view raw text
PROSPECT FOR MUTUELS IN ENGLAND. The prospect for the introduction of the pari-mutuel system in England, supported as it is by so many influential racing personages, is very good, in spite of many serious obstacles. In England the bookmakers pay no license fee, consequently the Jockey Club may favor the new method or follow the plan of extracting revenue from bookmakers. Licensing has been advocated in England before, but the Jockey Club stewards were indifferent, and the old-established bookmakers, with their "pitches" assured, put up a strong opposition. A licensed man, no matter how new, is practically guaranteed safe by the clubs, and a backer will not pass him by for the "old and tried" man. In England the backer cannot risk betting with the stranger; hence the determination of old-established bookmakers to prevent licensing. Sooner or later, however, the Jockey Club is likely to be forced to the conclusion that promoters should acquire revenue from either bookmakers or mutuels or the two combined. Should the new system come it will not drive any "good" owners off the turf. It has not done so in any of the countries where it is used. The rich man, who likes to back a horse for a good stake, may grumble at not being able to indulge his fancy in this respect, but he is not racing for a living, and he will soon reconcile himself to higher stakes and less betting. The clever professional backer naturally prefers beeting as conducted under the bookmaking system, but he does not contribute much towards the support of racing. Toronto Globe.
