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, Jn in value value for for a a period period od New England By Teddy Cox Horsemen Call for Uniform Claiming Rhode Island Still Has Antiquated Rule Boston Doge Remains on Ailing List SUFFOLK DOWNS, East Boston, Mass., June 20. — The National Association of State Racing Commissioners once again made its pitch for uniformity in racing , rules rules dux*ing dux*ing its its recent recent convention convention , rules rules dux*ing dux*ing its its recent recent convention convention od in California, where it was brought out that only two states, one of which is Rhode Island, retains what generally is believed to be an antiquated claiming rule. Under this patter, a claimed horse who does not win is allowed to compete immediately thereafter for the same, or lower price. In other states it is necessary to advance all claimed horses, whether they win or lose, up 25 per cent of of usually usually 0 0 days. days. Kentucky Kentucky ex- Jn in value value for for a a period period od of of usually usually 0 0 days. days. Kentucky Kentucky ex- extends its "move up" period to 60 days in an attempt to discourage wholesale claiming. The hardboots and justifiably so, maintain that claiming of horses was never intended so much as a medium of exchange, as it was to classify horses. Under this theory, a man doesnt deserve to lose his horse via claiming unless he is caught "trying to steal" with a superior horse. With Narragansett in Rhode Island next on the agenda, the horsemen once again are up in arms because of the difference in claiming rules there against "those in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. They are of the opinion that Rhode Island should adhere to the resolutions of the NASRC and that the popular rule should be adopted without further ado. The complications that" ensue because of these different claiming rules in Yankeeland are innumerable. Testa Promises Commission Action This morning, D. Thomas Testa, chairman, of the Rhode Island Racing and Athletic Commission, was contacted via phone and his first reaction Tvas that his group would change the rule if the horsemen expressed a desire for a change. He was assured that this desire is with the horsemen at the moment. He also was appraised of the fact that only Rhode Island and one other state operate under a rule that apparently has proven itself totally inadequate, one .that has wrought collusion in some states and discontent and ill feelings in others. Testa thereafter said he would call a meeting of his commission prior to the opening of Gansett and that he thought it possible that the rule would be altered. There have been times when jockey agents have been described as the "necessary evils" of the race track, and, on occasion, efforts have been made to rid the sport of these booking agents for reinsmen. This general feeling was predominant not too many years ago, but of late the agents have grown much in stature and they are making the type of progress that lends for cooperation and dignity in a very intricate sport. A couple of evenings ago we attended a dinner and dance staged by the New England Jockeys Agents Guild and it was pleasing to note the harmony and good fellowship that was in order as officials, horsemen, jockeys and agents attended. Truly, it was one of the finest parties, from all angles, this observer has ever enjoyed, and I think those of us who had fun owe a vote of thanks to the Guild and its president, Sammy McCrensky. Cite Guilds Benefits to Agents Sammy says he originated the Agents Guilds of America. He says the New England group has no tie-in with New, York, Maryland or California, but that it operates independently. He is of the opinionT that the guild has rendered yeoman service to racing and to the members of the guild. "Before we had our guild," explains McCrensky,. "when a jockey got hurt it put the agent Out of business. It still does. But when this occurs now, the guild lends some financial support to the agent until the jockey gets back in the saddle. The sameapplies when the agent, himself, becomes ill. We have death benefits and other good points." A tour of the backstretch this morning led to Boston Doges stall and the handsome "Beantown Bullet" wasnt feeling well at alf. He was taken down with a virus after his engagement in the Carter Handicap and has, never fully recovered. Paul Andolino, his owner, says he coughed once or twice prior to the running of the Carter. Now it is obvious that a mistake was made in allowing the stallion to compete. The Andolinos, however, will give "Bozo" more than ample time to regain robust health and it is probable that he wont be seen in action until late in the Gansett meeting, if then. Program Scribblings . . . The Eastern Racing Association has scheduled a testimonial dinner in honor of Earl Gibson, manager of the mutuels and treasurer here at Suffolk. The affair is slated during the course of the fall meeting on October 15. . . . And they tell the story of the man who sold a horse for 0 with the description: . . He no look good, but he can run." A few days later the horse started and he went into the far turn of a six furlongs race ten on top, but neglected to take the curve and wound up on the outside of the track. The new owner was infuriated and went to the horse trader for an explanation. "Well," came the reasoning, "I told you he could inn, but he no look good.?V . - * ,
