NTF alarmed after clerk's 'inaccurate and condescending' comments on GoingStick readings

Punters and trainers have expressed shock and concern at suggestions GoingStick readings are being fabricated by clerks of the course.

On Tuesday, Thirsk clerk of the course and chief executive James Sanderson said he published a GoingStick measurement below the reading taken as “if we published the readings as they came out of the ground they would be misleading”.

Sanderson, who said he was not a fan of the apparatus, added that if an anonymous survey of clerks was conducted on whether readings were changed he would “be amazed if you didn't get 50 per cent or more saying yes. I know others do, I talk to them”.

Paul Johnson, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation, said it was incumbent on clerks to provide accurate going information and that he had contacted the BHA to discuss Sanderson’s comments.

He said: "The comments from James that he has been deliberately providing incorrect GoingStick readings will be a cause of great concern to trainers. It is the role of the clerk to provide accurate information that will enable trainers to make plans for the horses that are their responsibility. 

“Falsifying this information may have led to incorrect decisions being made by those trainers, who will be seeking to act in the best interests of the horses in their charge. The suggestion that trainers will not understand that stick readings cannot be compared between courses is both inaccurate and condescending. 

“We have already discussed these comments with the BHA and look forward to hearing how they intend to ensure that this is not as widespread an issue as suggested by James.”

The Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF) said the comments showed a disregard for punters and that racing had a responsibility to act to ensure those betting on the sport could trust the information that was being provided to them.

Punters need to be able to trust the going descriptions, the HBF has saidCredit: Edward Whitaker

Sean Trivass, HBF chair, said: “There’s a lack of trust in the GoingStick and going readings in general. We have to question whether racing overall wants to get together and provide accurate going descriptions for people to bet on because it doesn’t feel that way. 

“If 50 per cent of clerks are jiggling with the going readings, as has been alleged, then racing has no choice but to get together and define what has to be done. We have to know clerks will give a reading and that we can trust what they are giving.”

The BHA said while it appreciated there were nuances in how the readings recorded by the GoingStick at different courses were interpreted by clerks, it was important that accurate information was provided.

A BHA spokesman said: “The BHA is aware of comments made by Mr Sanderson regarding the sharing of GoingStick readings prior to race meetings and are looking into them. 

“We believe that sharing accurate GoingStick readings is important, as it provides important information for participants, bettors and fans about the condition of the course at a given time. 

“It has also always been made clear that GoingStick readings are not comparable across different venues, but rather should be considered in comparison to other readings from that same course. 

“If a different user takes responsibility for taking GoingStick readings then a slight difference to the average stick reading would also be expected. A given reading may well, therefore, lead to different official going descriptions at different courses.”

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