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Stress Stress Rules Rules Uniformity Uniformity at at NASRC; NASRC; Parklea Parklea in in One-Length One-Length Lincoln Lincoln Tally Tally HUGH L. MEHORTER — President of the National Association of State Racing Commissioners, yesterday was presented with a scroll honoring him for his work on the New Jersey commission. Jerseys Secretary Of State in Talk Patton Commends Solons for Accomplishments; Program Of Fire Prevention Outlined ASBURY PARK, N. J., June 21. — The 20th annual convention of the National Association of State Racing Commissioners got under way this morning at the Berkeley-Carteret Hotel, with commissioners from 25 states and four foreign countries assembled.. Owing in part to a decision on the part of president Hugh L. Mehorter, of New Jersey, to defer his presidential address until it. becomes time for him to turn o,ver his office to his successor on Wednesday, the scheduled full-day session was completed by noon. The proceedings began with the customary roll call of the commissions, after which president Mehorter introduced the Hon, Edward Patton, Secretary of State of New Jersey, who welcomed the commissioners on behalf of Gov. Robert B. Mey-ner. Patton stressed the fact that Governor Meyner had gladly accepted the invitation of the NASRC to open this convention, but was unable to be present because of pressing state business at Trenton. In his brief welcoming address, Patton underlined the importance of racing corn- missions, both to the sport of thoroughbred racing and to the states which derive so much benefit from racing. The New Jersey Secretary of State also stressed the need for uniformity of rules in the various states and pointed to the manner in which the commissions had through the past 25 years consistently "upgraded" rules, thus helping to increase public confidence in the sport. He also cited the difference, not always clearly understood by the public and press, of the difference between such modern medical treatments as hormones a.nd vitamins, and what are commonly known as "drugs," a difference which racing commissions have to consider in formulating rules. Walter Donovan, a past president of the NASRC and -currently vice-president and general manager of Garden State Park, which recently concluded its successful spring meeting responded to Pattons welcoming address, and spoke of the glorious history of the State of New Jersey, both as Continued on Page Six ► - — — — — rr: ttt ► = ■ Jersey State Official Stresses Rules Uniformity at NASRC Pafton Commends Solons for Accomplishments; Program Of Fire Prevention Outlined Continued from Page One the scene of many vital battlegrounds during the American Revolution and as one of the older racing and breeding centers, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the convention, the old Monmouth Park having been one of Americas tracks nearly a century ago. Thomas Brogan, chairman of the New Jersey Racing Commission, also stressed the progress being made toward uniformity of rules before declaring his pride in the New Jersey tracks, including the harness track at Freehold. Citing the current 4 per cent increase in business in this early phase of the season, Brogan forecast a rise of more than 20 per cent before the years end. He also pointed to New Jerseys rise as a breeding center, stating that 341 foals were dropped last year on 127 farms, many of them in the Asbury Park area. He also reminded his hearers that New Jersey now offers the worlds richest race in The Garden State, a stake which this year may gross 00,000. Brogan then paid tribute to president Mehorter and presented him with a scroll on behalf of the New Jersey Racing Commission. This presentation was preceded by a resolution by the commission, which follows: New Jersey Racing Commission to Hugh L. Mehorter Whereas, Hugh L. Mehorter has rendered faithful and distinguished service to the State of New Jersey from April, 1951, to April, 1954, as chairman of the New Jersey Racing Commission and; Whereas, we, the members of the New Jersey Racing Commission, have a high regard for him and have been .fortunate in having the services of Hugh L. Mehorter as our chairman -for the past three years; Now therefore, be it- resolved that we, the members of the New Jersey Racing Commission, wish to express our deep appreciation to Hugh L. Mehorter for his excellent services and offer him our best wishes for continued good health, happiness and a long life; -and be it further resolved that this resolution be entered on the minutes of the New Jersey Racing Commission and that a testimonial, suitably engraved, be presented to Hugh L. Mehorter. Thomas J. Brogan, chairman, New Jersey Racing Commission. Attest: Charles J. Sheehan, secretary. April 14, 1954 These preliminaries having been conducted with swiftness and dispatch under Mehorters chairmanship, the convention turned to the business of the session. Disbursements of 2,099 in 1953 The financial statement, which was accepted as read, indicated that the NASRC is by no means a "pork barrel" proposition. The treasury showed a total of ,633.61 in the bank at the end of 1953, while total disbursements- for that year came to 2,099.44. The report of the finance committee, submitted by Edward R. Hughes, of Rhode Island, chairman, was also accepted as read. It reported the returns on a recommendation made at last years Boston, Mass., convention, at which it had been proposed that annual dues be increased from 00 to 00. These returns were inconclusive, with seven states favoring the proposal, eight opposing it, three failing to reply, five awaiting the action of local commissions, three awaiting state action on budgets and three others agreeing to support the majority. The recommendation was, in effect, tabled, the report being accepted without action at this time. One of the most interesting and comprehensive reports presented by the various committees was that on fire prevention presented by chairman William Fitzgerald, of Seattle, Wash. Fitzgerald, who was a jockey in his youth, was Seattle fire chief for 16 years and it was soon evident that he knew his vital subject thoroughly. After citing the numerous disastrous stable fires that have occurred at many race tracks in recent years, JFitzgerald declared that the "frequency and severity of fires has reached a degree where they can no longer be regarded with complacency and thinking persons in the industry realize the necessity for. positive and remedial fire safety action. In that connection, he later pointed to the new experimental barn at Jamaica race track as ideal and perfect from the standpoint of fire prevention. On the other hand, Fitzgerald said, "it is possible for a race track to make a sizable investment in fire protective "apparatus and" MRS. A. E. SMITH— Read her secretarys report at the NASRC citing completion of a 19-year index of officials rulings that had been completed last year. equipment which may be unsuitable for the purpose for which it was acquired." Factors Causing Large Fires Fitzgerald also pointed out that the factors causing large fires, such as frame construction, lack of fire stopping protection for vertical openings, excessive areas subject to one fire, delayed discovery and alarm and inadequate public and private fire protection facilities, are found in all classes of occupancy, and added that, as a general rule, the results of a fire are not governed by the cause of original ignition. An analysis of these original causes of ignition shows that the majority of fires 72 per cent are caused by smoking matches, misuse of electricity, heating defects and spontaneous ignition. Five per cent of fires are of inr-cendiary origin, four per cent the result of exposure and three per cent due to cloth or paper over electric light bulbs and the jsame percentage due to open flames. Fitzgerald outlined a 20 -point program to be followed by track management for the prevention and control of fires, which follows : "~ Race Track Management: Shall provide the following fire protective and fire safety services: , 1. Watchman service with one-half hour rounds supervised by a central office. 2. Watchman trained to send in an alarm of fire and how to operate and use first aid fire appliances. 3. Maintain by contract a central station protective signaling system for watchmen, fire alarm and supervisory service, or a proprietary system for the same pm-poses. 4. If race track is not located under fire protection of an organized fire department, contract with the nearest organized fire department for fire protective services. 5. In addition to No. 4, organize and equip a private fire brigade. 6. Contract with the nearest organized fire department for a fire alarm box direct connected to their fire alarm system. 7. Employ a fire marshal, responsible only to top management, to supervise the entire fire protective program. 8. Make weekly tests and inspection of all fire fighting and fire protective equipment. 9. Train ushering staff and P.A. announcer how to prevent panic in grandstand. 10. Maintain fire patrol of grandstand while occupied. 11. Post "No Smoking" signs and "No Admittance" signs and enforce- their observance in stable area. 12. Permit no smoking in stable area. 13. Do not permit connection of electrical equipment of any nature, type or kind, to electrical circuits without written permit followed by inspection. 14. Maintain fences and gates in good condition at all times. 15. Permit no person to enter "the grounds without a permit. 16. Remove all dry grass, brush and Continued o#i tege Forff-Ffyi Rules Uniformity Stressed at NASRC By New Jerseys Secretary of State Patton Commends Solons ior Accomplishments; Program Of Fire Prevention Outlined Continued from Page Six weeds from vicinity of stables and grandstand. 17. Police automobile parking so as to offer no hazard to stables or grandstand. 18. Adequately floodlight the stable area. 19. Use NBFU pamphlets as basis of fire protective measures. 20. Invoke no comprehensive fire protective plan or scheme without advice of engineers from the insurance rating organization haying jurisdiction. -"Mrs. A. E. "Billie" Smith then read her annual secretarys report, in which she cited the completion in the past year of a 19-year index of official rulings, which was this year put out in the form of a "work book" for the convenience of commissions and stewards. Mrs. Smith also cited the statistical reports compiled by the secretary and her assistant on pari-mutuel wagering and the considerable amount of information given to various commissions on taxation. Ashley "Trimble Cole, chairman of the New York State Racing Commission, then dispensed with the reading of the brief report of the committee on international relations, of which he is also chairman, but entered into the records a list of 43 foreign turf organizations, the majority of which have asked for copies of the NASRC proceedings. Chairman Cole also introduced Dr. Manoel Xavier de Camargo, of The Jockey Club of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and attorney general F. A. Southworth, of the Bahamas Racing Commission, and John H. Bethel, of the same body, who were cordially welcomed by Mehorter and the assembled commissioners. Millar Reads Public Relations Report The report of the committee on public relations, which was read by Harry Millar, chairman of this committee and secretary of the New York commission, appears in full elsewhere in this paper. After the session, Millar said that he regretted not having mentioned the invaluable good will gained for racing by the radio and television statements of Arthur Godfrey, when referring to Alfred G. Vanderbilts Native Dancer as "the greatest single contribution to thoroughbred racings program of public relations to come over the horizon in many a moon." Millars report also cited some dissatisfaction on the part of the working press at what they term a lack of cooperation on the part of racing commissions and racing associations and agreed that the NASRC and the racing associations should consider the need for frank releases or statements following such "executive sessions" as are occasionally necessary. Millar also said that the committee felt "a growing concern over the indiscriminate issuance of press releases relative to stimulation cases," which the later report of Robert T. Mautz, Oregon, chairman of the illegal practices committee, revealed had been reduced to a total of 39 for the entire nation in 1953. Millars report said, in part: "In some racing localities, private police organizations have taken to issuing spectacular press releases, indulging in self-praise for the way their special agents have exposed a sinister drugging ring. This sort of thing invites formidable headlines and unwarranted space by sensation-seeking editors, whose trained minds see betting coups, crooked jockeys and hypodermic needles off in the distance." The report added that there may be too much emphasis placed on the policing done in racing and not enough on the "thoroughbred" aspect of racing. The committee report also expressed its pleasure with the strides made toward improved relations with such organizations as the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, American Trainers Association and The Jockeys Guild. ■ : also stressed the threat of increased taxation, and the fact that public relations become the business of the racing commissions as well as the racing associations since, pari-mutuel wagering makes the states a partner in the business conducted by the associations. The report of the committee on illegal practices, which is a broader replacement of the former committee on stimulation and drugs, was introduced late in the session by chairman Mautz, but much of its material relates to the public relations report. • In fact, the report declares: * "Probably the major threat that the so-called doping of horses presents to the sport of racing has developed to be largely one of public relations." After outlining the vast progress made in almost eliminating "doping" as a problem, the report, which is published in full elsewhere in this paper, includes* some suggestions made by commissioner Jack Carnes, of Arkansas. Carnes suggestions, which were received too late to be voted on by the committee as a whole, include the following: 1. That a uniform rule be adopted to read generally that any owner or trainer with two convictions of stimulation within a five-year period be denied a license at all tracks. 2. That a laboratory and qualified chemist be established at every track and a saliva and blood test be given each winner immediately following each race. * 3. That an independent company be organized similar to tote board or starting gate companies, owning a portable mobile laboratory to move from track to track to do the testing and charging a rental fee. The reports submitted by the various committees this morning will be digested overnight, with the possibility that some action in the form of resolutions will be taken on various suggestions or recommendations before the close of the convention on Thursday. However, one amendment, introduced originally by Ashley T. Cole and slightly amended by Earl Moyer, of -Nebraska, was passed unanimously. This recommendation of the committee on constitution and by-laws reads: "No amendment shall be adopted at any regular meeting of the association unless the motion for such, amendment be made at least one day prior to the taking of the vote thereon." This became Section 32. An amendment to Section 24, eliminating paragraph "D," was also passed unanimously, but will have to be again voted tomorrow, having been introduced after Section 32 became law. Paragraph "D" required committee reports to be delivered to the NASRC secretary no less than 30 days before the date fixed for the opening of the annual meeting. Cole had pointed out that there was little compliance with this rule in any case, and said that premature release of reports led to a lack of interest in them when they are presented at the convention. Suggests Renewal of Annual Award Commissioner Cole also suggested that the NASRC revive an abandoned custom of making ah annual award to some individual for his, or her, services to racing. Wathen R. Knebelkamp,- of Kentucky, second vice-president of the NASRC, then voted that the session be adjourned until 9:30 tomorrow morning. The majority of the assembled commissioners then visited Monmouth Park. During the evening, they were entertained at a cocktail party and dinner given by the American Totalisator Co., at Tony Yonadis Homestead Country Club. Tomorrows morning session promises to be one of the most interesting of the convention. A£ that time, the report of the legislation committee, which was not complete this morning, may be introduced. In addition, there will be addresses by Dr. James J. Manning, director of the New York Crime Prevention Library, and Edmund P. Coffey of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau. It is believed that these ad-dresses will outh»e the respective merits of the "night eye," or "chestnut" method of identification sponsored by The Jockey Club and the lip tattoo method being used by the TRPB. This is a highly controversial subject. Tomorrow will also be the occasion for the report of the committee on nominations, which will be followed by an open forum, at which John A. Bell will speak for the American Thoroughbred Breeders Association; Robert Reed will present an address for the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association; J. Samuel Perlman will speak for Triangle Publications, publishers of Daily Racing Form and The Morning Telegraph; George D. Widener will appear on behalf of The Jockey Club and Sterling Young for the Jockeys Guild. Representatives of the American Trainers Association, national Association of Thoroughbred Breeders, Thoroughbred Club of America, Thoroughbred Racing Associations of the United States and Turf Publicists of America will be heard. Tomorrow evening, Triangle Publications will host the delegates at a cocktail party, followed by a dinner dance on the Crystal Terrace of the Berkeley-Carteret Hotel in Asbury Park, •
