Cubone - The Gambling Historian!

Im off to Spain.at 1.0 so I wont be posting for a few days, I will do a report on whats it like trading from the “SUN” Ive been told there is strong competition, in some area,s I will also get the Video,s ready for when I get, back.

Hope you are all well, in fact the word “all Well” reminds me of some bloke in the 40,s called Ore-well. George Orwell
Novelist, Critic, and Political Commentator.
He wrote many Books, one that I am taking with me to read it is “Big Brother Watching You” did he have something to hide.. yes his real name was Eric.

Yesterday I drove to Essex to collect something for a relation, on the way I placed my Sat Nav, in the front window, and just typed in a Postal Adress, this particular venue you wouldnt have found with a Shirpa Directing you. but Sat got me there right to the door.

“2Of down the road first left, at the ireland, straght on for 23 miles, I will tell you when you are 100 yards from a petrel station, and a little buzer will go off at every cash point,20 from Brum to Guildford.

George or Eric, was in fact 20 years out, every single event that takes place in your life is now recorded logged and monitired,

“The Government has got us well and truely taped. every conversation you have someone, has listened in. every email, or message sent, will be flaged up, the use of certain words, trigger a responce,
“I Will be Laying Mary Adams by 2.30 “will send the bells ringing in MI5.but when they find out its a Horse they will ove on.

How did our government get these powers you may say Simple and inevitiable after 7/11.

You may say I have nothing to hide. so what
Im not part of Organised Crime, I do not Money Launder, I just like a Bet,I have no ASBOS and except for a a few Speeding Fines I am not on any file.

So at the moment. they know that I travelled to the south west, , they know that my wife spent, £58 at Sainsburries.while I was away, , that she smokes and I bourght me Bottle of Sweet Sherrie , she had a £5 worth on the Lotterie, and that one of us suffers with headacks.they are not sure who.the even know that we owna Tortoius and ednangered species.aged 76.

When I get back I intend to start using a new language, that of Rhyminge or Back slang, from 1920s. I also intend to create a Video of Historical Tick Tack, the real Macoy, not the John Mac version.”

“So my conversations on the internet will be as follows.

Im off to the sports, I have a monkey to play with. hope the pitch me has some reddies, in case Im over, broke during the day, I hope the Yarmouth will not let us down
I will have to stop on the way for a poney. If i do the crown jewells I will have to take it on the Thick and Thin”

See you when I get back and decipher it for you all. at least I will make it harder, for the spys to catch me.but if that dont catch em out the bad spelling will.

I am just lucky that in 1957 when I was 20 I was caughting some local Yam Yamer. (Brummie Gal) who was very jellous. and when I used to go to Uttoxeter, I told her it was by Newcastle.so I could stay overnight.
If I had been using one of these SATNAV,s just one press of a button and she would have known that it was at Newcastle Uner Lyne and not Newcastle Under Tyne, Only 150 miles difference.

So my advice is remember what they told us during the war.

“Talk is Cheap” sorry George “Talk can be very expensive.in the 21st Centry.

CUBONE

T.V Trophy Fraud
Posted by : CuBoNe

The story so far.
Abe a wealthy wiz kid had one unfinished buisness to carry out and this had just become urgent following the life shattering news that he only had six months to live.
As a youth living in poverty with his mother, she had also been told that she had a turminal illness, even though he was only 14 and the only bread winner, he realised that there was nothing wrong with taking a second oppinion that however was beyond his financial means.
Following weeks of soul surching he had asked his only friends father a wealthy Bookmaker to make his mother a loan, which he would repay.

“I have an understanding with my bank manager, he will not take any bets, if I dont lend anybody any money”
Abe could still hear the laughter now.
“You show em Son”was his mothers last words.
Abe had shown em,
But he still had unfinished buisness with the Bookmaker and his son.

Part two. The plan.

As soon as Abe awoke, he was reminded of the doctors statement.
6 months,
Abe had heard the sentance before as a youth but never from a doctor.
There was important things to do.
Phone is sons and grand sons, and have a crying session.
No that was not his style.

It was the unfimished buisness that was uppermost in his mind.
————————
Who the fuck is this.

Abe.” are you up micky.”

Micky Hayes ex PR of the Bookmaker in question also had a grudge, but nothing like the one harboured by abe.

Hello Abe, how can I help.

Micky 18 months ago I asked you to carry out a betting coup against our old enermy I havnt heard from you.

I do not wish to be rude, but it is a non starter.

Can you explain micky non starters and imposibilities have never been
part of my plans.

The Firm have become 10 times bigger than last time we spoke, they are also 10 times harder and shrewder.
They would smell a coup before it took place.
Abe was non plussed.
Are there any positives.
Well there is a race for greyhounds run in september that I did look at, it has become very poular and is shown on prime time TV.
It is not impossible to KO four of the runners in the final and it is therefore not impossible to gat a forecast up, but getting the money on makes it a waist of time.

Right Micky I want you in spain on friday. that Ok.
Phone me this afternoon and I will give you the flight details.
By the way have you kept in touch with mugington.
Lord David Grey yes he is still about lives in a doss with an ex page three.
Sort him out give him a monkey,
Abe it will go straight up his ooter.
Never mind mick just do as I say promise him a week in the sun, at any hotel he wishes to chose, and if he has to bring his nookie with him so be it.

Phone me this after- noon.

The Carousel at the Airport was packed all waiting to commence there holiday, but of the 250 who had flown into the Spanish resort there here two who clearly had not planned to stay very long one small case each, no bigger than an hand carry, however it was not very difficult to see that one of them was out of place even in sweltering heat of the midday flight, he stood out,

Lord David Grey, stood out like the head master does school sports, day,
dressed in a heavy tweed, and brogues a waist coat, only the sporty cravat, gave the impression that the occupant even knew it was summer, however in stead of melting under this midday sun, he was clearly as cool as the proverbial cucumber.

His compatriot was sweating like a bull although in lightweight summer attire, this was a bit like the person who could walk on water.
He certainly stood out in the crowd.
The Call for Lord Grey - a bit ostentatious. However it was not long before the two gentlemen where on their way to Abe’s flat.

On arrival, they where both greeted with full reverence, welcome to Spain, David, hope you had a nice flight. Take your coat off you must be sweltering.
Mick! Nice to se you again, its been some time,

I’ve dropped him off at the hotel, Abe,
did he say anything– no but he took the monkey like a trout.

Right now let us discuss the actual nuts and bolts. I must say Abe even I did not suss out the use that can be made of the good lord, as long as there is no enquiry into the dogs, themselves we will be home and dry, how could they squeal, that one punter has had a touch when he has lost 2 million to the same firm in the past. Genius.
Right.
We have a 6 dog event at Wembley, shown live on TV, with a strong anti post market,
We need to nail four of the runners in the final, and plan a forecast coup. How easy will that be.

Well we will have a week to decide which of the runners we wish to stop, but you will only have 24 hours to carry out the job.

You mentioned on the phone that old puff inspector Clauso, of twins fame, is he really the security officer at the track.

Yes he has been there for years no good but can smell a rat quickly enough, we will have to find out his working practices it appears that he has a Churchillian nap in the afternoon, from 3 to 4. That’s a start. He will have drawn up the kennelling plans and we need those plans.

It would have to be his job to calculate which of the kennels the runners will be housed in, you must understand that there will be 60 dogs running during the night and we will have to find out which kennels, the runners that we are interested in are housed.

They don’t actually post that information up for the general public they dont make are job that easy. Only the runners of there own dogs get to know and that only about kennelling time say 5.0 on the race night.

Right who is to do the dirty?

There is only one Paddy Neil the black sheep of the well-known trainer, Dicky.

He is also a renowned chemist who’s claim to fame is that he has a dope that is undetected by the NGRC, doctors, he is also permanently pissed.
He is also a maniac gambler how do we stop him knowing the bloody plot, when he is the one who will be doing it.

He could fuck the whole plan up, he owes every body in Ireland, that will be a chance for him to get himself out the mire and us behind the black, ball..

Simple even he will not know the dogs because he will put the dope in the kennels before the dogs are housed, in fact the night before.

Don’t tell me that they do not look into the kennels when they put the dogs in.
Ya, but there has always been a spot behind the door, that’s where the dope is hung.
Hung you must be joking - no, it never fails.
Just behind the door, he will hang the dope in a meat ball, in a fine cotton, mesh, when the dog is kennelled and the door is closed the dog will smell the meat within seconds, he will eat the lot cotton and all.

How will he know how much to give the brutes, we don’t want the blighters a sleep when they are about to be coated up.

He knows his game in fact I’ve just smelled a problem, he will have to know the name of the dogs because he has to calculate how much gear to give em, based on the dogs racing weight.

Fuck it.

Never mind we will have to kid- nap him after the jobs is done and dope him as well they both sniggered although obviously it was serious enough to represent a problem.
So how far have we got.???
Mike took centre stage again.

I will go back to the UK tomorrow, I will stake out the track and find how and when we can gain the knowledge that we require, I will also set up a meeting with Doctor Pat,

Ok, I will fly over next week. Set up a meting with the Doc, David, and anyone else we may require but the less we need the better and safer it will be.

Good Morning sir,
How times had changed 30 years ago Abe would have been carried into the savoy on the doormans shoulders so that he got out of the rain, but then he knew he would be in
line for a £10 at worse, this Doorman probably his son or grandson, had no such expectations, bunging is a dying art.

Conference room 4. straight through past the grill.

As he entered the room the other guests where seated,
Paddy was exactly as you would expect, a small badley dressed
black sheep, worse the wear for either booze or something more dangerious Abe took an instant dislike to him without either of them uttering a word

Pat this is Abe he will be paying you a very large fee for your skill.
Lord Grey also had built a dislike of the irishman, but probably only because he smelled.
Abe spoke.
Good Moring Pat, perhaps you and I can go into the other room I wish to discuss financial arrangements with you.
Once there he continued.
As far as you are concerned it is quite a simple request I want you administer a drug to certain greyhounds, you will be told when and
at which track, you have been in the game long enough to know that the dogs must complete the course and if they are tested which they probobly will be
they must pass that test.

If every thing works to plan you will receive £50,000 cash.
the very next day.

Any comments.

The irishman was stuttering the amount was to much for him to comprehend.
Yes sir Yes Sir I can do it.
Abe went cold this is a mistake and could jepardise the whole plan,
the man is dangerious..

have you done this type of thing many times before, you do know you come with a very good, reputation Abe lyed.

If I can get in the kennells I will do the job he was a lttle calmer now,
Tell me Pat how does the dope actually work.
Well it is a very smart dope, it hardley affects the dogs speed but he is sure to check out at all of the bends, only if he is lucky will he get round the first.intact but he will run on ok.
Well what would happen if you doped 4 out of the six runnners.

I wont be standing at the first bend. he sniggered even Abe had to smile.

Well couldnt that be dangerious for the dogs not doped in the race,
yes they could be involved in one almighty smash.

You will have to take that into consideration when the race is chosen.
He semed more sensible now, let me ask one futher question.
If you put the dope in a kennel how do you know the dog has eaten it,.
I specialise in hangers, it is the art of placing the dope in a meat ball,
I hang it right in the blind spot behind the kennell door, once the door is closed it will be right in front of the dogs face.
Within a minute the dog will smell the bait, I was told that when workers knocked down the old West Ham Stadium there was 100s of threads of cotton hanging behind every kennell door..

Right do your work and converse with Mike he will give you your final instructions.

Mike show Pat out and send The Good Lord In.

Hello David, how are you,

I am very well Sir I would like to thank you for your finacial asistance I will endevour to repay your kindness.

Have you had any contact with the Firm, yes they invited me to Ascot for the five days, they where very interersted in the fact that I expect a very large inheritanece I did mention several milion but not until they had
wetted my ample intake.of champers.

They have reopened my old accounts.
Tell me David why did you actually fall out with them
Well I had lost several millions and was finding it very hard to pay an ammount due, they threatened to pubisize my situation I talk to them now but I cannot forgive the lack of class,
Howver your plan may give me the opportunity of redress.
Tell me David what would it take to put you back as if you had never lost all of your money.

About 5 million pounds Abe laughed, out loud even david smiled.

I cant do that but how much would you require to act as if nothing had changed.
Well I must admit my old brouges are getting a little worse for wear,
there is only so many times you can shoe a shoe.
David when I first saw you in the 70s you had the most amazing EType a red one what happened to it.
Like my liver, rotted away old chap.
Speak to Mike, I will get you a new one only to lone though, there is no reason why you cant buy a new one after the race.

Thank you David do what you are good at during the next few weeks, Act Flash.and be seen.
May I say I do not act flash it is all very natural.

Right David now that they have gone, let us discuss how it is all going and can it be achieved.

I am a little worried about Pat, he is a loose cannon alright, your first thoughts where spot on.

Dont worry I have a plan for the irishman.

Commence.

Well I spent several weeks casing the Wembley Offices, Inspector Stay has taken a liking to me but I have promised to sponser a race after the end of the TV Trophy, they are deperate to fill some of there old events, in the period before xmas.

What is he like, as thick as black mallasass.
He never leaves his office from the moment he arrives until he leaves at 6.0.
However he always goes to the loo at 11.45. until 12.0 every day like clockwork what he does I dont know, no one could be that punchual.

The numbers of the runners, are decided only by him , he uses no hidden formula, just rights em in and old school book. but the bad news is that the book is always in the safe, as big as fort knox.
Dont tell me we nead a peter expert.
No we have had a result two years ago he was taken ill a few hours before a final night and it caused havoc so he copies the numbers on a sheet of full scap and its in the secretaries office, she is lovely, just ask her for a coffie and she is gone for ages.
LOL.

Right we have the numbers, of the kennels, how do we get in.to the kennells.

Every friday, sometimes morning sometimes late afternoon, the council
van arrives to collect the rubbish, I have convinced the driver that if he arrives at 4.0 and the van breaks down and has to be left allnight until somene from the head office can get it restarted he will get 1 months wages, even the drivers pal will not be into this plan.he is a very young lad and may flip.
Before the van however arrives at the Stadium, Paddy will hide in one of the bins which I have checked and they are very large.

I will get the info on the friday, and pass it to Paddy before he enters the track.

Any questions, Abe.

No this is going very well I have a very good feel for the plot.

Comeone lets have some dinner.

T.V. Trophy Fraud Part Six (A Hiccup)

Abe is not avaliable to take your call at present, could you leave a message after the bleep.
Abe I must speak to you the irishman has blew a fuse.

It was less than an hour and abe was on the phone,
Micky whats up.

You wont beleave it, The irishman has anounced to 200 country and western fans, that he was about to become a millionare, and famious.

Where was he, at some Kariaki gaff in Wilsden, the Horn and Trumpet,
Yes I know on the corner of Hayes Road you know I used to go there as a kid it was a dive then I can emajin what it is like now.
What reception did he get, someone slung a bun at him .

Par for the course, never mind you are right it is not good news.

Im coming over for a week next monday I will telephone you when I arrive.
Mike collected Abe from the airprot Pat was already in the back seat.

Hello Pat, how are you, well I hope.

Ive come over specialy to see you I want you to do me a favour.

We have just three weeks to go, and I wondered if you could carry out a dummy run.
There was silence in the car, Micky was dumfounded,
Pat less so.
Well yes of course where at.
I thought a little flap somewhere we must not take any chances but I would like to see how the gear works for myself, for when we plan which runners we should affect.

No sweat Abe, there is a flap, not far awy you can walk into the kennelss from the road, no security what so ever most of the runners are checked in by hand but they do have about 30 kennels for dogs left over night. I did a job there about 6 months ago no problem what so ever.
If you can try and sort out a short priced fav so we can get a guide how it will affect it. When do they race
every friday, now it used to be two days, but its gone completly, now.

Abe and Micky never spoke about the reason for this change it was assumed that Abe had a plan and would tell soon enough..

As they arrived on the friday, it was clear that the track was on its last legs.

50p Sir and an extra 10p for the race card. well over priced at that.

Abe moved to the broken down grand stand, and ordered two warm beers, that where placed on the bar and remained untouched.

The next minute Pat arrived and before he could speak he was ushered away into a corner, just tell me the race and the trap, then stay away from us there are a few to many eyes arround.

Trap four in the 6th.

the first 5 races went very quickly
Abe said dont it go quick when you are having fun, they both would have laughed but they did not do so.

Will the runners for race 6 please come to the parade ring.

There was some person looking at the dogs as they arrived
trap 1 and 2 where owned and probably trained by the same women,
loved them dealy but they where as fat as butter, if they could ever run it would not be tonight, even here obvious love, and affection had not warned here of the fact that they where both lame.
T1 with a wrist, strain and the other in T2 a toe as big as a small beech ball.
T3 was a villian obviosly red carded more than once his trainer come lad was tugging him all over the place as he attempted to savage, trap 5, a bitch who had welped less than two weeks, before here teets where still full and dripping all over the place.

It was no fan fare, but when the other runer came out of the track kennels, he was like Jessie Owen running at a school sports day.
If it had been a fist fight they would have stopped the battle on a TKO there and then..
The runners where coated up with cloth that had now lost its identity, the black and red almost the same.

Off to the traps, the manager anounced.
Abe moved over to the betting area, where bets, had taken place in the past, but at this moment there was very little interest,
Standing there was a local wiz a form student he was the only person with a bunch of racecards prob, 100. he had been dotting and circling the runners at the parade .
Looks a cert dont it,
Yes the grader is a prat, he should never have been in this race.
will lead up 10 and rail liike a top coat, should be 10 on.
Abe spent a few minutes watching for any betting activity, but two bookies where trying to bet without the fav and the other was attempting to get a few quid out of the fav.
Take 5 take 4 here take 3. stunk and worried Abe.

The hare is on the move, it certanly was it was an old sumner, outside rattler if it had ever come off the rails it would have caused a national calmity, that was prob why there was no one there.

As the traps flew open the fav was off like the povebial hare,
In fact this one was an old rugby ball but trap 4 was on it like a streek. as they approuched the bend he was certainly 10 in front, he had moved over to the rails when all of a suden he began to jink as if a lttle unshore of where he should go.

If it had been a young puppy you would have got the impression that it was coursing the hare.

the t3 was going to follow suite, he wanted a figjht, here was his chance.
Arround the bend and the old bitch in 5 was out clear, with T 3 causing havoc for the fav,
up the back straight, the fav had broken clear of his agrresor, and was closing hand over fist on the leader.
At the ;last bend the fav did the same, losing a further 10 lenths, before storming home winning by at leat 5, going away.
Micky was stunded .
Abe waisted no time finding the track expert, within seconds, he was busily scribling notes onto the sheet.
That was close, yes he must have gone lame a wrist I bet, he has run 25 L out side his average time, must be lame,

As they walked to -wards there car, Abe was smiling Mike was dumfounded and the Irishman,
shocked.

Back in the car, Abe said never mind Pat you tried your best, the plan is off. drop him where he wishes to go. Mike.

It seemed only seconds before the car stoped and Pat sulked away, shell shocked.

The two drove away when Abe let out a quite cry, great we have cracked.it.

Please fill me in Abe I got the impression that the plan is off.

You must be joking, that wiil keep the irishman quite,, now and until a few days before the plot, then you go to him and tell him its on again.
What about tonight,
A right touch the dog was well and truelly knackered it lost 25 lenths, if it had been a proper race it would have ben tailed off.

Great. this will work..

Thursday morning Abe and Micky where having there weekly chat,
How are all the troops,
Great I went to see Pat and told him it was back on the rails, he was very pleased. when I gave him £200 he nealy had an orgasum,
He is raring to go.
David, is doing what he is good at acting flash, he has been to several sponsorships with the firm, and fortunatly he had a little touch the other day he went through the card at Sandown
running a grand into 28 and had it all on the last fav, they absolutly love him if he ever wins he gives it straight back.he drives that red E.type a bit fast though is he insured.Both laughed.
He has told the chairman he has just received the first part of a very large inheritance, and the money will be in the bank on Friday.

Right now the draw has been made,for the final, have you spoken to that Wembley expert you said you knew what is his assesment of how the final will pan out.

He said it is a very easy race to assess.
T2 and T3 will lead up, clear,,T 3 will move over to the rails and then go clear, 2 should hang on for second, the outside runners will be staying on along with T 1. but dont have the pace to trouble the fav.
How will they bet, on the night.
Evens 7/2 ,6 each of three and 12 the rag.

Ok I dont know what you think but I think our minds are made up for us,

KO 3 4 5 6

The 2 will win and the 1 will run on into second place,

I wish I had your confidance Abe , just take you mind back to the flap.
T3 will take all those outside of him off the track, and if not they will have there own problems,

I want you to draw £20k out of my bank friday morning and give it to
David, tell him to start sat morning first thing get it on an echway forecast,
T1 and T2.. I dont care how much niose he makes, he can tell the world he he going for a touch but he must keep all his bets, to the one firm if possible
But even if he bets, with another of the big bookies,, they will know who he is.and prob,decide to take him on. if not they will hedge back with our friends..

What about the dustbin man.
I have to meet him at dinner time friday, I will have the kennell numbers by then and I have told him to give his assistant an afternoon off.he will go to the track at 4.0 and leave his van over night, he will collect it on saturday morning

Pat will be told the weight of the dogs, first thing friday morning and what kennels the dirty four are in..he will hide in a bin and will be then inside the compound all friday night.

Can you see any snags,

Dont panic if there is a shortening of the odds, we have a lot to play with.
What will you do Abe I will stay in Spain, I cant do any more.
Just one final and important thing, Mike.
When you collect Pat on the saturday morning from the dustcart, take him back to your flat, get him pissed but do not let him out of your sight until after the race, do you understand this is most important.

Just phone me dinner time saturday and tell me how it has all gone.

Normal saturday morning in spain 75dg not yet 11.0 all the holiday makers in bed and all the locals, scurrying about doing there shopping.
Abe was concerned, he had been trying to phone Mike since 9.0.
Dont tell me there was a problem,
At 11.02 Abe was through.
Miky where have you been,
Sorry Abe that irish git has caused murders,
He turned up friday perfectly on time we slid him in the large Bin, on the Dust Cart it was not normal size, quite big we had a false top with rubish on very proffeshional,
They arrived at 4.0 and at 4,45, it was clear that the enjine could not be started, even Inspector Stay was helping the driver, must know his stuff.
No problem it was left in the compound overnight.
Pat said that he waited until 9.30 actually sleeping for a few hours, I said what about the smell, he said some of the dives he has lived in this was a bonus. even Abe laughed although he was clearly up tight.
As he climed out of the bin, he was almost savaged by an alsation, and had to jump back in.

A securit gaurd gave the dog a kick up the arse and said you leave that dirty little rat alone.
Pat said I nealy climbed out and wacked him.
he left it another 30 mins and the security gaurd and his dog, had disapeared he went into the kennels, and did his thing, he said the kennels where standard type and the meat balls where well hiden behind the doors. easy.
The problem was when I got him back to the flat with him he insisted on phoning his brother he said he owed him a favour
We almost came to blows,
I told him if he phoned he would loose his £100.000 I then managed to get him to drink 1 and a half bottles of scotch but that was the easy part.
at the moment he is sparkers.
Keep him that way even if you have to sit on him all night.

What about David, as soon as I gave him the 20 K he was off, he has been told what traps he is to back and how to lay out his money, he roared off in a red flash just like James Bond.

So you think the dope is placed, We have to assume that is the case but we wont know until 9.45.
tonight.

David was now doing what he was good at, acting very wealthy and the biggest gambler since Bet a Million Gates in the early 1900s.

The first shop was in the West End the Firms, Flag Ship, all walnut and gold trim.
Morning Lord David he probably wasnt the only Lord who bet there but he was certainly the biggest loser.

Good morning to you Dorothy,

Very friendly

He wrote out the slip like he had been taught to at Eton but when he was taught, they prob did not have betting slips in mind.

9.45 Wembley.

TV Trophy.

T1 and T2 in a £500 reverse forecast.

Total stake £1000.

No chance of a clerical error here.
the same was carried out all over London, the stakes where so large that it did not take long for the £20k to be used up. The good lord had remembered what abe had told him. he even told an old aged penshioner, to back these two the old aged punter also knew of David and said your thowing your money awy, the fav is a cert.

His last bet was as far as Oxford, only David would know prob why, either because he fancied the drive with the E types hood down, or he had taken a shine to the young manager there.

The bet was on.

At 4.30 there was no cloud in the sky at 5.0 the worst storm since the 40s was taking place,,
racing anywhere was now impossible.
An enquiry was about to be called at Wembley when the rain stopped.

The meeting would take place.

The first 6 races clearly showed a trap biase not in favour of the inside , in fact of those races that had already taken place
trap 4 5 6 had been advantaged.

The railers had been placed at a disadvantage.

The betting was very large even the rain storm now over did not effect the big hitters who where there in there droves.

The first bet was a £12,000 to £2,00 trap six this was going to be a tremendious final.
The fav had drifted to 6/4 but was now being knocked over several £6k to £4k evident,
the weak link was trap two, not a penny for it, opening up at 3 it was out to 5 in no time.

There was no one in in the coup at the track.
Abe reading a book in spain
Mike still watching Pat who was still snoring on the floor.
David at a casino watching the race unfold,was as calm as the proverbial cucumber.

If they had been at the track they would have seen all the runners vetted by an experienced vet, and all passed as fit to race.

The hare was on the move, the Telivised event had caught the publics mood and there was a record crowd not put off by the storm

There was a roar, as the traps smacked open.
Out flew T3 it had certainly gained a massive advantage on the 2 dog. the dogs on the outside where bunched on the race to the bend.

passing the winning line first time T3 was half in front of T2 and was leaning in on him.
here was the defining moment, that moment of destiny where all the hard work of this betting coup hinged.

Crash. the fav had leaned in towards the inside and then jinked straight out in front of the 4 5 and 6,
You could hear a groan, The TV commentator said the fav has taken out the outside runners how unlucky. the 2 has gone 4l clear up the back straight t2 now going further clear, T3 still 6 behind with T1 not effected at the first running on strongly.

On the run in, T2 begining to tire, T1 finishing to some effect.

T1 the winner T2 second.

Sp. 12/1 and 9/2.

Posted by : CuBoNe 18 Aug 21:02

Abe still reading his book would have got great satisfaction if he could have heard the telephone conversations taking place between the chairman and the erea managers,

What the f—– hell do you mean you dont khow how much we have stood it for, you must know.
But boss it was Lord David Greys bet, you told us not to even bother you with the liability.

The converastion was rather heated and Abe would have given his right arm to have been on the line at the same time.

Miky knew the result and was about to kick the irishmen out of the flat, still half asleep.

The Lord was still calm even he did not know how much he had won.
But the croupier certainly had some idea because she had excepted an invite to a party at
Hendersbry Hall, one of the foremost classical homes in the south.

All phones where dead this weakend and it would pass as if it did not exist Monday was the day for calculations.

Monday same old thing hot and humid.
Abe was now about to find out what the betting world had nown for over a day.

It was 11.30 before the Sporting Life arrived at his local. corner shop.

Abe placed the paper down on the table as if he didnt want to know,

Capachino Porefavore.

Abe just turned to the back page he knew where the result would be.

2 inch headlines.Shock result in TV trophy Final.

He began to read, There was a shock result at Wembley saturday night following torrential rain, when the outsider and no hoper
T1 stormed home, from the long leader T2.
The fav most unlucky.

Time for a nice Cigar, Abe did not ussually indulge this time of the morning but he had brought one with him just in case.

I showed em Mom.

As he was drinling his coffie and preparing his cigar, an aquantance who had been in spain for some time, caught his eye.

Have you seen the headlines Abe, what a shock.

Yes said Abe it was a shock indead..

And he was only 35.

Abe went cold.. what do you mean

The headlines on the front page of the life..

LORD DAVID GREY kILLED IN AN HORRENDIOUS MOTOR WAY ACCIDENT.
CAR AND PASSANGERS BURNED ALMOST BEHOND RECOGNITION.

Abe tuned to the waiter Could I have another Capachino.

Copyright Cubone

Tomorrow is Easter Bank holiday. the day when it normally rains but it is also the day that you get your children in the car, and off you go to the seaside.,boot sale, ancestrial home, or if you are sensibly off to a Point to Point, or Official Race Meeting,
However Bank Holiday is also the day in Racing Folk Law, were the little racing men who are downtrodden most of the time in there punter/Booker relationship, can fight back, it is the day when Bookmakers are stretched to there limit,and can become vunerable to what history, know as the SP COUP.
The first introduction to the SP Coup occured in the late 1890s. when a well organised Firm of hedging Punters placed 100,s of bets, with Bookmakers by Post Office telegrams. the grams were sent a few minutes before the off, arriving after the off, and denying the Bookmaker any opportunity to hedge or control there liabilities. Ever since that day Bank Holidays with many meetings taking place, has been a time when Bookmakers are on there toes, against such possible attempts, and is the day when trickie Gamblers dream of a Coup.
On Easter Bank Holiday 1974 a group of Gamblers put in motion the first part, of a plan. that is still part of Racing history and Known as the GAY FUTURE AFFAIR.

This Easter however was only a trial or dummy run. proving to the team how a fully organised plot would work.
Of the 12 meetings taking place this day two were chosen Towcester because the Blower or information facilites were lacking the other Carlisle matters not as the horse chosen there was never going to run.
The coup is simple in theorie but not so in practice it is an attempt, to convince the Bookmaker that they have taken a double when in fact it is a very large single.
In the case of a double the minds of the Bookmaker is set to allow the first horse to run. and then react by hedging the liabilites on the second. by taking the first horse out it can remove the amount of time they have to react.
Also if the second leg is at some isolated venue with poor contact facilites the Bookmaker may find it very difficut to set in motion there hedging plans.
So on this day several bets, were placed all over London and Leicester, .
Hindsight at Towcester, and Golden Lancer at Carsyle.
The first runner Golden Lancer was withdrawn,very late. it was then with a very short notice that the industry realised that they were now holding a £10,000 single on Hindsight.
Hindsight was running in a Maiden Hurdle over 2 miles. trained by Andy Garaghty and had trailed 2 stone better than his apponents, however like a lot of certanties, Hindsight cruising up towards the leaders ran into the back of them, all most being brought down, he finished 4th not knowing he had been in a race, and with no money finding its way back into the ring. it had been returned at 14/1 the plan had worked perfectly. although they had donated to the Bookmakers. Safety Fund, but the Planners were not to distraught, the real plan was only 4 months away.

August Bank Holiday arrived quicker than thought but the planning was in opperation what had they learned from the failed Towcester Coup, they would not rely on a Handicaper. they would find a Bumper who had been tried and tested and was seen as a certainty.
This also required more planning the horse in question was to be placed in a small insignificant stable one that didnt have many winners,, and certainly was not a jobbing stable.
Top Irish trainer Edward OGrady was given the job of finding the horse he would also train it to perfection, Gay Future was from the Oxx yard and had brilliant flat and bumper form,
When OGrady paid £5,000 for it, it was arranged that the horse would go to Scottish trainer Tony Collins for him to train?? however Gay Future was never sent to scotland a similar horse an unnamed 4 year old chestnut was sent instead.
All this time Gay Future was being perfected and got ready in Ireland.
A further part of the plan was the booking of an Amature, to ride it,
Mr T Jones was certainly an amature but one of the best seen in ireland for years.
The big day arrived, Insignificant Cartmel had been chosen for the coup, the reason clear there was no Blower
or telephone for the Bookmakers to off load there liabilites.
As Collins started off to the races he was met, at Kendal at a pre-arranged destination the horses were switched, Gay Future was now on the way to Cartmel in a Collins Horse Box the Colt back to Ireland. a perfect switch.
In London and other areas the bets were being placed.
What made this coup. unique was that Collins had entered 2 other horses for the days racing one at Southwell. Opera Cloak and one at Plumpton. Ankerwyke. and the wagers contained all 3 in trebles
Although within a short time the Bells in the Bookmakers were ringing, Bookmakers Agents were already at Plumpton and Southwell so they were covered by the Blower System. . by 12.0 bets on these horses were being refused but that is normal by the big Bookmakers who usualy
smell a rat before the independants, the smaller Bookies however were still happily taking bets.
With 2 of the three horses covered by the Blower service no one was particularly worried, that was until one of the big firms decided to send a man off to Cartmell at first he didnt know were it was, and when told it was in the LAKE DISTRICT they began to panic.
It was late and less than an hour before these races were to be run.. at that time both Opera Cloak and Ankerwyke were withdrawn, they had failed to arrive at there venues, and Collins Stable was being bomblasted with phone calls, from all the leading Bookmakers.and of course the Jockey Club Security Division.
At Cartmel. every thing was in place. Collins had two runners in the Ulverston Novice Hurdle. off at 4.20
in the parade ring every one was geared up for there job, OGrady was still back in Ireland. there was no way he would attend a stick meeting like Cartmel without the alarm bells going off. in the betting ring Gay Future was sweeting badley the soap suds that the travelling head lad had rubbed on the horse was working a treat, .any one watching Tim Jones mount, would have crossed the horse off there short list at once,because as Mr Jones was legged up he slipped over the other side. landing on the floor.in a heap.
In the Betting ring Pat Whelan the leading tattersall Bookmaker noticed a move for Racionzer,the second of the Collins runners,.Pats emeadiate reaction was to start to pull the price of Gay Future outwards , it was in fact a good betting heat, with a short priced Crockodillo riden by Barry being heavily supported.
Gay Future, was out to 12/1 as they were under orders a little 12/1 was taken if the Irish Maffia the organisers had known that, they would have been less than pleased.the SP man. however was showing no concern and a 10/1 price was confirmed.
OGrady had given the team full instructions that there would be no re-joycing when Gay Future went clear . no reaction what so ever,,, as the Horses approuched 2 out with that long run in, Gay Future was not only clear he was going even further away, Tim Jones must have been on a right promise for he was still pushing.,
As the winner approuched the line one stable lad. could not resist. throwing his cap in the air,
It was 30 minutes after the race that a little fat man, sweeting like a pig, ran into the ring and asked Pat Whelan how Gay Future had got on.
When told by Pat Whelan.the mention of a coup began to unfold.

What had occured was the best planned Starting Price Scam for years. if not ever.
I will not spoil a good story by mentioning something as tacky as having to answer the question.
“But they never Got Paid did they”??
Well in truth no they never, but like in the Great Train Robbery there is always someone who dont do his job right”
In the case of “Gay Future”
The weekest link was always Collins, he was a bit player in a very shrewed betting coup. it was his job to make sure all his runners started out. for the tracks. if not right to the course at least breaking down on route, but instead he decided not to even take the 2 others out of his stable.
Im not saying they were certain to get paid if he had done his job. but he did make it easier for the charge of conspiracy to be landed.

One thing that the Irish Bookmakers should be proud of and that is that they paid out to a man. but what I can never understand
whilst every one of the 59 racecourses in the UK were re-assessing there security weakness,s,

A thinking Gambler in Ireland looked at the Sting, stripped out all the cleverness and planning. sorted out a Horse with a stone in hand, entered it in a little track out in the stick, called Bellewstone, and although he knew there was a Phone Line there he just started to punt, he backed it to win £100,000
at his estimated price.,, a giant of a man, who by amazing chance happened to wish to telephone his sick mother using the only telephone in sight, and knowing how difficult it is to get through to a hospital ward, hung to the phone, for 1/2 an hour, even when a dozen punters demanded to use it.he held his ground..
The Starting Price of 20/1 even amazed the single planner. non other than our own Barney Curley. making his returns over 1/4 of a £Million.

The winner Yellow Sam will join others in the black art of punting but once again it was Irish Bookmakers who settled in Full.

So if you are planning a Sting, Coup, or Stroke, this Bank Holiday, firstly wrap up warm against the wind and rain, and then place your bets with an irishman.or BETFAIR

CUBONE

I cannot say that I am a strict Christian. however I do like to hedge my bets a little when discussing the future, of life after death. Im of the oppinion that as no one has proven to me one way or tother, I am happy to except that if I am awaiting the final moment, I will be happy to beleave that as soon as the lights go out, I will be whisked away into some lovely. cottage. and the cry
“Dew wan a cup a tea Son” from Granma , will be answered with, “Any biscuits NAN

If on the other hand there is nothing, no tea or biscuits, thats not worth thinking about so (A) is the one for me. simple as that.
While on the subject. ive been looking at some of the really Unlucky Gamblers, over the years, Unlucky though is reletive, it may seem odd to call someone unlucky because there dream to win the National or Derby was not fulfilled,although they may have 6 Mill in the bank when they die.

The two I have in mind were inter woven,
a. JAMES Vouse Rank. owner of most of the flower mills in the land, and brother of the Film Mogul, J Arthur,Rank.
James inhereted his mills, and settled down to keep his Wife Pat, happy with her Gambling Habit, she was on a par with Dorothy Paget.,,They also Bred Irish Hounds, and inbetween purchased some great horses, with a view to win the Grand National.
The first attempt was when he purchased Prince Regent a horse on a par with Arkle. winner of the Irish Grand National in 1942 with 12 st 7 lb. on his back.the world was his oyster. however Hiltler had other ideas so Prince Regent lost 5 years of his prime winning 1 gold cup and 2 great runs in the UK National. but after the loss of those years his best had gone. JAMES was also getting on a bit himself. so he gave the majority of Irish trainers one last chance to get out and find a National Winner. it wasnt long before they produced Early Mist. “This is the one Mr Rank.”

An arranged visit to the doctor however ,told him that his quest was over. J.V R. Died in Jan, 1952, the horse was still entered in the race but from a terrible start were half the field got left. Early Mist finished up the base of a 12 horse Pile Up.
At the disposal sale , it was Vincent Obrien that took a shine to the horse, and instructed new owner Joe Griffin to get the nod..
Griffin as a lad was called “Lucky” every thing he did succeeded, but he did love a bet, thats for sure,
He had created The Red Breast Preserving Company, and in a food shortage in the UK, had hit the jackpot, making Mince Pies to the masses. he didnt nead the Lucky tag anymore so it was to become Mincemeat Joe.
As soon as he had purchased Early Mist he was on the phone backing it for the National.
When the horse broke the track record, having been backed from 20/1 to 8, Joe was flying. what very few understood about Joe was that he wasnt content with having the shrewdest trainer in the game looking after him,he wanted to bet in every race. a sure way to test even the greatest lucky tag.
By the winter a few rumours were drifting in and out of the rings, about Joes Finances.
During the friday night of the 1954 National Griffin who owned Royal Tan another of Vincent Obriens selections was accosted by his own Jockey Brian Marshall. Brian it appeared had been promised £500 as a special; gift following his ride on Early Mist and still 12 months later had not drawn. a penny..
Some how Joe Griffin collected a monkey from his bed room. however not the most trusting jockey arround Brian had counted it in front of the owner and finding it was £50 short. went berserk.
Only Vincents, Brother the quite Dermot managed to get a writen promise by the owner for the remaining £50.
Griffins mind must have been in a daze he had already had a winner on day one of the festival.and had decided not to back it.
On the day of the National he had two runners one a hurdler that had won several races for him in the past, Galatian, backed from 10/1 to 6. won the Liverpool Hurdle. with Marshall riding a great race. Griffin had been in and arround the Rail.Bookmakers asking for singles on the hurdler and Royal Tan in the National. every Bookmaker had instructions to refuse bets until the old liabiliites had been settled.
As they approuched the start of the Big Race Joe, no longer lucky, stood gazing out towards, the fences, as if in daze, with friends patting him on the back and wishing him good fortune he moved away from his position into the crowd.

In the race Royal Tan was down on his knees as Alberroni fell. at the first, a brilliant piece of Jockeyship allowed Marshall to recover, At Valantines 2nd time Royal Tan took it up, from Tudor Line, 2 out Tudor Line took over but was tending to jump out slightly. at the last there was nothing between the two, it was here that Tudor Line jumped out again allowing Marshall the advantage, on the long run in there was nothing between the two Brian Marshall riding like a deamon winning a race very few Jockeys would have managed,

Still in the crowd Griffin was dumfounded not quite sure wether he wanted his horse to win or not he knew that the prize money was no were near good enough to save his buisness and credability. he had missed out on a golden opportunity to save his whole life, and had missed it.
As if to rub salt into a gaping wound the next year Quare Times also won the National this horse had been one offered to Griffin by Vincent, at the start of his fall from grace, so what had started as a dream ticket, within 3 years, Griffin had won 2 Nationals, and yet had gone from wealth and joy to a prison at mountjoy.

Perhap he was Greedy and the worse sort of Compulsive Gambler but in his defence, when winning he shared it all arround, he also held parties at the Adalphe never bettered before or since, he was kind when he won and all that was forgoten when he lost.

But what would James Voase Rank have given for just one taste of that National Glory. Im not sure but if I was right in the starter about life after I will ask him.when I see Him.

What I do know however is that all the men and women who cheared Joe when parading Early Mist, down O Conell Street watched in silence when the Gardai took Mincemeat away. many friends were missing. however
Paddy Darkie Prendergast, gave his wife 5 x£100 notes “just in case you nead some money”so he had few friends left.
Joe Died on the 11th of January 1992, aged 75.

CUBONE

Reading through several books about the history of Gambling and Horse Racing I am  drawn to all the massive losers, over the years,  it is pretty obvious that there is one thing that they all lacked and that was professionalism. the opersite side to the coin is the much smaller amount of individuals who were very succesful punting during the same period. and I can say, without fear or favour they were complete Professionals.  people like Alex Bird, and Phil Bull, . what was  the difference in the mentality of the two groups. who were operating in the same field the Sport of Kings. we must ignore the massive success, of Bookmakers as there advantages were obvious. we are discussing PUNTERS.

Having spoken to Alex Bird, and Charlie, Cox, two of the Bigies, from the 40,s/50s it was clear, that they were at a massive advantage, over punters today in that there Each Way trading was at a 1/4 and not a 1/5 a  . betting in the rings was also massive, it was also possible to get, commission on the majority of there early day, wagers, and with a team of helpers they could get massive amounts, on. without it affecting the market.

But a point that must not be forgoten is that, Alex, Phillip, and Charlie, had extra advantages. that most of you punters today cannot dream of having.

Charlie, a pure Form Student,  75% of his bets, were  Each Way in races that todays Bookmakers would close you down at once.

Alex Bird had massive contacts as well as being a great Form Student, and on top of that he was one of the first into Racecourse Photo Betting, this had come about by the introduction of a Print, this  took several minutes to develope, Alex had confidance in the Technolodgy . and his own eyes, he also knew that the closer you were to the action the less reliabl your reaction was, he also knew that on 59 racecourses the placement of the camera, differed and could give photo experts, on the lines,  different oppinions, and of course he was the first to understand, the “Black Hole” theory ,were , a slight difference appeared when horses were very wide apart. I have known Alex standing in the stands, and every Bookmaker on the track. coming to HIM to hedge there liabilites,  once Alex had an oppinion it was a matter of  “I will take all prices offered to any amounts”. but he did have a maximum price,,,. he was BRAVE and BOLD he would bet, 1.1 on a result, that today the same so called experts are betting 1.01 a massive difference. Of course he was wrong sometimes,,but not very often. Alex Birds mentality neads examining.I was at Worcester, in the 50s when he wished to get, off the tack and home before the race traffic, created the regular bottle neck departure, there was a close photo, and his agent who had been  looking down the track for possible objections, gave the all clear,,Alex  gave instructions to bet as much as you can get on (a)  and I will settle with you tomorrow,at Haydock..

Whilst, on the way home, and  in the dark as to his possible  liabilites involved, an objection occured and was sustained. The next day, when told of his massive loss,s. he never turned an hair, having full confidance into the agents integrity.

Phil Bull (Timeform)was out on his own, not only a great , good enough to be William Hills, Tissue Expert,and Judge, he saw the chance of offering a service to the public in a different leage than the services on offer at the time, his Note Book and Ratings, a revolution.

So what is required today to be succesful. PUNTING well all the major points, raised below are neaded, and of course  losing control and chasing is still the most worrying aspect.

Judgement, Single Mindedness, Dedication, Courage, Patience, Lack of Emotion, Physical Fitness, Nerves of Steel, Self-Control, Contempt of Money, A Sharp Eye for a Horse, Interest in the Form Book, Contacts you can trust, and BOOKIES WHO WILL TAKE YOUR BETS., these points may seem daunting. but if it was good enough for known experts  it will be good enough for you.

And of Course LUCK.

Cubone has always been of the oppinion that it is not what you do when you are winning. and in form, but what you did when you are bang out of form.that matters, the saying that you make your own luck is true to a degree.

All the tips from the leaders of the industry keep mentioning the obvious, “DO NOT CHASE”  but for 99.2% of horse players that is not as easy to keep in check. when all the plans, and schemes, go wrong. it is very easy for a collapse  under the preasure, how many can just close there computor down and say Im going to have 2 days off. not many.

I Wish you all the very Best, in your chosen hobbie. if it is more than a Hobbie. I wish you Luck.

CUBONE

The one thing that is guaranted to spoil your great day out shopping, or at the races, is falling into the clutches of the wizmob. (Pick Pockets) but even this  ancient art , has lost its class. in the days of Diamond Dick Fisher, he could stand on a crowded race train or coach. and whilst going under a dark bridge holding onto the chords with both hands he would bite the Diamond off a toffs tie pin. swallowing it.leaving the setting intact.  when he lost his front tooth in a brawl. he was distraught.  now although I say it a little toung in cheek. that was pure class. compared with  the  nasty little villans, picking purses from pregnant womens, shopping trollies  or  old age penshoners, disability  cart.

In some of the Baltic countrys Pick Pockets would be  taken to the police station and have there left ear, dyed in red ink, . and topped up every month for life. they were in fact the lucky ones ,others  were branded across there forehead.with a sign meaning PP.

Ever since Dickens, and even before, the “Profession” had its own special degree and in some quarters the nick names still rule. and are known in the trade as, Hooks, Eyes, Wizmob. Nark, Tools, and Stalls.and of course the Dip.

The Hook. or Dip,is the person/rouge who performs the actual act. the stall or eye distracts the victims attention, the top of the mob is the man who can do it all himself, but the single dip. is very rare.

I once remember a man who was alway,s dressed in a long overcoat his right arm seamed to be permanently  in the coat pocket. as if disabled he. would go racing place a bet. with his good arm  pointing to the horse with his money..with the Bookmaker distracted  and ussually high on the list, his straight hand inside the overcoat would slide through the buttons into the odd. he would not do it every day only when he saw a new Bookmaker badly organised and a great opportunity.

I remember as a child the cry  ”Hedge Up” this usually ment a victim was being lifted  

Lifted  off the ground, before his pocket was picked.

During the period betting tickets were a prime target. the numbers on the cardboard ticket were only 3 digits, and in block , printing, a team used to have a clerk in front of a busy Bookmaker recording all the large bets, and there numbers. after the race a winning number would be reprinted using the cut out numbers from a losing tickets, first in the que they would be paid, and when the ligitamate punter arrived for his winnings there was a major dispute, it was years before Portsea the printers used a security device to make this scam more difficult.

Even now Bookmakers with there printed receipts, are vulnerable, What is printed once can be printed again.

Top Tailors from Saville Row have always made suits with security of premium. concern. how ever in the 70s Designer Jeans opened up new opportunites for the old Wiz Mob.  it was as if, these trousers were designed by Diamond Dick thimself,they even had a Trade mark on the back pocket saying strike here…it was  was completly unprotected not even large enough to take a small wallet and in the most vunerable position you could emajine. 

So let us make 2007 a Beat the Wiz Mob. year. no waving winings about after a touch. no showing how clever you are, after backing a winner, keep away from crowds. if you can. and dont use the back pocket on your tight jeans its only there for show and if you are a women. it only makes your backside look enormous

CUBONE

Derby Day will not be long, and it is that exiting moment, that many of us cherish, it brings it back memories,, in my case to my dead and departed relations, who alsao loved this race.even more so than the Grand National. every time I get bored or lonly. I turn and look at a print of “DERBY DAY” on my wall. not the original of FRITHS wonderful painting, no thats in the TATE. Gallery.

I look at it and it oozes history. I can see Lord Hastings in two poses one as young Etonian. doing a bunk from lessons and then as a 20 year old stud ignoring a Gypsy Girl. and dreaming of Winning the Race in a few years time.

Whilst gazing at the print. my memory relates to my first Darby or Derby, that was  Airborne you will never see a crowd like it, all soldiers.sailors and airmen. even the Bookies had joined the fun. and to gain a little publicity they were dressed in uniform. also not Privates I may add. several Captains, and on the Hill I can still see vividly an Admiral of the Fleet (I kid you Not)

I saw My Love ,Tulyar, and Pinza, win before I drifted into the Illegal world of Betting Shops.

One thing I do remember was the travell. some times by Train others by Coach or Car. but I will never forget the conversations with old workmen as old as Cu is now . thats what I loved best. talk of Gang, fights and Welchers, Find the Lady Teams, even louthsome pick pockets, I remember seeing Prince Monolulu. in his finary. all great for a young boy. I also watched carefully at  the Tick Tacks. and dreamed that one day I could show like them from the Hill into Tattersalls,

One of the chats, was about the famous 1913 Race,  and an old clerk took me to the spot were Emily Davison lay with here head crushed, after jumping in front of Abner the Kings Horse. he explained the scene and was certain that the Suffergette  just ran in front of the field, and it was a million to one chance that she collided with the one horse she dreamed of, and created massive publicity for her cause, this caused  Votes for women to arrive  years before it would have. 

He then walked to the winning post and explained what he had seen. about a finish that still creates goose pimples in the back of Cubones. neck. he also raised questions in the mind of a young innocent.. was there any skuldugery. is there a conspiracy theory.

As I have a duty to pass on my thoughts on the subject. in my Blog I will do so without fear or favour. and will give Cubones Oppion on this Event.

We start in Ireland a well known owner breeder Major Eustace Loder was gazing at his yearings,  one however stood out like a young lion. , even though he was an owner of brilliant horses like the great Pretty Polly, he still wished to sell, but looking at this one he had doubts,

After a while he decided that Breeding was the way, and the colt was sold. it finished up in the hands of Bruce Ismay brother of the owner of the Titanic.

The horse purchased was Craganour in the first year he won 6 races including the Prince of Wales, and the Champagne Stakes. he was certainly the pick of the crop. and no doubt Loder was wishing he had followed his gut feeling and kept instead of sell.

As a 3 year old there was a blip, in the 2000 gns when with a double handfull and the jockey sitting like a statue, he got beaton, the shortest of short heads. but he was still backed at the exclusion of all others and  arrived for the Derby as a very short favouite.

In the race itself. of course the suffergette incident was disasterous, however it was a miracle  that only the Kings horse was downed. As they approuched the final furlong Craganour was going the best but. there were several still in with a chance. on the rails was 100/1 outsider Aboyeur.

What my Grand Father had said is certainly true Aboyeur had started to move off the rails and back out towards the favourite, race watchers of this event, may doubt that, as there is a massive slope into the rails and several horses in the past have gone that way, but it is also a fact that the favourite was savaged by Aboyeur on the run to the post, this gave the 3rd and 4th no chance.

The result was given  as winner Craganour 2nd Aboyeur, the owner of the second after a quick conversation with his jockey indicated that he would not be objecting. in fact it was only a short period when the “ALL RIGHT” was anounced.and the Blue Flag raised.

Bookmakers in all rings began there payouts, no Bookmaker wishes to hold on to money that is not his, the system is to pay out quickly and then you can start taking it again. over 8 minites before an anouncement , there  was to be an enquiry by the stewards for interferance.

 After a lond period the anouncement came.. Amended result.

Winner Aboyeur, 100/1 second Craganour.  pandamonium took place the owner of the favourite distraught.

Giving my best oppinion and using my memoury as to what my grandfather told me what he saw Cubone concludes that,

There was interferance and there was blood on the neck of Craganour. The  fav had kept a straight line and it was Aboyeur that moved back towards him. the 3rd certainly had his ground taken and was an unlucky loser.so was the 4th. the Stewards  Lord Roseberry, Lord Wolverton and Major “Lucky” Loder the breeder of Craganour were all Etonians. Craganour,s  owner Charles Bower Ismay was a Harrovian. for those than may not understand that point there is no love lost beteen the two schools in politics or certainly not horseracing.

The name of the winners owner is certainly important as the year before the race, was the sinking of the Titanic. were if watchers of the film could take there thoughts away from the signiture tune they may have seen the owner of the Titanic, dressed as a women jumping into a life boat.. he was an Ismay but not the Ismay who owned this horse, that was in fact Bruce his elder brother.

And Finally the Jockey  was hated, by the whole of the British Jockey Club, he was part of the American Invasion that held the British racing industry at ransome, for many years previously. the other american  jockeys Sloan and Rieffs brother had been warned off, the younger one escaped to France, but was still a hate figeur. could this have been a reason.

So let Cubone Sum up. in all good faith. the winner was lucky to have kept even second place.  Craganour was the unluckiest loser in the History of the Derby.

Is there grounds for a conspiracy. theory.

NO.. The Jockey Club Stewards have been Honest ever since they were formed. incompetant maybe, but never dishonest. in fact Ismay never jumped into a boat, to escape certain death and most certainly never dressed as a women. without TV coverage and replay,the stewards had to give an oppinion and I feel the were wrong but HONEST.

CUBONE

You will have to bear with me, for a moment I have been very badley shocked by a family event that occured a while ago and only just discovered.

Cubone comes from a long line of loving relations. all very close, in 1900 my great great grand father purchased a berrial plot for the whole family to be interned. in there turn, it is one of the better cemetaries in Birmingham,  after my father died the documentation as to payement of the rent, was passed on to my brother the eldiest. son.

At the time I visited it with him and was impressed with the quality and way it was being kept.,

There was two sites left in 1990 and when it became my obligation I set up a standing order, to keep the site clean and manacured.

You can understand my stress therefore when I found the the last two sites had been sold by my brother to one of his old money finders, (Partners) I cannot have the upstarts dug, up but I am sure that my loved ones are not happy with the situation.

 What do you advise.

CUBONE

For lovers of Horseracing. every day must seem like a dagger to the heat, you cannot purchase a paper or read a Forum without,  the Sport of Many Kings being dragged into the dirt. in fact there has been more scandals in the period, 2000 to 2007 than all of the past 3 Centuries,

But close examination, would show that the scandals. are all, of the same colour. one dimensional. and the buck stops. on one section of the industry. Jockeys.

I cannot beleave that this great game cannot be tweaked in a way that convinces, Jockeys  Trainers, and Owners. that INTEGRITY will have to be improved, if the industry is to survive after the end of not this century, but the end of this decade. bad publicity about crooked racing is delivered on to our dooorstep. at least every sunday, and it is ok claiming its just alarmist twaddle. but Mud does Stick. and it is a fact that the alarming drift from betting on horses to other sports, that started only 20 years ago is now in free fall.

The industry has become a joke in the eyes of many. and that cannot be continued,  I have woken to a coffie and toast, and my little note book of things to do. I have already visited Cleeve Hill were the greatest Grand National Jockey was thrown out of his Carrage. and died. I have even driven down to Sailsbury. to see if the home of the Druids Lodge Confederates was as impreganable as discribed. I have other notes on my pad with questions like

How could a Suffregett stand at tattenham corner and jump in front of the Kings Horse.

Was the  Fred Archer Starter McGeorge Crooked

Was Running Rhein a 4 or even a 5 Year old when he won the Derby

Whate Dope did the Americans use in there 1900,s  Invasion.

 enough questions to keep me buisy until the year 2037 and when I draw my penshion from the bet with Ladbrokes.

But all the tales are Historical and in most cases antique.

I am also trying to create a great Blog were the writen word can be replaced with vision and sound. at 70 years of age it is a little late to keep up with the amazing developements. but like I say in horseracing and Gambling there has to be Integrity for people to play. the balls must be kept in the air. unless the watchers, and players will look else were.and beleave it or not the game and the occupation of Jockey will Disapear,

I do not wish to be an ALARMIST . but I would have thought that Jockey/Trainers  Trade Associations, would be meeting, shortly. and demand  a policy of Cleaning  up the ACT. as for the HRB. they will have no alternative than to make any breech of riding instructions so punative that if and when a friend of a friend , says.” cant we earn a few quid” ,  A Policeman will be callled for”

What I do not like is the way that the new Technolodgy is being blaimed for an increase in dishonesty. I beleave that it is the technolodgy that shows dishonesty up, more easily, and it is about time that someone realised that the computor is not going to disapear. so it is the Horseracing Industry that will have to understand that Integrity MUST  be improved.,  if not I can see a change to HRB decurity  so Dreconian, . that a Jockey  will not be able to change his whip without, gauranteeing a month in the sun. but that may not mean a month in Dibia, or Barbadus, it will be Westong Super Mare. 

Come on Chaps, think seriously about your future, you are part of a great Industry, you are the most important part of that industry, and your families well being and future rely on that Industry. I for one do not beleave that the honesty of Jockeys is as bad as being painted. but my god, I find that impossible to convince the little Horserace Players, who after all, do pay your Wages. that I am right.

CUBONE

.

Although it is my intention to write story,s about Horseracing, I do have oppinions and am interested in all different sports in fact over the years my first love was Athletics and the purest of those in my mind is the 100 meter Olympic Gold, Not sure when it began but for generations,  the boys in the Cubone Household have won there School Sports, Sprint,non ever went on to become stars, but that doesnt remove our love of the event, so you can emajine when I sat infront of the TV screen watching the 1988 Soeul Games, I was astounded and happy to see the Favourite Ben Johnson jump out of the blocks two footed. and then run a 9.79 World Record.

I still dont like to remember that he was doped up to the eyes on the  Anapolic Steroid Stanozal . but like it or not, he was a cheating, and the wonderful site must be arrased from my memiory,  I also love the concept of the Powder Hall Sprint, a  handicap over 110 meters, but I was disapointed when the name that has been part of sprinting folklaw, since 1870 changed  to “The New Year Sprint”  thats like changing the Grand National to The Betfair Handicap Chase. no some things should never be altered.

This years winner of the The Powderhall Sprint, was won beleave it or not by someone older than CUBONE. yes a 71 year old, Tony Bowman, running out of Leeds,  City AC  (They nead some luck)the race is of course a Handicap. over 110 meters, and run at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Im not saying that this race hasnt had its fair shair of chickanary in the past. but I dont mind that as longs as there is no dope involved. fooling the handicaper is part of the game I guess.

I remember a tale from the 50s that a poor london, docker was shipped to scotland given a job in there Docks, and for 2 years he gained his handicap before winning the race having been backed to odds on from 100/1 however the reason for my divergance from Horseracing into the Cu,s Almernac. is apropriate, with a 71 year old becoming king of the crop. because it is not very often that individuals of that age do so well.

Cubone therefore whilst on the topic of old Fogies, may I indulge myself in a topic that all readers from 18 to 108 will be im sure be concerned.  about it is the rights of grand parents,

You may say whats this got to do with Horses or Gambling the answer nothing , but Cubone is also a person not just a sage or story teller. and I am sure that whilst I am sitting here alone unable to sleep. you wont mind me releasing a liitle hot air.

In life it is the duty of parents, to provide protect, nuture and love there children. to watch over them, every minute of the day, until they are ready to go there own way. when they get married your duty, ends not completly but to some degree, however in a lot of cases the grand parents, jump in and begin to shower there love and affection on the new flock, the Grand Kids, carrying out in many cases un paid carers dutys. watching for any problems that may occure that the first in line there parents may miss owing to there own preasure to servive themselves.

However you must be aware that over 50 % of Marriages fail. and here is the problem, when a marriage  fails nastily, quite often parents use there children as pawns in there acrimony. the grand parents  if they have any scence stay out of the fights. or divorce.

But find that there rights, to continue seeing the grand children after a settlement is often removed. and yet the grand parent and there grand children have not fallen out and still love each other unreservedly.

So what could have been a bond that is stronger than anything in some cases, is severed. doing so much harm to young mind that in some cases it causes big problems. that can not be resolved by law as there is no law to protect that bond.

I oppologise to you for my little outburst. it has done me good, and I will move back to by hobbie of trying to entertain . and enlighton. in our chosen hobbie of Gambling.

Night and God Bless,

CUBONE