1934-01-05 — Page 8

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 1934,

OUR PAGE FOR THE RACING

THE AGA KHAN & OFF

COURSE TOTE BETS

DIFFERENTIATION INJUSTICE

POTENTIAL OW NERS WHO ARE SCARED BY THE

COST OF RACING

The need for the extension of "Tote" facilities for stay-at-home backers; regard for ready money wagers when consideration is given to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Lotteries, etc., the appointment of stipendiary stewards; a criticism of Jockey Club rules re objections and the suggestion of a revision of handicap weights formed the subject of the Aga Khan's speech at the Gimcrack dinner, recently, at which he was chief guest.

Hore are points from the Aga Khan

The guest of the evening had a

pai on the back for the "Tote,” | expressing satisfaction that good progress had been made In giving "off the course" hackers the necessary facilities for utilising the services of tho machine,

He was told the amount from' this source this year would be nearly a million pounds. Ho. would like further progress in the same direction,

on

In regard to the recommendations

of the Royal Commission ready-money betting off the course, he hoped If anything in that nature was contemplated something analogous to the French Pari-mutuel would be permitted with the "Tota." "What is the difference between

letting the stay-at-home backer |

put money on through an agency or office of the "Tote," or an book- agency and oflice of a. maker?

"If one is allowed, I see no reason

why the other should not exist. "Only if the "Toto" became a real success, would it be possible to give prizes suficiently high to make racing anything but à rich man's hobby."

Potential owners who were not rich were scared off by high expense and the poor prospects of a horse paying its way. His Highness supported stipendi

ary, stewards and criticised the rule re objection, which he des cribed as very unsatisfactory.} It would be better if stewarda made requisite objections, ren- dering it less and less the op- tional privilege of owners. He also urged that the average weight in handicaps should be reduced to Gat

THE AGA KHAN,

PLEA FOR REVISED HANDICAP WEIGHTS

THE

HE dianer, one of the most im-¡

portant social racing functions of the year, was held at York Station (fotol, York.

The guest of the evening wad H. H. the Aga Khan, whene two-year-old boy Ally Bira, Rustom, won the Gimcrack at the York August *mesting."

the

The "Tote" had an opportunity of rendering yet another service to the public: When two horses ran in the samo ownership in any race, "Toto" should be able to allow a bet to be made on the two horses of the same owner joined together, but it: would be possible to back either horse; individually at the backer's choice.

This, it seemed to him, would dr. away with the dissatisfaction so often felt when a horse carrying second colours won.

Replying to the chief toast, the Ara Khan referred to the strango freak of fortune which had decreed that a man) of his reilgios, peculiar family history, and antecedents, should be making a Gimcrack speech. It was surely д The question of betting on horses in possibility those who founded the the sante stable was not done in other afstoric race could hardly have fore- countries where the coupling of horses in the same ownership for betting pur- poses was alnicat generally practised.

Might he hope as time went on that interest in apart of every kind might draw Englishmen and Indians more and more together.

Expressing his gratification at the auccess of the Totalisator, his High- noss sald it was gratifying to know that the problem of directing__nome portion of betting to the Totalisator had buen tackled, and that good pro- gress had been made in giving the "off the course" backer the necessary facilities for betting on the "Tote"

"I am told," he said, "that in the prescal year the amount of betting | from this sṇurce which has found its | way into the “Toto" is nearly one million pounds.

"This is satisfactory so far as t goon, but I should like to soc-further progress in this direction,"

FRANCE'S EXAMPLE. itemarking that he had been greatly atruck by the way in which the prob- form had been handled in France, the Aga Khan sald that in 1932 the sum of 5294 million francs came to the race course Totalisator in France from the Tarl-Butuel Urbain out of a total

turnover for the year of two billions, 110 million francs-about £20,000,000 sterling at present exchange.

Up to October 31 this year the Pari- mutuel Urban had taken over 580% million francs as against just loss than 426 million franca in the same period of 1932.

The ordinary Pari-mutuel on the racecourse had fallen by about ten per cent. As some 4 per cent. of the money botted with the Totalisator in Franco went to the racecourse' com- panies and 1% per cent, to horse Breeding It was easy to see what ad- vantage that arrangemoat had been to. the sport.

|

Only if the "Tote" became a rexi

success would it be possible to give prizes sufficiently high to make racing anything but a very rich man's hobby.

Many potential owners who were not rich were frightened away by the high expenses and the poor pros- pects of a horse paying its way, Yet those potential owners were needed.

Competition was desirable, and it was not of necessity the rich man who could afford to run a stable, who was the best judge of a horse.

Nor was he any more capable than the less rich potential owner managing his stabile.

"I think it would be a great induce- ment to owners if in all races, plates and stakes me well as classics, the second horses received ton per cent. the total value of the race. and the third horse five per cent, of

"This would not mean that the owner of the winner would be much worse eff except in a few valuable races where, the prize money to recond

small,"

and third was at present ridiculously

STIPENDIARY STEWARDS... Referring to the question of stipen- diary stewards, the Aga Khan said there must be many men, who would be willing to take on such a job, men, of course, drawn from the same son tions of society as these honorary stowards of whom they owed so much.

Their duties would be threefold:

(1) To watch racing carefully and see that thero was always, even justice and fair play:

Surely it would be best if the Stewards who were always watching the race could make the objection whenever necessary‘and so make it less and less the optional privilege of owners.

In many countries abjections had more from the passed more and owners to stewards, who investigated cases of rough riding and generally. dealt with objections.

In those countries frivcloun obice- tions were never made because public opinion would not stand them.

REDUCE WEIGHTS.

In conclusion his Highness urged that the bottom weight in handicapa should be reduced once more to ist,

"In my opinion," he said, "this is essential if disaster is to be avoided."

"Apprentice races do not give auffi- clent experience to light-weight ap- prentices, who, I consider, should have regular chances of riding agalunt the best jockeys and thus learn their jobs by experience.

ENTHUSIAST

Left: Mouche, with Mr. A. Potts up, being lad in after winning the Volunteers' Steeplechase at the Fanling Mesting on Sunday, Right: The Gadwall (Mr. Hope) winner of the New Year's Eve Hurdle race. (Photo: Mes Cheung).

RACING

THE GRIFFINS IN TRAINING

LATEST FORM DISPLAYED AND

TIMES RETURNED ·

THE KWANTI MEETING

SOME GOOD AND BAD RUNNING

SEASON'S FIRST OVER STICKS

HOW THEY FARED

(By Capt. Foster")

The opening Race Meeting at Kwanti lant Sunday was an un- qualified success. The atten dance was large and the finishes in the majority of events wera. good

BY CAPTAIN FOSTER

Tom Cobley (Mr. Jenkins) return. ing to the paddock after cloverly winning the St. John's Cup event at Kwant!. (Photo: Mee Choung),

For the Voluntoers' Hurdle Race of one and a quarter miles, Mouche. was made a pronounced favourite and he did not disappoint his fol- lowers as he won comfortably. A field of eight faced the Starter. and when the flag was dropped,, Mouche at once assumed command. GOSSIP closely followed by White Stars The Gadwall-on whom Mr. Hope with the rest strung out in pro- was riding confidently-showed cession line. At the half mile post, up prominently. Festival Eve White Stars, Social Mark and was soon beaton and a very fina Peter Davy closed in on the lon- race resulted between The Gad- ders, but Captain Potts gave his wall and Burgomaster, the former nount his head on entering the winning by a neck, Festival Eve straight and Mouche striding cast-filling the third place, being many y passed the winning post three lengths behind, longths ahead of White Stars, The favourite Marquis Half® with Brittanic Hall third four won the Talpo Steeplechase of lengths away.

one and a half miles, but it was not the tame race we had expected to see, as he was very hard press- ed to stave Festival Eo was a very hot tip challenge by Duke of Milan. off a most resolute for the New Year's Hurdle Race Marquis Hall took a big lead from of one and a quarter miles, but the start, and he still had a most sadly disappointed. Canary jump commanding position when enter- ed off with the lead, which he maintained until the three-quarter ing the straight. Duke of Milan, mile pest, when he was joined by responding most gamely, came Burgomater, who was galloping catching the now tiring "Marquis" with a grand rush and was fast strongly. Festival Eve fattored by coming into the picture at the at overy stride. The Anish was half mile post when it was appar failed to catch Mr. Stanton's most exciting but the "Duke" just ent that Canary was tiring fast.

mount. I think another dozon Burgemaster led Festival Eve in- to the straight and at this point verdict. No Fear appeared to strides would have changed the

LEAVES FROM. MY POCKET NOTEBOOK

(By "Captain Foster").

On the whole we have had a very quiet week at Happy Valley, nearly all the ponies doing slow healthy work. I was sorry to hear that Mr. Lewis' CAPTAIN COOK died early on Tuesday morning laat, as the animal was a very promising one. This is the second Australian of the new batch he has lost, the first having to be destroyed as a result of an accident.

New Names. The following Derby griffins, have now been named, namely:

Mrs. Dunbar Mr. Dunbar

17

Hem

City of Seattle,

Boolat Bay Bayardo Lemberg Gladiator

D 28

Bay

79

Sandy Bay

25

Groy

Oatt Bay

164

Ches

196

Bay

.161

Chica

195

Bay

197

Grey

Herod

158

Ches

Macaroni

Mrs. Pearce Mr. Dynasty

182

1-Groy

e 173

176

Bay

D. 23

I-Groy

ក

185

Bay

180

ches

181 bay

€ 17

128.

Hack

Dr. Lee

OF

Mr. S. W. Tong

++

D 147

brown

Trowbridge King's Warden King's Command King's Fancy King's Worth Diega

Waterloo Vago

Racing Pluck Racing Triumph Racing Pride

gallop of a mile and three quarters the last mile taking 2-18 and the anal quarter 31 3/5.

DERBY GRIFFINS. One of the best gallops of the week was that of Iron Horse, who covered one and a quarter miles in and a quarter in 2-58, finishing Soldier of China cantoréd a mile "Apprentices riding against each2-51, last mile in 2-16 2/5, last other are not up against the best and most experienced nien in their profes- | sion, and these rices have not for them

the same education value.

"An Illustration will perhaps best explain my meaning. In 50 per cent. of our handicaps the top-weight should be fixed at fat, and brought down to anything which the handicapper may consider a fair weight-even to under 6st.

"In the other races Ost. Tib. might be fixed going up to nearly 10st.

have more variety of handicaps, which "By this division racing people will

will increase the interest in the aport and give light-weight boys.a fair num- ber of races in which they can ride against the champions.

"The best should be no more barred out than any other horses. There is no logical reason why we should Always start at the lowest point and work up."

HANDICAPPED OUT.

SUBSCRIPTION GRIFFINS.

three quarters in 1-42, last half in strongly in 31. The last half took 1-07 4/5, last quarter In 33 3/5.-05, the last three quarters 1-41,

I was also impressed with New and the last mile 2-18. Star and Stago Star (Kong Bros.), chey took 2-19 to cover the last. mile, 1-42 for the last three These griffins are doing much Tuarters 1-06 for the last half and faster work and I think we shall 33 for the last quarter of a mile. Ace some fast times registered

sunaway (Mr. Quarto) and during the next fortnight. William Osler (Dr. Macgown) understand a regulár "pow" took went nicely together for a mile and į place last Sunday morning between

3

I

HOT TIP DISAPPOINTS.

Marquis Hall taking the last jump before winning the Taipo Stoeple chase at Fanling. Mr. Stanton was the jockey. (Photo: Mes Cheung),

gallop sourly, and was novar at any time in the race, Anished # very poor third. -

OLD STAGER WINS.

An old atager in Movanagher surprised many by enslly winning the Tally Ho Hurdle Race of one and a half miles in a cunter, and he was followed home by another old-timer in Zephyr. The favour- ite Dunce never flattered at any part of the race and finished n poor third.

The St. John's Cup ovar“ two" miles of Country, brought out the largest field of the afternoon. Twonty ponies came under the Starter's order, and they were soon despatched on their journey. Mr. Hope promptly established a good load on Red Leaves which ho main- tained until the last hurdle, when he was headed by Mr. Jenkins on Tom Cobley (the favourito) who eventually won quite easily by six lengths. Colority camo to grief somewhere in the country, and yet managed to finish a good third,

Jockey Club's Autocracy

a quarter in 2-56, the last three Iron Sides, Young Chiny and BUT quarters took 1-43 3/5, the last was Cavalcado and they finished in that done in 1-06 3/6 and the lust order. quarter in 31.

William Osler finished the beltor of the pair. I also liked the stylo of Music Hall and Banquet Hall (Ho Kom Tong). They covered the last three quarters of a milo in 141, last half in 1-07, last quarter in 35, the intermediate quarter was a little too fast, seconda.

IMPROVES EACH OUTING.

Mrs. Dunbar's City of Seattle, and Bir. Dunbar's Oak Bay took the same time to cover a similar distance, but the gallop was a more even one, the watch showing 35 3/6

32 2/5.

WHAT A LESSON TO THE STATE

SAYS MR. TOM WALLS -

They galloped over the Cham Mr. Tom Walls, who proposed the appointing their own legislators, fric- pion's distance (14 miles) and toast of the Jockey Club at the tion and diesatisfaction took the place I gather that they finished very Gimcrack' dinner, said It probably was of harmony and erntent, and as cach weary in 2-52, but one cannot get the most sutocratic bedy in the world Government succeeded the other they away from the fact that it was today and yet, according to all the found the principal item on the card. othics of party construction, ita exist the "Waft-and-See Stakes," (Laugh- a rattling. good performance.

ence was a presumption inasmuch as ter), The quarters were done 34 2/5 body which came into existence some It was a self-appointed and self-elected 321-09-1-44 1/5-2-17-2-62. Bold where about the year 1701 and took

THOSE HUMAN ILLS. Commander is another pony which

"In my fulsome praise of this auto- upon itself to govern and legislate cratic body of noblemen and gentle- has taken my fancy, and I liked upon matters which to-day Involved men," added Mr. Walls, do not let it his last three quarter mile gallop millions of pounds and the livelihood be thought I consider they are Im- By accepting both the descending

very much, the time being 1-47 4/5, of thousands.

maculate. with a finishing quarter in 31 4/5, tinued, legal standing, and yet its affair of angels, and even the mambers And asconding scale a handicap could

"It has, a far as I know," ho con- The sort of horse-racing is not an (2) To help and advise executives start at 9at. as one limit, werking

and a last halt in 1-06 2/5. in the framing of races, what modi- down to Sat, 10. or Bat. 12.. or it

Classic Hall took 1-15 to cover me represents the very essence of of the jockey Club are prone to the ills fications were necessary from time could be worked up from det. 71b, to

similar distanco, finishing well integrity. To Incur the full displea- that human flesh is heir to. to time in programmes of racing: Bat. 101b. or Oat, 121b. One method-1-08 8/6-1-11, last quarter in 32 3/5.

sure of the jockey Club and be warned "It has been said there are black Montioning the fact that the Royal

was as good as the other.

off Commission on Lotterios and Betting

Newmarket Heath is a social sheep in every folds I should must The Carp le another pony which stigma, which irreparably ruins one's definitely hesitate to admit that, ap- recommended that certain concessions

Mr. Soares Prima Donna Im-improves with each gallop and I charactor and against which there is plied to the worthy body that I have regarding ready monoy betting off the

proves with each outing. She put was very much taken with his style no appeat."

the honour when he joined Dawn View last Such was the power of this self course, it is conceivable there might to toast, although, of racoecurso should be made, his High-

"We all realise," he said, "that the up a very pico gallop of a mile and Wednesday morning for the last constituted body. Yot how makni be a speckled one in the fick.

a half and finished full of running, mags hoped that if anything of that re objections was very unsatisfactory, really good horse is being more and nature was contemplated in regard to the speaker said it seemed unfair that more handicapped out of winning these the last quarter was done in 80 | milo of a mile and a half gallop. Ho the great sport which wes_also_a/ the best of us is that wo are olther ficently it worked in connection with But the worst you can say about seconds, the last half in 1-05, the finished hard hold in 82 and had tromendous business, Atarting price batting something a horse that had only interfered with races.

last three quarters 1-42 3/5, last the Derby candidate well beaten.

piebald or pale grey." (Laughter.) mile in 2-22 3/5.

How little friction there was and analagous to the French Pari-Mutuel one other horso in the race should be

put lasi,

Utopian also Anished

If the day should ever como when Urbain should be permitted with tho

very how wholeheartedly its judgment was he was hauled up before the powers strongly in a good cantor of a accepted by all who came under its that be, he would have no foar if he Toto.

mile and a half in 3-07 3/5, with a Jurisdiction! What a plty it Anal burst in 32 3/5,

was was innocent that his good name would affairs of State could not be run with not be vindicated. If he was guilty ho equal amosthness and facility.

knew justice would be tempered with: Where they had the opportunity of mercy.

:

And

(3) By their expert advice to halpi

arose.

the Stewards in deciding what caves and enrich handicap racing.

The combination of both would vary

Commenting that the present rule

"I feel very strongly," he said, "that If the disqualified horse has only inter It could not possibly encourage fored with one other horse, he should! gambling or the gambling spirit.

"It is one thing for a horse to carry Est, and win and it is quite another matter for a horse to carry at. TD. to victory,

1

nwax

be placed second. If with two, then become more and more difficult for the

"As the weights incrense, so does it": "I should like to know," he asked, only if many herses have been inter-owners would hesitate to run a good he should be put to third place; and good horsen te win handicaps. Many "what difference there la botween fered with should the harag be put horse if he had so much weight to give lotting the stay-at-home pubilo put Inst." their money on through an agency, or office of the Teto, or an agency and others never did. Some wished to handicaps are divided into two kinds. office of the bookmaker,

"In same countries like Italy the

"It 000 is barrod the other should undue roughness, while others seemed handicaps as the

keep riding free from any eldmont of "I advocate this system for cur bo, too, and if one is allowed. I co no to think it unsporting to win a race robably work best for the future of one which would conton why the other might not exist."

if there had been an objection.

the sport of kings',"--

Somo owners always objected;

Sporting Life went a fast gallop over a mile and three quarters, the total time being 37-1-11 1/5-1-43-2-16 3/ 2012/03-28 2/6 104 2/5, and I should say that this was the best performance of the wook.

The gallop reversed is not quite Bo good, viz:-37. 1/5-1-11 4/6 1-46 2/6 - 2-17-1/62-51 2/5 8-28 2/5.

Night Vlow showed up well in a

AUSTRALIANS.

4

Two fnat gallops were reported

to have been done last Sunday morning, and both came as a sur-High Finance who negotiated a faster Inst Wednesday morning, priso to me,

mile and three quarters In 3-89. and he showed us a taste of his Empire Day took 2-28 to The detalle are 88-1-06-1-86 2/5 qualities by covering a mile and a negotiate the mllo and a quarter, -2-08 1/6-2-88-3-00 4/6-8-30, halt in 861-001-11--2-13 3/5- the respective quarters being The galios of the others were 2-46-3-15, running as smoothly as 20 8/6-60 1/5-1-29 8/6-1-50 on the slow side and in the naturen machine, Ye shall certainly be 4.28.

of good healthy work. Bronza Era bearing a lot about him in due was allowed to stride out a little time, siku

The other gallop was that of