view raw text
Maryland, — • — By Hugh J. McGuire Racing Is Best Supervised of AH Sports Editor Cites Differences in Penalties Suspensions Prove Very Costly to Riders LAUREL, Md., April 30— In a recent column, Paul Menton, sports editor of the Baltimore Evening Sun, graphically pointed out the startling differences in penalties meted to offenders against the rules of racing in comparison to those of other sports. Citing the case of top jockey Eddie Arcaros two recent consecutive suspensions of 10 days each in New York and Maryland, Menton stated that these penalties actually cost Arcaro an estimated 5,000, which included his forfeited fee for his inability to ride Nashua in the Wood Memorial. The 10-day reprimand to jockey Willie Hartack, who is currently a sensation in Maryland racing, would have also run into a tidy sum lost by this rider. Other jockeys who have run afoul of the stewards in Maryland this season include Grimm, Culmone, LeBlanc, J. Regalbuto, Blum and Calloway and while the monetary penalty in some of these cases would not approach that of Arcaro, the cost to the riders would be relatively important. Menton mentioned the disgraceful mob scene and destruction of property that followed a recent suspension of a hockey player in Montreal. He also touched upon a baseball brawl that centered around Irv Noren and the display of temper by tennis player Art Larsen. it is Mehtbns just contention that had these players been suspended promptly and increasingly .for each of-fense-they would have been curbed from their continued rowdyism. By contrast, Menton points to the admission by Arcaro that his suspensions were justified and were accepted as such without any display of temper. Ballplayer Noren drew a lenient penalty of a three-day suspension and a fine of 00, To. further Mentons contention that racing is the best policed sport it might be added that the 10-day suspension period for rough riding became practically mandatory not by action of the stewards but at the request through the Jockeys Guild, of the riders themselves. Jockeys Guild officers are now believed to be giving consideration to recommending even more severe penalties to frequent offenders. Minor Injury Sidelines St. Vincent Laurel isnt complaining but it has encountered a few incidents that did not help the general picture. The weather has not been exactly ideal and the track lost the services of quite an attraction when Boston Doge suffered a minor leg injury and was withdrawn from the Chesapeake. Now Alberta Ranches St. Vincent met with a minor mishap that prevented his appearance in Saturdays Potomac Park Purse on the grass course. St. Vincent is being pointed for Pimlicos Dixie, which will be offered over the turf course this year for the first time. His success on grass in California stakes stamps him. a stout contender for this event and his failure to appear here was so keenly felt that a race over the grass in which he will be eligible to compete may be arranged here before this meeting comes to a close next Saturday. It could not be denied that there were times during the recent convention of the National Association of State Racing, Commissioners when there was a lull in actual accomplishment that tended to create a sense of futility. We ventured this opinion to one of the most active and energetic supporters of the body, Earl J. Mbyer "of Nebraska and a former president of the NASRC. When we found this master of parliamentary procedure in at least partial agreement we asked for his suggested remedies. Moyer would extend the convention for one day, giving over the first day entirely to committee work including audiences to anyone wishing to appear. This would give each committee opportunity to hold deliberative sessions on important matters. Moyer Advocates Fewer Committees Moyer believes that much could be accomplished by deliberation and thought incommittee so that when projects «»were presented they would be thoroughly sifted. He believed that the number of committees could be substantially reduced as many have outlived their usefullness and their work is repetitious. He thought that the convention could reduce the number of social functions without giving offense. He was a strong believer in any proposal to lengthen the period of service of the commissioners. He did say, however, that the conventions of today were, so improved over those of the distant past as to present a contrast rather than a comparison. In Brief: The Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau cost the member tracks a half-million dollars annually, according to Spencer Drayton. . . . The colors of Ira Hanford made their first Maryland appearance on Rainy Day in the second race on Friday. . . Folks at Laurel were talking about the recent victory in France of Banassa, winner of the Prix Jean Prat at two miles at Longchamps. The mare, now five, was second to Fisherman in last years International here. . . . Trainer Judy Johnson has been appointed publicity director of the play "See How They Run" to be offered at the Olney Theatre on May 6, 7, 13 and 14 for local benefits. Miss Johnson also has a part in the play, depicting aff old maid who was a teetotaler until that night. Despite the title, there is , npeferenceacg the |n prot iJrt nj1
