view raw text
[ I r r t f r - i a ! i i c f : t r « c 1 I t i J 1 l . ] I , 4 l i ] I j i i i i i i RACING IN AUSTRALASIA Difference* Between Our Own Sport and That "Down Under" — Some Liberal Rules. Robert L. Leighton, who is the director of British Columbia racing, recently spent some months in Australia and New Zeahir.d and naturally looked keenly into the racing of itlOSfi two great centers of the sport. In a personal letter he outlines the sharp point.? — mostly of difference from our own tint" sport —which came into his view. These points are pot into a dozen paragraphs below and are of great interest. Here they are: All courses are grass, bcth left and right handed, as in England, and usu.illy pear-shaped. The turns are not thrown u; . The natural contour of the ground is little changed and at many of the best courses the finish is uphill. No horses are allowed to race in blinkiers or hoods and no horses with defeethe eyesight are allowed to race. BBJkteges and the marks of the firing iron are almost unknown. There are no selling races. There are different scales of admission charges to the public, varying in price according to the accommodation. This io English style. Smoking is not permitted in the grandstand and the occupants retain their scats during the running of the races. Transportation facilities to and from the race courses are wonderful. Jockeys fees are proportionate to the purse. When the value of the prize to tne winner exceeds 00, 5 per cent thereof goes to the rider of the winner. JOCKEYS MUST WEAR SKULL CAPS. All jockeys must wear skull caps in all races. These are of an approved pattern and are worn under the usual silk cap. This consider the greatest possible fatality prevention ever devised. Apprentice allowances are graded from J down, according to the number of winners ridden. All outside fees earned by an apprentice are paid to the Jockey Club and by it deposited in a savings bank trust account, where it remains, exigencies excepted, untl the termination of indentures. In Xew Zealand speculation is by totalizator only, with 11 per cent deduction, of which the government retains 7 per c~r.t. In New South Wales, both the totalizator and bookmakers operate at the same meeting. All bookmakers and bookmakers cierks are licensed. Welching is unknown. In Victoria bookmakers only are allowed and are licensed and taxed. The totalizator pay:; on the winner only when five or less horses start. When six or more go, it pays on the first and second horses, 75 per cent and 25 per cent. When nine or more start, it pays on first, second and third. The total pool is divided, 60 per cent to the first horse. 20 per cent to second and 20 per cent to third. Entrance fees are charged to all rnces. Harness races are mixed events. Trotters and paeers start together. Horses are handicapped by distance. There are no time classes. Many are ridden at 154 pounds minimum. All riders and drivers wear cilors and breeches and boots. The usual distance is from one and a quarter miles to two miles from a standing start. There is no prohibition. Saloons or public houses are open from 8 a. m. to 6 p. in. daily except Sundays. QnestS in hotels can be supplied with what drinks they require at other hours. « ♦ -
