SOURCE: The Times

DATE: 06 April 1993

PAGE: 19 Grand debate on the National;Letter

From Mr Rodney J. Croft Sir, When Scouts were taught semaphore many years ago they were instructed to ensure flags remained unfurled during signalling.

Those of us watching the Grand National debacle on television on Saturday clearly saw the first false start called by the starter, Captain Keith Brown, successfully communicated to the recall man, 100 yards away, by a red unfurled flag, despite reduced visibility owing to rain.

The second false start involved exactly the same communication between the same two people. However, as television viewers clearly saw, the signal this time was inadequately conveyed as the red flag was held firmly furled in the starter's waving hand. Perhaps Captain Brown was never a Scout, and I rather hope he is not lately of the Royal Signals!

To avoid such a disgraceful national and Grand National shambles in the future, please let us discard soggy starting tapes, flags, even discount Aldis lamps and flares, and use a combination of Grand Prix-like motoring traffic lights for starting and stopping horses and riders, supported by modern and reliable radio telecommunication between race officials.

In 1993 surely 100 yards is not too far to convey instantly such a vital message. Yours sincerely, RODNEY J. CROFT (Family sweepstake declared void), 127 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. April 4. 


(c) Times Newspapers Ltd. 1993
