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REFLECTIONS by nelson dunstan GARDEN STATE PARK, Camden, N. J., May 12. Hugh Mehorter of New Jersey, president of the NASRC, advises that "the knowledge gained and accomplishments made of the various NASRC committees who have served during the past year will become public property during the convention at Asbury Park next month." Continues Mehorter, "While it would not be proper to divulge some of the reports in advance, I can say that some real progress has been made in several vital fields and that when the reports become public property, an analysis will reveal that solid progress has been made. There has been a definite trend toward more uniformity in basic rules, and I also believe that there has been a more frequent interchange of ideas, and conferences, between and among the different state commissions than ever before. I also believe that there has been a noticeable tighening up in the past year and during my tenure of office as president of the NASRC, I believe that racing has generally prospered and has not only consolidated many of the gains made in previous years, but also has prepared the way to make even further substantial progress." AAA Perhaps the most noteworthy- thing that has happened in Jersey, and perhaps in American racing for some time, is the "story behind the story" of those extra days now under consideration in official Jersey circles. As most everyone knows, the Jersey law originally permitted 200 days of racing at four tracks. Later, an amendment was adopted which for the time being prohibited a fourth track. That left three each with 50 days. And, as readers are aware, there is now a move pending in the legislature Hugh Mehorter Outlines Progress of NASRC Attitude of Jersey Leaders on Mutuel Tax Realize There Is Diminishing Returns Law Atlantic Citys Lou Cunningham Promoted which would permit the three tracks: Garden State, Atlantic City and Monmouth Park, to utilize all or at least part of the extra 50 days and so bring the Jersey season to its full complement of 200. In any event, the circumstances leading up to the serious consideration of extra days is just this the people who count in New Jersey have heard and believe it correct that any additional tax on pari-mutuels, at this time, at least, would price Jersey out of the favorable competitive position it now holds with New York, plus the important fact that these same people who cant understand that there is such a law as that of diminishing returns and that any increase over the present pari-mutuel percentage could have a harmful effect. Therefore, there has been no insistent demand from Trenton for an additional slice of the mutuels for the state, but in the quest for some new revenue from racing, additional days would provide just that. If more state governments "get the picture" of this break point in taxation, above which the whole thing becomes unhealthy, if not actually sick, there is every chance to believe that a stabilization in the matter of taxes. can be effected. If so, this would be the most important thing that could happen to racing. It can be added that the analysis of racing taxation, as presented by many of Jerseys turf leaders to these "people who count" was made on a sound economic bnsis, and the presentation made no use of anything but facts. In other words, Jersey would be far better off, in the long run, under its present tax, than by the imposition of additional ones. It is not a matter of news that the new chairman of the Jersey Racing Commission is a personable gentleman named Tom Brogan, but it is of interest that the man is an active commissioner and is taking his post seriously. He devotes most of his time to affairs racing. Brogan is pardonably proud of the stand of the New Jersey commission in respect to fingerprinting, and most everybody is now printed at the insistence of the state rather than as before, by cooperation with the TRPB. Brogan also has streamlined the office of the commission, and the staff,- while somewhat small, is functioning at a high degree of efficiency. An "inspector of racing" is on hand at all times to act as arbiter for the commission in any small and sometimes irritating matters which might arise, while the commission itself is always available for any major subjects. Brogan is quite pleased with the progressive attitude of all hands connected with Jersey racing, specifically with managements in undertaking a steady program of physical improvement designed for the comfort of the patron, and with the horsemen for their participation in the steady upgrading of Jersey racing quality. AAA Speaking of improvements, Dr. Leon Levy of Atlantic City tells us that the Seashore track has laid out a "five-year program" of progress, and that the whole thing is now in the blueprint stage. As a consultant, Dr. Levy and his associates called in the famed California turf architect, Arthur Froelich, and, in addition to planned expansion of the plant, some major alterations will be launched with the close of the summer season. These alterations are envisoned to smooth human traffic patterns and thus make the place more convenient, and at the same time to beautify the course. "There are many things Continued on Page Thirty-Nine I REFLECTIONS : By NELSON DUNSTAN Continued from Page Forty-Eight death in-the latest renewal, we do not believe that even that is sufficient reason to stop one of the great turf events of the world. We have seen jockeys killed in flat races, so why the outcry against such a great race as the Grand National? AAA A reader writes to ask: "What would you say international events prove so far as quality and the breeding of the contestants goes?" Frankly, we do not think they prove a thing beyond the fact that racegoers like them as spectacles. When the first Washington, D. C, International was run an English turf writer made much of the fact that a horse from his country was the winner. As we recall it, he enthused over the fact that the English horse had proven superior to his American rivals. He made no mention of Zev defeating Papyrus in the International race at Belmont Park many years ago, or that the fine French racer, Epinard, came over here to be beaten by three American horses in an International series. International races, so far as quality or breeding is concerned, prove absolutely nothing, any more than a foreign fighter coming over here proves superiority one way or another. International races are colorful and they promote interest for everyone who loves horse racing. There is no doubt that, regardless of the minority, international competition will find greater favor in America during the years to come. When all is said and done, many of our top horses descend from those on the other side.
