Sport: Chaos in New York

Since the 1890s, the 50 gentlemen members of the Jockey Club have been the most influential force in the U.S. for reputable horse racing. In New York, 17 years ago, the state legislature gave the Jockey Club an iron hand: legal authority to license owners, trainers and jockeys. Last week the iron hand was taken off at the wrist. New York’s highest court ruled that the legislature had exceeded itself in turning over to private citizens (i.e., the Jockey Club) any such legislative powers over other citizens (i.e., the owners, trainers and jockeys).

The decision will not eliminate racing in New York, but for the moment it leaves the state without any licensing system whatever. Ashley T. Cole, chairman of the State Racing Commission, called such a situation “chaos.” He was afraid of a rush by enterprising rascals with lower standards than New York is accustomed to.

Legislators were alarmed too. At week’s end, they were rushing a new bill to lodge licensing powers in the State Racing Commission.