The racing season now ending has been conspicuously marked by two incidents —the appointment of a commission to enquire into tho allocation of totalisator permits, and the passing of an act of parliament to suppress' the evils attendant on the operations of bookmakers. * Whatever comparisons may be drawn between the standard of racing in this Dominion and elsewhere, our superiority in two outstanding conditions is indisputable. First of all, no racing club can be licensed here if It has even a remote taint of proprietary interest In its constitution. Secondly, speculation is legally restricted to a method of incontrovertible fairness, which also tends to check individual excesses. By these means all the profits made by racing clubs are held in trust solely for advancement of tho sport, encouragement of owners and breeders, and well organised provision for the public. The contributions of our supporters have been thus diverted to their natural uses’ from the pockets of superfluous shareholders. Every penny so earned after payment of our heavy burden of taxation is now spent In perfecting our appliances or'raising the value of our stakes. That is tie material result of tho exceptional merit of our system. Beyond this the zealous i attention of the executive of every Racing club is devoted to Its welfare, regardless of personal criticism or gain, and a sportsmanlike spirit is fostered in tho community, which is the best antidote 'to any prejudiced hostility. The legal banning of the professional layer of odds is a long stride in this direction, j The totalisator fulfils all the requirements of : the keenest sportsman, engineers no plots, i seduces no jockey or stableman, yhlle it silently represents to investors the true oddi( created by their aggregate wisdom or unwisdom. The bookmaker, on the other hand, retains a higher average commission with prices cramped by a limit which the machine cannot impose. On these often-expresszd grounds we have welcomed the adoption by Parliament of the policy consistently advocated by the conference. We have patiently striven to build up a national sport, of which every sane citizen may be justifiably proud, exempt from the pernicious excrescences of older countries. Our gratitude to the Government Is somewhat clouded by tho ungenerous exactions levied upon us In petty ctarges. Our taxation during the season Is unduly onerous, as may bo realised from the subjoined figures; Totalisator tax £198,817 12 7 Dividend tax 178,524 4 7 Tax on stakes 4,911 11 11 Tax on receipts, etc 5,056 9 11 Amusement tax 9,114 1 4 Land tax 2,297 15 6 Income tax 5,654 3 4 Fractions 38 9 0 Total £401,464 S 2 Local rates paid £4,713 14 0 We loyally accept these obligations as part of the ungrudged price of a victory which saved tho British Empire. We do, however, feel that obstacles should not be placed In the way of those who help in earning our share of that price. Tie exorbitant rates charged by the railway for carriage of the essential horses are a serious deterrent, while even the rebate of return fares allowed on some other live stock is denied to us. Even unjust is the. confiscation of the totalisator fractions, which are the property of the investors, and if not utilised otherwise by their consent should be returned in some shape to them, wtlle the ■ absorption of dividends unpaid within seven j days must cause widespread resentment. In instances where totalisator investments are withheld pending objections and appeals, such I a claim Is not only monstrous but ridiculous, j The maintenance of the present practice would j undoubtedly be preferred, but if not, there is no reasonable pretext for refraining from paying out dividends to the nearest sixpence above or below the accurate dividend. Certain suggestions have been issued from the office of the. conference with the Idea of assisting racing clubs towards uniformity in such details as race cards, saddle cloths, and balance sheets. A uniform report and balance sheet is requisite to save tedious correspondence with the Commissioner of Taxes, who has notified that if all clubs will accept the form now submitted it will be of great assistance to his department. The adoption of uniform race cards and saddle cloths would prove very convenient to racegoers, but perhaps could only gradually become universal. Samples of these suggested patterns will be supplied to the conference. Sufficient care has not been taken by some of ti e district committees in guarding against mistakes In the drafting of programmes of race meetings, which have occasionally been passed with conditions inconsistent with the rules of racing. Much confusion might result in consequence of this Inattention. Representations having been made as to the advisability of all clubs laying out training tracks, a circular was sent out to ascertain how far this was feasible. The demand, if sufficiently Insistent, would doubtless create the supply in this direction wherever suet' tracks can be laid down, but all clubs able to furnish them would find facilities for trainers a profitable adjunct to their appointments. Supervision of the stud book nomenclature has hitherto been limited to rejection of duplications, of unfitting personal, political, or controversial allusions, and of Inconvenient or unseemly words. The conference may well consider whether the scope of objections should not be extended to a discretion to exclude names which are not names at all, such as adjectives and adverbs or phrases such as "look here" or "just beyond." The eighth volume of the stud book has been issued. Mr. Wanklyn is to be congratulated on tho result of his labor.% which, however, would | have been greatly lightened if Information | had, in every case, been forwarded voluntarily | and accurately. This work, which is carried j pa far ibo ?fvlstc A .l®n af btaitfat aft A ‘

'otaiera, aa well as for general information I deserves the. cordial help of all who reap its-,advantages.

Vve have evidence in all directions of the ffrorlng popularity of racing, and it 13, r. 3 it always has been, the function of the conference to render it worthy of the support bestowed upon it. One step towards this end ;mu2t be the enforcement of regulations for the exclUsHJfi of that array of undesirables who flock wherever crowds assemble. They are not there to participate in tho provided attraction, but as beasts of prey to defile the fair gathering. You will probably agree that with due precautions there should be more reciprocity between clubs In regard to persons warned off their courses. At present men debarred’ from attending races in one district have undisturbed adeess outside that area. These evils can ba best grappled with by special detectives conversant with tte wandering class they would be called upon to deal with. Dur correspondence with the Minister of Justice on this important point will mdU cate how far we can proceed at present, and give hope for still more perfect methods of coping with these external evils. Within cur own bounds little has happened to offend us, and perhaps we may accept the paucity of appeals to the conference as indicative of healthiness. Our thanks are dJie to* Messrs. Hugo Friedlander, E. L. Riddii ford, C. P. Skerrett, K.CI, and O. S. Watkins , for. their services as judges.

The stakes now offered afford some set-off to successful owners for the heavier charges which embarrass them at every turn, but all cannot be winners, and it therefore behoves clubs to reduce nomination and acceptance fees to the lowest prudent limit. Tho erection of enlarged grandstands and totalisator houses and of stabling and accommodation for horses and their attendants is now simplified by the withdrawal of edicts prohibiting such building operations, and their resumption wannot be Better timed than after the successful meetings most clubs have recently experienced. The deficiencies noted on some courses by the.stipendiary stewards in ambulance requirements should not exist. Combination by neighboring clubs would greatly reduce the cost of these equipments, for which the district trust funds are also available. Another complaint easily obviated by a little foresight is that farmers are not always available. Ths club which does not ensure their attendance is hardly alive to its own interests.

The accident fund has more than ever proved its value in assuring to injured jockeys and trainers adequate compensation, and at tho same time protecting owners from their moral liability. The crop of accidents has been exceptionally heavy of late. Involving corresponding outlay, but the policy of establishing a reserve fund has placed its resources on a sound footing at the reduced fee now enforced.

The future of racing in the Dominion is looking undeniably bright. Wo are Shaking off most of tho shackles impeding our freedom from abusO'-not Inherent in our constitution. In their absence prejudices, otherwise groundless, must vknish, and we can, unhampered, offer to our patrons clean and healthy recreation. Admiration of the horse, the enthusiasm of tbe contest. Its gay surroundings, and the good fellowship pervading the racecourse are the best known tonics for the jaded toller of tte workshop, the office or the farm. A growing appreciation of this prescription is the best safeguard for the prosperity of one of the most beneficial pastimes of the people. Not only is it a refreshment to the spect. .or, but Its ever-varying Incidents afford relaxation to. the leisure, hours of many a distant student of its problems. May it be ever so, bringing its benefits to every citizen who learns to enjoy its relief.

Matches have gone out of fashion In recent years, but .there seems every probability of the proposed contest between tbe three-year-old pacera. Nelson Derby and Childe Pointer eventuating in November or Docember. Nelson Derby holds tho Great Northern Derby to his credit, and Childo Pointer annexed the New Zaaland Derby. The proposed match is for a purse <>f 500 sovs., with sweepstakes of similar amoufits put up by the owners, the winner to take the lot—£lsoo. Although the question of supremacy is a debatable point this season it will surely be settled when they meet over two miles early in the coming season.

The Weekly Press Turf statistician supplies tho following figures relative to the trotting, season just about finished:—Winning owners: Nicol! £4161, J. R. Corrigan £3574, Iloe and Young £2BBO. J. Roe £2674, Executors of J. Knight £2325, G. Paul £2315, W. B. Masham £2165, G. Steels £2073. Winning horses: Willie Lincoln £2BBO, Author Dillon £2325, Albert Cling £1950, Beta Peter £1827, Asturio £1730, Sherwood £1560, Childe Pointer £1557, Legacy £1460, Lord Rose Dean Dillon £1415, and Whispering Willie £1405. Winning sires: Harold D'Jlon £12,266, Potereta £7359, Wildwood Jun. £6878, Rothschild £6703, Logan Pointer £5994, Gold Bell £5,285, Lord Elmo £4630, Young McKinney £2781, Nelson Bingen £2435, Galindo £2322, Advance £2199, Harold Rothschild £2l SO, and Brent Locanfla £2163.

Some of the big men of the Turf in England must he greeat bettors. Mr. J. B. Joel relieved the bookmakers of £60,000 when Humorist won this year's Derby, while Lemonora's owner, Mr. J. Watson, won over £50,000 in . wagers when that colt scored In the Grand” Prix do Paris. What the Bar Yons’ total liabilities over these races were is hard to say, but it Is safe to bet that they ran into over six figures. We have no bettors like this In Australasia, though in the palmy days the late H. Oxenham always laid a £lOO,OOO book on the Melbourne Cup. A man would tave to put a lot of money at tote odds to win anything like Messrs. Joel and Watson, and ir these big wagers went on tho machine the Kill-sports would have some reason to wall about the huge amounts squandered on our racecourses.

Sport of all kinds, and particularly horse racing has become increasingly popular since tho war, the nation evidently looking for some relaxation after tho strenuous, nerve-racking trials of 1914-1919. Auckland has shown the most remarkable increases In attendances at all sports gatherings, and tho Auckland Raring Club is finding It difficult to cater for the ever-swelling crowds that roll up at Ellerslie. Although money is alleged lo bo scarce (and nobody knows it hotter than this scribe) totalisator figures continue to mount up. In ! fact tliis year’s figures are almost double those of two season’s ago. J. Toohey, the successful Sydney horseman, in tho course of an Interview with the Sportsman, said:—“l make a practice of never us-, in" a whip on a horse if it can be avoided, and depend almost entirely on hands and heels. With hands In front, and heels swinging, the control over your mount Is much better than with the wfclp in action. Of course I have ; won a few races with the whip on, but even then it has only been brought Into use In the last 20 or .30 yards. Recent instances which I can recall when tho hands and heels idea proved O.K. were my treble on Jolly Phast and u dead-heat on Pickles. Jolly Phast had never done much good, and was reckoned a quitter, but my three rides on him each proved successful. I never touched him with the whip once. When Alfort and Pickles dead-., heated in the Rous Handicap, at Randwick, two methods were given a thorough try-qrjt. Albert Wood, who was on Alfort, Is recognised as the most punishing rider with the Whip in the game. Inside the last furlong w<‘ got together, and raced head and head to the post. Albert used the whip freely, lyjt 1 Dever touched Pickles once. That race raised tny confidence in hands and heels.’’, Toohey was the most successful ridex-aF' the A.J.C. winter meting at Randwick -this month, winning the June Stakes (six* furlongs) on Blue Baron, and the Winter 3-fakcs mile) on Syce Knight. As there were only eight flat events on the two days, his achievement was a distinctly creditable