Racing and the War

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 July 1940, Page 3

Racing and the War

‘(BY “THE GRAFTER.”)

In connection with racing restrictions, a declaration by Mr Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister, is of interest: “The question of continuing sport at the present time is one for the authorities controlling sport to answer. If they feel they can carry on with their programmes, then I think they should. My feeling is that every man has to ask himself: Am I making some definite contribution towards our national war effort? Am 1 putting the important things first? Having answered those questions, there is no possible reason why sport should not continue. Indeed I think sport can serve a very useful purpose and a very necessary one. If we were to stop all sport, where is the community to find its recreation? Are we as a people to stand around in groups talking over and over the things that are uppermost in our minds at the moment? No. In the last analysis we must still have exercise and recreation at a time of testing like this. You need recreation. 1 need recreation. If we went the full limit and closed up all sport as a few would have us do, what good purpose would it serve Indeed, I fear it might serve a very bad purpose. This 1 would very much like to see—sport tied up with national effort in the way of increasing patriotic and war funds.”

Racing clubs and greyhound clubs have been instructed by the State Government of New South Wales to reduce the number of meetings voluntarily, or drastic official action will be taken. It is agreed that there is too much racing and no justification at the present time for so many obscure horse meetings or the majority of the dog fixtures. Naturally, some of the proprietary concerns, are very perturbed, but as the Government is likely to impose a 100 per cent profits tax over reasonable expenditure the way is likely to be made easy. It is hoped that there will be racing in and around Sydney only on Wednesdays and Saturdays in future. Outstanding Young Trotter. The Pleasant Point trainer, D. Teahen, has a two-year-old trotter in work which has astounded sportsmen by the exceptional speed he has displayed for one of his age and gait. He is by Quite Sure from Roydoifs Pride, a mare by the American pacer Arion Guy (1.591), from Belle Keller (2.71), which was imported to New Zealand from America by Mr J. R. McKenzie. Good judges say that the juvenile in Teahen’s stable is destined for a great career if he proves equal to his private reputation. When first placed in training he was tried as a pacer, but he soon made known his desire to trot. In all probability the youngster will be given an opportunity to lower the existing mile record for two-year-old trotters, of 2 min 22 2-ssec, established at Forbury Park in 1930 by Todd Lonzia. It is no secret that Teahen’s juvenile can knock several seconds off that time for a mile. In fact, those who have timed him say he has amazing speed for one of his age. He may make his appearance at a matinee meeting to be held early in 1 the new season.