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Morris Voices Opposition -To Off-Course Wagering TRA Head Says Ail Racing Groups Will Strongly Oppose Such a Plan; NEW YORK, N. Y., Aug. 27. John A. Morris, president of the TRA, representing- 37 of the countrys major race tracks, today warned that off -course betting will be strongly opposed by all racing groups. Commenting on a current proposal for the private operation of off-course betting j stations in New York state heard this week at an open hearing of the joint legislative committee to study horse racing held at Saratoga Springs, Morris said : "The TRA has since its formation on 1942 been opposed to the legalization of off-course betting. So, for that matter, j have all responsible groups in racing, The i Jockey Club, the National Association of State Racing Commissioners, the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, the. American Trainers Association, and other organizations of horsemen and breeders. "Thoroughbred racing is primaritly a spectator sport and recreation," Morris said. "Betting is an integral part of the sport and makes it possible for its operation on the scale on which it is conducted today which brings over 00,000,000 in revenue to the states sponsoring racing. However, the difference between backing ones choice at. the race track where one is present as a participant, and betting away from the track merely for the sake of betting, cannot be too strongly emphasized. "Although it could mean increased profits for the race tracks, off-course betting would inevitably subordinate racing and bring on an adverse public reaction which would kill a traditionally great sport and an economically significant industry."
