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BETWEEN RACES By Oscar Otis PIMUCO, Baltimore, Md., May 13. — f Pimlicos ancient Preakness has the distinction of being the first race of conse-| quence to be chain televised, and for the first time will go coast to coast, just as did the Kentucky Derby. The first Preakness to be telecast outside its-own particular area of Baltimore went as far as Washington to the south and Boston to the north. Last year, it got as far west as Omaha. You may have wondered just how many people actually did see the running of the Kentucky Derby a week, ago Saturday. Dr. Leon Levy of Atlantic City race track kindly checked the figures for me at Columbia Broadcasting Corporations offices in New York. He advises that standard checks were taken throughout America oh the 52 stations, checks which are accepted by the industry as being reasonably accurate. Of all the TV sets in use on the afternoon of May 3, approximately 80 percent were tuned in on the Derby. The Derby race went into 4,000,000 homes and was seen by 9,150,000 people. This was from a potential of an estimated 52,000,000. In other words, about one person in every four who were in a position to receive the Derby cast live actually did see it. The Derby did not set any records in sports for audience monopolization," however. A few fights, such as the Robinson-Graziano affair, had a higher rating, as did last falls telecast of the World Series. Indeed, the Derby ranked considerably under the series in number of "lookers and listeners." However, there are two points to be remembered in this consideration. One, the prize fights were at night. Two, the World Series was on more than one channel, and a TV owner had no choice but to look at the series, or shut the set off. In the case of the Derby the viewer had the choice of one or more alternate - programs, in most instances at least three. AAA A technical analysis of the Derby telecast is in order because, while it was excellent, it also was obvious to the trained heads in high TV echelons that coverage of a horse race like*the Derby or Preakness must be handled differently than a boxing match, where the action takes place in a small arena and a baseball or football game. Television, did a good job within its present limitations. It would seem that more close- Derby TV Audience at 9,160,000 * Major Technical Improvements Due HBPA Advertises for Stable Help Career Awaits Men on Backstretch up shots of the race would have been desirable, and these could have been obtained only by using more cameras spotted around the race track, something on the order of the placement of film patrol lenses. Color television would have made a great deal of difference, as comparison with the tinted TV races sent out from Monmouth Park last year indicated to those who saw both kinds. The problem of more closeups may be solved in the near future by the development of the "walkie-lookie" which could flash the race from, say, the three-quarter pole, or the far turn, to a master relayer in the grandstand. The CBS people made no estimate as to how many saw a delayed running of the Derby via kinescope in cities with TV stations, but not as yet linked to the network. Within the next few years most everybody in America who wants to see the Derby or Preakness will be able to do so. This corner will get the figures for the Preakness telecast as soon as they are available; "It will go on about the same pattern as the Derby, namely, over 52 stations live, and only one network. AAA Whether the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association in New Jersey really has something, or whether the experiment will fizzle, we have no way of knowing at this time, but nevertheless its action in advertising for backstretch help is worthy of close attention by one and all. W. E. Charles, Jr., secretary of the Jersey branch, believes that because of the calls of the armed forces for younger men, the backstretch at Garden State Park is about 100 men short. These shortages are in the groom and hot walker class. Charles states frankly that he is offering men between the ages of -18 and 45 a job or a career. A mere job, pleasant, outdoors, and with good hours, if an applicant is looking for a job only, but a real career if the newcomer has aptitude, is willing to study as he works, and is able to learn the art of training. He has the backing of some of New Jerseys best known training names in the venture, who will devote a great deal of their time tutoring the backstretch newcomers so they may advance up the ladder. A hot walker will be a hot walker, ►but those who qualify can work up to the next step, rather easily, that of "assistant groom," a job which consists of helping an experienced groom care for several horses, and learn while he helps. AAA Charles used the rather surprising approach of direct advertising in his search for new blood for the backstretch, and as of this writing, he has had some response, and a few applicants have been hired. While farm experience is not necessary, it is helpful, even though the farm had no livestock. The * applicants past experience and references are carefully checked. Incidentally, the drive for help is not to be miscontrued as a protest against the hundreds of good grooms and hot walkers now emplbyed in New Jersey. There is a shortage of men, and it is acute. Whatever bad name the backstretch may acquire seems to come from the same source which brings anguish to other segments of racing, namely, the few nitwits who masquerade as backstretchers. Employers always have to contend with the fellows who show up looking for work, put on a good front, but who are really seeking a badge which can get them into the track where they can do a bit of plain and fancy touting, or the alcoholic who is only seeking employment long enough to pile up a few bucks so he can go on another spree. These men are quickly found out, and given the heave-ho from the track, but there always are others to take their places. A A A A career in horse racing, from the backstretch angle, has been proven feasible time and time again by the many top ranking trainers in America who rose from the ranks. It also it true that with few exceptions, the present generation knows little about horses, but a lot about automobiles, and the care of training of a horse, especially the thoroughbred, is now to be classed almost as a special talent or skill. Charles has promised the newcomers pleasant outdoor work, and good pay. He is not stretching a point there, for most grooms have no rent to pay, eat at the track kitchens where food is good and prices reasonable, and many are able to save regularly from their salaries, besides, once in a while the "big horse" wins and many grooms participate in what would be known as a windfall, or, to use the turf phrase, a "watermelon cutting." In any event, all hands on the backstretch agree that it beats being a cog in a machine in a putty-knife factory.
