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REFLECTIONS by nelson dunstan AQUEDUCT, L. I., N. Y., June 26. Judging by the many speeches at their Ashbury Park convention the racing commisisoners of this country are now fully aware of the dangers of over-taxation to the sport of racing. Due to illness in the family this writer was unable to attend the conclave, but our publisher and manv others assure us it was the most constructive get-together ever of members of the commissions in the various states where racing is legalized. In previous years the question of taxation was not given the attention it commanded this year. Judge James E. Dooley, Publisher J. Samuel Perlman, Robert O. Read of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, John A. Bell, president of the Thoroughbred Club of America, and George D. Widener, chairman of The Jockey Club dwelt at length on the subject, all realizing its importance in American racing today. The speakers stressed the seriousness of the situation in no uncertain terms. For the past few years there has been a bill in the Ways and Means committee in Washington calling for an extra five per cent federal tax on the sport. Anyone who follows the situation knows that such a levy would be ruinous. Judge Dooley said: "You can readily see what could happen to racing and to the revenues of the states if a five per cent tax were added to the existing state tax raging from 12 to 15 per cent. It could be a death blow to racing." We believe Judge Dooley might have said with equal truth that it "would be" a death blow to -racing instead of "could be." How long would the players dollar last with a drain of 20 per cent? AAA Widener, who also is president of Belmont Park, devoted most of his speech to this particular .subject. Commenting on the ever increasing demands of the state Commissioners Convention Most Successlul Taxation Highlight Subject of Conclave Will Resolution Result in United Stand? New York Still Needs Reduced Mutuel Tax and federal governments, said, "I must acknowledge that the fault, no doubt, is the failure of those interested in racing to fight." That we believe is the most forthright statement from a great sportsman who recognizes the peril and does not pull his punches. We have seen Kentucky, the American cradle of the thoroughbred, finally give way to crass commercialism, and we have seen other states increase their taxes to the degree where the law of diminishing returns must prevail. Yet, no one has done anything about it. It is true that the "ODwyer bite" was fought by the New York State Racing Commission tooth .and nail, but all the turf bodies were strangejy silent when Senator Wicks of the Wicks Committee introduced a bill which took the decreasing city and county tax and transferred it to the state coffers. From ;he beginning many were suspicious of the smooth Senator Wicks and his committee. We were soon to find out that the so called "investigation" of racing by this hody was little more than a coverall for seeking more taxes for a state that has done less for horse racing than any other state in which it is legalized. Governor Dewey refused to listen to the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, and he refused to listen when the New York tracks asked for a reduction. It was just to be the way the Governor of New York demanded it. AAA Judge Dooley, president of NarraganseitPark, cited on several occasions how racing has been booted around and he posed the question,- "So what does this all add up to?" Bell, in discussing the same subject asked, "The important thing is, what can we do about it?" It is difficult to work this problem out. Racing people who contribute millions to the various states each year find little or no sympathy when they appeal for relief from the political lawmakers. At Asbury Park the racing commissioners passed a resolution urging the nations lawmakers to consider most carefully the result of new taxes "the growing tendency on the part of legislative bodies in many states to increase such- taxes to a point which would discourage the continuance of wagering by those who pay taxes." Frankly, in our opinion, it is going to be a long hard road, and unless all racing bodies stand by the National Association of State Racing Commissioners the task is hopeless; Politicians generally know nothing about racing. AAA The racing commissioners resolution will have little effect on the present situation in New York. At the moment, the state of New York takes nine per cent and the city and county two per cent. The tracks get only four; There must be a decrease to the state, and an increase to. the tracks. Widener stated that New York is no longer the stronghold of racing it once was, when it vas the "big apple." Although an astute politician, Governor Dewey has been very shortsighted in his policy. The Governor is a boxing fan and in no way has an interest in horse racing. There must be some relief or New Yorkers never will see the so-called "dream track" built in the city which has always been the "headquarters" of racing in this country. All racing organizations should band together to bring to New York the track that its patrons deserve. It is not enough for the press nor the public nor the NASRC to wage the fight. The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations should put their shoulders to the wheel. Lets all get together in the unity for which Judge Dooley pleaded.
