NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 46, 23 February 1901, Page 5 (Supplement)

NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKED.

Betting on the Chester Cup before the. weights rare published was nt one time n recognised thing, nurt long odds were liberally laid. On the eve of the race also speculation was as flourishing ns ever, and fresh fancies were being continually backed by the hundreds of people who swarmed into the big hull at the Grosveuor Hotel. Previous to the Cup of 1871, Charley Head, who was great at scenting "jays," saw an extremely simple-looking youth standing near him apparently studying the entries for the big race. After a little skirmishing Charley discovered that the youth wished to back Glenllvat, who was turned loose with Cst 21b. "I'ou can have £1000 to 10," the bookie said, and after some slight hesitsiiion the offer was accepted. Nothing daunted, Head pressed the rustic to have 1000 to 15 more—a bet which was taken after a few moments of indecision. Congratulating himself upon having the game all to himself. Charley was not satisfied until he had cajoled the verdant one into taking a further 5000 to 100. Then the taker of 7000 to 125 left the room. Though Charley had noticed the backer's hesitation, lie put it down to the fact of the youngster being uuusocl to betting in such large sums: but as a matter of fact the youngster was awaiting the signal from Fred Swindell, who was close by, before closing with the liberal offers Head was making. Glenlivnt, served by his light weight, defeated a couple of the best horses that ever ran for this race in Mortemer and Koslcrucian.— "Birmingham Post."'