BETS FRAUDS SUSPECTED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19104, 27 August 1936, Page 12

BETS FRAUDS SUSPECTED

BIG ASCOT WINNINGS TELEGRAMS SUSPECTED LONDON, July 14. Bookmakers in nil parts of the country 'hftvo withheld settlement of certain heavy wagers on horses at the tocent Ascot meeting until an investigation has been made. Tattersalls' committee will meet at Newmarket on Wednesday 10 consider the disputed 'bets, which were made during three of the four days of the meeting. It lias been ascertained that large ■batches of telegrams were handed in at a small country post office in the .Midlands. They were addressed to 'bookmakers in many parts of the country, and included wagers for large mo tints. In each instance the Jiorse 'backed was in the opening race of the afternoon. Action* was first taken by the northern branch of the Bookmakers' Pro'taction Association. Yorkshire and Lancashire members reported that large sums were being clainted from Ascot races, but as all the bets were put in from a country post office, they desired full investigation 'before making a. settlement. The, assoicatiou placed the matter in the hands.of the Turf Guardian Society, which in turn communicated

with the investigation department of the deii'oml Post Office. Evidence regarding the handing in of the telegrams lias sitice been secured. Very considerable sums are involved. The Bouldiior result alone means ninny thousands of pounds to the bookmakers, but if Tatersalls' committee decide that the suspicions are not .justified full payment will be made. ' People with London addresses are said to be among the claimants.