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Optional Claiming Races Approved by Breeders Anitas System Held Step Toward Alleviating Excessive Haltering HOLLYWOOP PARK, Inglewood, Calif., June 9.— The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association has approved the optional claiming system of races, which Santa Anita has announced will be continued with revised penalties next winter, according to the following statement issued by its general manager and registrar, James G. Jackson: "In discussing Santa Anitas optional claiming system with a number of our breeders, it was the consensus that this is a great step forward in minimizing a situation which has irked many an owner and which has resulted in others being discouraged from entering and/or continuing their racing operations. "Specifically, one breeder mentioned a certain filly of splendid breeding which he hoped eventually to retire to his nursery and which, in fact, was acquired with this purpose, in mind. As she seemed a worthwhile racing prospect, he put her in training. After a few starts his trainer entered her in a claiming race when no other suitable spot seemed forthcoming. Much to his regret, he lost her. Im for anything that will stymie the halterman, was his concluding remark. "It is disheartening to any owner to lose an animal in which he has great faith, particularly if this occurs before he has had an opportunity to realize any return on his risk and investment. In our considered opinion, the breeding industry In California and elsewhere, would be bene-, fited by continued and increased use of the optional claiming system as developed at Santa Anita."
