PUPILS, staff and friends have paid tribute to an ‘unbelievable teacher’ who passed away after losing his battle against pancreatic cancer.

Rhett Butler, a former student and teacher at Arrow Vale Community High School, took his passion for music into the classroom and outside of school hours, inspiring hundreds of pupils along the way.

But last week the 38-year-old lost his life after fighting cancer since October. He leaves behind his wife, Jo and two young children.

He had worked at the school since 2007 and grew up as a boy in Redditch, where his parents still live.

Headteacher Guy Shears said: “Rhett will be remembered as an outstanding music teacher, and an incredibly inspiring and dedicated role model to our students. He loved life and was an enormously positive personality within the community. He loved Arrow Vale.

“This is a very sad and difficult time for all who came into contact with him - staff, students and parents alike. We will miss him hugely.”

Rhett was also a well known member of the music scene and played his last gig in the summer of 2011 with close friend Nigel Clark of Worcestershire based band Dodgy.

Mr Clark said even when he was undergoing an intensive course of chemotherapy, he never let his condition stop him from smiling.

“Rhett was a bit of an extraordinary guy. He had unbelievable care and enthusiasm for teaching and music,” he said.

“He was young at heart - childlike but not childish - and Rhett would always have a joke to tell you.

“He’d be having his treatment and be in a lot of pain, but he would always find something to laugh about. The illness did not stop him from talking about tomorrow - he would always be planning for the future.

“The school and its pupils have lost a fantastic teacher. But the music has also suffered a huge saddening loss from his death.”

Pupils at the school are planning a charity concert in memory of Mr Butler and some want to take part in the Race for Life, both to raise money for cancer research.

A Facebook page has also been created in his memory and his funeral will be held on Friday, May 11 at All Saints Church in Bromsgrove.

Facebook Rhett Butler

RHETT I am so proud that you were my Son.

DAD.

During a maths test he became interested in the way Bookmakers could calculate odds, in a 25 runner race, betting to an exact % every time.

Asking his father if he could attend Kings Heath Greyhounds to see how they created over round books, in there head, without any fuss, obviously having gained an excellence in maths.

Standing in front of Ted Major’s greyhound board, Jack noticed that Ted would start the betting before all other Bookmakers offering what appeared to be a mixture of unintelligent fractions. to exactly 10% every time. although the odds used were complicated to the normal eye. 8/11 100/30 85/40

That night he went home with his notes and realized that it was a very simple method. a bit like card counting, in poker.

He showed his father who was a surgeon, and his mother an author. what he had discovered, even though he was only 14 they were a little concerned about mixing with Bookmakers,

After a month Mr and Mrs Cowen indeed were right to have had concern for jack was placing his pocket money on which greyhound would win,

When he was 18, his father called him into his study, and he and his mother were very disappointed the time that young Jack was spending at the “DOGS”

After it was realized that Jack was hooked on gambling Jacks father told him “if you wish to make a living out of Bookmaking then I will be more upset if you do not become great at it”

The first time that Jack became a scourge of the betting rings was when in the 1950s he realized that telephone Bookmakers were betting over broke in certain races, that allowed a good judge to back many of the runners, and guarantee a profit.

The races were 16/18 runner handicaps. were he could use accounts that he had opened, with the leading 10 postal bookmakers and by taking the better prices from individal boards, and betting each way,
The Odds were a small profit to the Bookmaker in the win book but a much bigger profit for the punter in the place Book. giving Jack a guaranteed profit if he backed every runner.

Over night he saw the worse side of the Bookmaking industry by finding that many of the bets did not arrive if they won but had done so when beaten even though they had been placed correctly. and time stamped by the Post Offices,

For over 8 years even with a small % of Bookmakers not playing the game, as they should, Jack was making a small fortune.

There was only one way to go, for if Bookmakers as a group were foolish enough to bet over broke, he would take the opportunity to take the full advantage,

Within 3 years he had to use agents to get his money on, and still had to call upon the Bookmakers trade association, to fight his course in credibility.in the many disputes that he had.

One day whilst attending a Bookmakers and Punters Protection Association, he was asked how he managed to win all the time,
Jack said ” Because the Bookmakers do not know what they are doing”

The chairman responded with “If you are so clever why not become a Bookmaker yourself”

By the 60s Jack had rails pitches, on all the important racecourses, and was as good a Bookmaker as any in the rings including William Hill. although he spent time on the form book he always said, “why not get the best judge in the land to spend all those hours for me allowing me to get to bed early”

Jack was no fool and used all the advantages available, during the period when the ITV 7. was most popular, Jack and several of the leading Bookmakers, got together on the rails in doing some amazing knock ins, (Hedging)

For if one of the senior Bookmakers or in fact any Bookmaker had layed the first 5/6 winners on the bet, they would require someone to hedge the last runners, to safeguard themselves from a massive payout.

As it would be unethical for the big three Bookmakers to be seen to do such a thing, with all the press watching what was going on, for a 7 winners was a big story, for Sunday press. they left all this important hedging to Jack. out of the limelight.

Every time there was a running on bet, Jack would creep round the betting rings taking all the large prices, say 20/1 and back the horse into 8/1 before Jack would then offer the best odds say 10/1 and then take all the money from the big three giving himself amazing profits for no loss,. (less of course a back hander to those who gave him the instructions.

By now Jack as well as being a very successful rails Bookmaker was also a great Football judge, at the time when Hills and Ladbrokes had there Draw War, what started off as 25/1 for three draws off the full list, soon reached 40/1 even 50/1 and it was then that Jack struck, costing Hills and Ladbrokes a fortune.

The first time I met JC in his flat on the Bristol Road Viceroy Close, Birmingham I was amazed by the amount of Classic Antique Teddy Bears, although it seemed odd for him to have these Dolls, I am sure they were worth a fortune every one was a master.

The last few years of his life I visited him in a private Hospital at Edgbaston.

He told me that he was having injections every day and of the 5 nurses only one was an expert the others very painful.

Miss O’Grady, the nurse in question loved a bet, and as he knew I was handing some hot money, he asked if I could sort out a winner for her.

It was this day about 30 years ago when I was informed that he did not have very long, when I arrived I could see that Jack was on his last supper.

In a voice that I could hardly hear,
“Have you sorted out a winner for her Don”

I lent over and with my mouth close to his ear, I said.

“I have tipped her one in the National”

His eyes that were closed, opened and a smile came across his face,

“Couldn’t you have picked an easier Race for her lucky that I will not require much more of here excellent service,”

PIP Jack.
If there is Life After, one thing I know is that with all the great Bookmakers up there
Crockford, Levethian Davies, just to name two, I bet he is coining it in, not knowing what to spend it on, other than his Teddy Bairs.

When I arrive I know that he will not believe me when I tell him that Bet365 are paying on 5 places in a 22 runner Handicap today,

However I will keep it a secret until I meet him, that in Redditch Town Center were there used to be three Bookmakers, all within a 300 yards radius, has now become 4 with the appointment of Paddy Power, however Ladbrokes are as we speak, knocking the Yorkshire Bank down to join in making the number 5…still within a 300 yard area.

If Jack had still been alive, I guess he would have taken one of the flats above Paddy Powers Shop. before opening a new bank account at The Halifax.

Cubone

William Hill Go 4/1 Peddler’s Cross get as much as you can on, at that price.using your, mobile.

Then have a large bet on Big Bucks as 8/11 (1.72) Paddy Power. you will get that price with guaranteed odds, that if the starting price is bigger then that is the price you will get. I have managed to get £300 on Peddlers Cross @ 4/1 and £1000 at 1.72.
Big Buck, when I get back from the Dentist at 12.30 I will turn both bets in to a profit win or lose,.

Cubone

But don’t expect a free ride, if you play up insult, your grand mother or your own mom and dad I will give you a smack around the ear.
Every Sunday the family would meet, for roast beef and Yorkshire pudding,

My grandfather, who was gassed in ww1, would arrive, and the instructions from his daughter my mother was.
Keep your eye out for the old man, don’t let him get pissed.

Albert Russell would arrive, hardly breathing having been gassed at Ypres 1915.
“Get me Sherrie Donald,”
I and my brother would sit talking to him, whilst all the females were in the kitchen talking about women s woes. Like knitting and how to make the best gravy I have ever tasted.
The first Sherrie would be gone in a few minutes, and my mother would be giving me a scowl from the other room,
Creeping away, I would top. His drink up. And sit next to him, ready for some of the best tales, anyone could hear.
Two things I will always remember best, about Old Al. was

a. His Trench Coat that he left me, that became a life saver, when the family hit the buffers, had holes in the chest area, when I asked him what they were he would answer with.
That is were I got shot, it was many years afterwards that I realised it were his medals that he wore proudly before being sold.
.When I was very young, he was the person I would ask for advice about the beatings I used to get at school. From some Ginger headed nit wit, called Evans. it was some time later that I found out that his father used to beat him every morning, and he just got his own back and me. the reason I had new shoes,
Not only that but mine fitted and were always polished, and he used his father’s old Mc’gregor football boots, with only the studs removed.

I didn’t have to actually ask for his advice as he knew every thing,
This particular Sunday, as he arrived the second thing he asked after “Get me a Sherrie” was what’s wrong Donald having trouble at school” he must have had a crystal ball for I had not mentioned a thing.
It could have been the black eye, but at the time I wasn’t that bright.
“I have been punched Granddad”,
“Well son there are only two things you can do, next time the person approaches you Kick him up the bollox”
“What’s the other Granddad, for I don’t fancy the first one too much?

“Well you could always get someone else the smack him for you.”

“Right then I will tell you what to do.”

“Is he the real cock of the school”?
“No Bernard Jones is,”
I thought so I have known the Jones for years, his father was our regimental heavy weight champion.

“OK you know the chocolate that your mother gives you to eat at break time,
“Yes,”
“Well go to school and give it to Jones”
I looked at him in amazement, having always been a chocolate lover that was the last thing I wished to do.
“I would sooner get smacked than give him my chocolate.”

After a few more drinks, I had changed my mind; well at least it was worth a further discussion.

“What will happen if I give the sweets to Bernard Jones? Granddad.”
“Its odds on he will ask you if he can do something for you in exchange”.

Monday morning, I walked to school only to be chased all the way to my class room by Evans,
At the dinner break, I waked into the playground, only to see Jones, standing with his little team of villains, with him was Evans,

I thought there was only one move, I walked over and gave my bar of chocolate to Jones.

It was as if he had won the lottery.
“Fk me what’s this”

“Its for you if you wish, I have a stomach ache.”

He ate it down like a pig.
I began to walk away, when Bernard called me over.
“Kid what’s up”
I am being picked on, and bullied.

By now Evans was standing just a few feet away, like a hyena waiting for some baby calf, to move from the protection of his mother.

“Who is picking on you?”

EVANS.
Not only had Jones heard my response clearly
Evans had also heard the comment and was in his starting blocks about to bolt.

Within a second Jones had him by his ginger lochs, in a vice like grip.
The first blow between his eyes, made me shudder. The second and third, I had to run for cover. I never did like blood.

The rest of the day I was shaking like a leaf, what would happen after school?

The bell. Sounded and I was first at the gate, the next minute, there was a call from Evans, his face was all cuts and bumps, with a tooth missing,

“ay yow” in typical brummie accent.
I was hemmed in, against the wall. Why on earth had I listened to Granddad, his plan hadn’t worked.
“Butler I am sorry for beating you it wont happen again”
It never did, although after a few weeks I was regretting having to give the cock of the school Bernard Jones my chocolate, however fate played a hand when both Jones and Evans, both moved to a different school.

As for granddad, he carried on drinking his Sherrie looking after me, until I was old enough to look after myself.

Cubone.

*He was smack on; I never had any trouble again. I just wish all you nice people on face book had a granddad like my Granddad. Albert.

In the last few 4 days these type of runner, have shown a massive profit.
Wednesday February 22 2012
1.Tayarat (IRE) 10-0 Miss Alice Mills (7) M C Chapman SP 100/1
made all, jumped slightly left, ridden and ran on flat opened 100/1 touched 100/1. Betfair Odds, 776/1
Before you say well that,s just one winner.

On Saturday (Wincanton) Valmari Won by leading over the first 3 fences, Comments (led until 3rd, hit next, led 6th, clear from 2 out, hit last, ridden out opened 40/1 touched 40/1) Betfair SP 63/1

On Sunday Cave Hill Won made all, mistake 4 out, came clear from 2 out, forged clear flat, stayed on well opened 25/1 touched 28/1= Betfair SP. 44/1

In the 6 days there were 5 other winners, see below. but personally I only back horses that are above 20/1.

Fishers Cross 9/4
Fiulin 6/4
Super Duty 7/1
Brindisi Breeze 9/2
Giles Cross 4/1
Total Submission 12/1
All 8 winners made the pace from the start. and gave a net profit for a £1 Stake = £975 return, losing bets, £68,,,

A net profit of £943..*
For gamblers who wish to learn the art of trading this is also an amazing introduction, for a very small starter of £100 deposit with the Exchange service Betfair, you will get a free £25, so you are already that amount in front.
If you are stuck at home and are looking for an extra income. learn how to do it,
Just watch the racing and see how accurate you are at seeking the leader.
Any one not sure about what I have said, email me on cubone_bets@hotmail.com

Note.. do not enter this challenge if you are a compulsive gambler, or can not do as you are told and nothing else.

Cubone

What they have done is commendable and the new chief executive Paul Bittar, could be the games savour.(Horseracing)

What is to happen will save a possible riot at the Cheltenham Festival? Where the English, horses would have been at a massive disadvantage over the Irish, jockeys the majority can’t count anyway. Other than there winnings, no longer in Punts but £s.

I will will be looking at there runners with a great deal of interest. And I will explain why.

There is another policy flaw, in Britain that will play into the hands of our friends from over the Irish Sea, and it is the amount of runners, in the UK, that has made our racing uncompetitive.

To see the amount of 6/7 runner handicaps, is no coincident, and were are the old 16 runner plus, handicaps. That gave our runners a feel for what to expect at the forthcomming Cheltenham,Festival.

I will be blunt, this control of the amount of runners, by a black art, that increase the Bookmakers profits by as much as 15/20% is a scandal that requires an enquiry by the BHA at once, starting at Wetherbys.

The profits being made by the High Street shops, is no longer reliant on casino games, but the man in the street, who places his £5 Each way, regardless of the amount of runners is being hung drawn and quartered.

I am not saying that Bookmakers in the UK are not offering a good service, for they are betting to tighter margins than ever before. in the win markets and what with guaranteed odds offering the better price at tissue or starting price a first class concession, but what of the % in the place markets work it out for yourself,
So why do they have to conspire with who ever, to create races, were the % in the place book, redresses all the good they have done. It is the nearest to Find the Lady than I have seen since I sat and watched the Walsall Mob, on the race-trains. Of the 40s.

The industry are on a win/win situation, for if the thinking public rebel even more so, and forget horseracing, and greyhounds for there daily fun, completely, they have more Football entertainment, than ever before with every game throwing up 30 or more opportunities, instead of the Home/Away/Draw. Of the past. I personally were proud to announce that I entered Hall Green Greyhound Stadium, in 1952 were I was a tick tack for my father, and was asked to show Archie Vincent and Bill Cutler the coupon that I had drafted, with every player in the F,A Cup. Being offered as the first goal scorer. plus a half time full time market, From that date, to the 21st century, spot betting stagnated, although the increase in betteing tax, by a government hell bent on saving the Football Coupen monopoly but internet betting regurgitated what was a gold mine, waiting to be discovered.

Any one who asks me If I was so clever why I didn’t I move on to many other great betting opportunities, in Football? My reply is that the Beatles arrived and gave this 21 year old, new fun and games to explore.
Unlike Fred Done, who has gone on to rule the betting world? After all I am more handsome than my friend Fred.

Follow this blog, with, other snippets, before I depart this world, after which, you may find that the truth, is harder to find.

Cubone

.Her anxieties about pregnancy, had been filled with apprehensions about the death of her newborn children, the death of a child in infancy was not a surprise to anyone “We have our children taken from us,” her mother cried out, “the Desire of our Eyes taken away with a stroke.”

All though her life she had known the dangers, she just had to attempt something new. Who it was who had told her about Anne, I’m not sure, but as soon as she arrived she knew that a bond would be formed, Anne just oozed confidence,

“You do look well Mary.”
“What ever, it is Boy or Girl you are going to require a large cot” the smile followed by a haughty laugh, removed the stress that Mary was feeling.

Anne was an experienced Irish DOULA, from the city, and had been recommended, to help through her childbirth it was at these time’s women require reassurance, they also support both physical emotional, even spiritual, the type of insight only a women who has been through the experience can provide. In her late 60s she spoke in a very confident tone, as if nothing would cause her alarm.
Events during childbirth can be scary at the best of times, and the confidence from calm, experienced women who had seen 100s of births, and would understand what to do, in dangerous circumstance. Was just what Mary required. For Mary who all her life had believed that what ever happened was Gods will in this case nothing would change other than the fact that the almighty would receive a little assistance. From Anne.

From the moment the contractions commenced, Anne and Mary were a team, even the terrible pain, that mother was enduring, seemed much less. Than previously.

Women were assisted in childbirth in the late 19th century by family friends, or close relations, in Mary’s case it had always been her own mother, her practical experience in delivering children. Was seen as perfect,
But as her mother had died, Mary looked for another, to help. it was when her husband was told about, this Irish women, who had hands like the real Mary Magdalene, when his wife had lost 4 of her children in the last few days of her pregnancy, still born, when speaking to his vet, he was told about this Irish Doula, who worked at Donnington, and Ashby, his wife required assistance after all it was believed that she had delivered 650 children with only four recorded fatalities.
Her ability was highly valued. And although it was seen by some as a curse actually having to pay for her service, before hand, other than a small gift afterwards,

Husband Thomas, had been told about this community, who had attracted an experienced midwife (Doula) by offering a salary plus a house rent-free. And after meeting her, she had agreed to become there private midwife.

Thomas was so desperate for his wife he would do anything to help her with what was her last attempt, Anne must have felt sorry for Mary, because she agreed to travel the long distance by coach, This was to be the first time that Anne had left Ashby, since arriving there from Dublin. 10 years before. Although, she was fully booked to provide, her much sort after service. The village elders would be less than pleased if they had known. That she was in breech of her contract.
Thomas had collected, Anne for this private session, of 3 days,

After a 6 hour delivery, with Mary appearing to be in a trance, historians have come to the conclusion that she was some sort of hypnotist, what ever she did, Mary was out of pain, and the outcome was an astonishing response. Although we have to take this on trust for no one was allowed in the room, and Mary herself remembered nothing.
“Mary I can announce that you are the mother of not one healthy child but two. Beautiful Twin. Boys.”
By the time both of the children, had been cleaned Mary realized how lucky she was no one who she had known, could have handled the birth so well. in fact it made her sad when she thought, how unfortunate it had been for her previous still born, all 4 Girls, and she questioned if they could have also have survived, if they had been delivered by Anne.

It was the Irish nurse, with a matter of fact announcement.
“You should call these two Lads, Chalk and Cheese, for they are completely different in every way.
The first born had been recorded as 6 lb 10oz, an hour later his brother had been delivered weighing in at an enormous, 11 lb, the reason for the knick names was there complete difference, in looks and size, the first born was freckled with what would be ginger, hair, were his brother was darker in complexion, with black hair and dark brown eyes.
The children were seen as a gift, from God with just a little assistance from Anne,
During there formative years, they were both athletic, running jumping, what ever they were asked to attempt they succeeded. Charlie never made up the difference, in height, although he became very stocky, and a much stronger individual. Were as Chester was tall and thin, with hands like a girl.

The one thing that was clear from the start was that Charlie was to be his mothers favourite it may have been that he was the first born and as soon as he was placed in Mary’s arms, there was that extra bond that remained between mother and son, all his life. I am not saying that she did not love Chester as much, that would be a false statement, but as far as protection was concerned, there was never one day that went by without Mary calling out, to Chester.

“Keep your eyes on Charlie, watch what Charlie is doing, don’t let Charlie, climb that tree, or swim in that pool”. When they were in there teens it was there occupation’s that Mary seemed to attaché most importance. But even then, it was Charlie, who became the most important. In the eyes of both parents, as for Chester it was less important.

Even Thomas agreed that the boys should be given a much better opportunity than he had, trying to provide, for even this small family, from the proceeds of a small holding less than 50 acres, if it wasn’t, for extra work, he had to do, in other farms they would have starved. But at least they had good educations, and had thrived, Mary was adamant that there would be no late nights and early mornings as farmers, it would never be good enough for her two boys. She wanted them to follow her own father in a large City, perhaps in stock broking.

Although Mary was a staunch Catholic even she was surprised when Chester indicated that he wished to attend a religious school with a view to perhaps becoming a Catholic As for Charlie, he was an exceptional boy, head lad at King Edwards; everyone thought the world was his oyster. His Maths and English were so good that he was offered a place at the school itself, as a teacher, but inwardly he wanted to see the world. Before he settled down, that was before he met and fell in love, much to his mother’s disgust.

In 1914 with the boys now 18 they had left school and both had taken up apprentices, but there were a further shock, when Charles indicated that he wished to join the Cold stream Guards, Mary was distraught, even though it was believed that the start of WW1 would be over before Christmas, she was petrified that he would be injured or worse still killed. as for Chester, it was in complete reversal to his brother, for he was a firm believer in contentious objection, nothing should be killed, in fact he would tell anyone he spoke to that he was against all wars, to kill another human being, was contrary to his firm beliefs. And he spent hours explaining his belief to soldier boy Charles.
By the end of the year, both sons would be called on to test there interest, and followings, Charles was first joining the Cold stream Charles did his square bashing at Aldershot, with the 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division so when war broke out in August 1914. He just missed any involvement,
The early part of 1915s, however he was soon in the thick of the battles, With his mother distraught blaming Chester for failing to keep his word of brother protection, so in January 1915, Chester also joined, the Coldstream Guards, but demanding that it would not involve fighting, if he couldn’t be a religious, help then there were many options, from the rear, perhaps as a cook, not that his Commanding Officer took a great deal of notice, what he did see was a very tall and therefore strong man of over 6ft 4 inch, if he wasn’t going to shoot a gun, then he would be trained as to pick up the pieces, as a Stretcher Bearer, so he could be shot at, but never held a gun himself.
..

Although, Chester still held his firm anti killing opinions, he loved his mother so much, that he trained to be a driver of ambulances, and after showing much bravery, he was placed in charge of a 4 man, Stretcher Team. In France.

He had seen his brother Charles on a few occasions, and it was clear to him that Charles had changed, before he had gone over sea’s he had moved in with his girl friend, who was pregnant, soon to be a mother, this had changed, Charles outlook. In his eyes it was the protection of his family that was uppermost in his mind, he had entered the war wishing to see the world he was now gaunt, as if he had been to Hell and survived. And this only after 6 months.
On one of the occasions, the brothers had met, it was Charles who requested, that Chester would take care of some papers that he wanted his mother and young girl friend to receive if he was killed.
In April 22: Poison Gas was first used on the Western Front, in a German attack on Canadian troops at Despite the German plans to maintain the stalemate with the French and British, German commanders planned an offensive at the Belgian town of Ypres, which the British had first defended in November 1914. This Second Battle of Ypres was intended to divert attention from offensives in the Eastern Front while disrupting Franco-British planning and to test a new weapon: the second mass use of chemical weapons.
Charlie had been very lucky to miss an incident were Gas was delivered, only for the wind to change, gassing the British in turn.

It was here that the two boys were split up with Charles in the thick of the fighting, and Chester at the back picking up the injured. As a stretcher bearer. After the battles had died out.

There was nothing that could have trained Chester for what he was about to see, and administer, with his 4 men team, there duty was to wait until there was a lull in the relative battles before going into no mans land. To pick up. The injured, the dead were left behind, some berried, only a few feet under ground, the weather so bad that many drowned in the mud,
As for fairness there was no guarantee that a Red cross on a soldiers arm would stop them being attacked also.

Unlike the other three in Chester’s team, he wanted to spend a little time with the dying, administering a few words of comfort. However this was holding the team up from carrying out there prime duty of getting minor injured back to base to be patched up. on three occasions, there had been complains lodged with his Commanding Officer, Chester was told what his duty was, help those injured, but could fight again, if they were badly injured, and would not survive, to cover them up, and move on, there was no time for anything other than a glance the rules were explicit, if it was there opinion that a soldier was unlikely to survive, they had to be left to there own devices, after all every soldier had there own survival kit.
After a week, of seeing things only the devil could create, he was contemplating, deserting or perhaps killing himself.

As Chester’s team, approached a large shell hole there were a dozen soldiers who had been blown apart, whilst hiding from a previous attack. After a hurried examination it clear in there minds that they were all dead. All of them were dead, as Chester carried out a prayer for the deceased. He heard a whisper that appeared to come from below the bodies.

As his three comrades, moved on, with a firm demand, there was a sound that Chester could never miss it was a cry “Chester”
Dashing back to the Hole, Chester could see an arm, gently moving from one of the seriously injured soldier, God it is Charles he cried.

Moving one of the dead bodies away, there was Charles, seriously injured but still alive. Seeing the injury, it was clear that his brother was dyeing.
Chester administer a morphine injection to relieve the pain even though his comrades, where shouting for him to come away. And retreat.
Chester was having none of it, by now he had examined his brother, and couldnt see he had lost his right leg, as high as his hip. Charles had managed to place a tourniquet to stem the bleeding but it had only been a slight, help. There was blood every were,
There was also a bullet that had passed through his chest even Chester realized that he had only a short amount of time before he would die.
Still Chester refused to budge, kissing his brother gently on his cheek, talking about there mother, father, and there home, Chester wanted to say all the things that he had failed to discuss in the past.
How much he loved his brother,
The most vehement of the group. Demanded that they retreat back to camp. If not Cheater would be reported for deserting his post. And refusing to take an order, after all there was a sergeant, in charge, and Chester was bound to do what he was told.
Still he refused to budge, still rocking his brother, ignoring every thing around, his own team and the bullets from the German infantry.

After a lull in the battle, Chester looked around he was on his own, his brother had minutes left,
“Chester if you look in my pocket you will see letters to mother and Ivy the mother of my little girl. Charlotte.

“She will need help and if you survive this Hell. Will you promise that you will take her under your wing, and also offer Ivy some advice, for they will both require it?
As for mother please tell her that I am sorry, to leave her without telling her of my love and affection.”

“And you chez, no one could have had such a loving brother, I can only hope that your God, can explain, how he had allowed this to take place.”
With that, Charles was no more. Having died, a terrible death,
Already Chester had began to doubt his religious, thoughts, even before he had watched his brother die, he had now decided that his belief, would require a revisit.

Still Chester refused to move, in fact staying a further hour, and having berried his brother 8 ft under ground, but not before sketching out a rough diagram, of the area and was the grave could be found, in future.

Back at the guards camp. Already a team were out looking for Chester for he had been marked as a deserter, and therefore under arrest.
When he was found still in no mans land administering some affection to other seriously injured, soldiers, doing what he could in there last minutes.

Your under arrest, Soldier, came from a regimental. Policemen,
Chester roared in disgust,
It took over 4 men to physically restrain Chester and take him back to the camp and the prison that already held a dozen fellow deserters.

Charged with desertion, Chester knew their king and country expected them to fight to the death. Such was the expectation of their military commanders, their political leaders and even their loved ones that there was no question that if mortal danger came, they should face it like men. It was the only way for good to triumph over evil.
Chester was no fool. He did not believe that he had deserted only having carried some loving compation to a family member, moments from his death.

His statement in defence of the charge was written by himself he required none to help. If he was found guilty then so be it, he knew that he would be shot. Chester also knew that many soldiers, were dying of shock, many were driven insane and several simply ran away. Not because they did not wish to fight, they were unable to do so.

But the army could no more afford to carry cowards than it could traitors, and many of those who did flee faced instant retribution with a court martial and death by firing squad.

In the morning there were three such cowards, including Chester, however, it was decided that he should at least be given a chance to answer the charge, for when it was reported that it was his brother who he had had stayed to administer his last, last moments as a roman catholic deserved,

This was a dangerous subject one that his leaders did not with to have aired at this moment.
However someone in the senior service, had come to the conclusion that to shoot him was a very dangerous precedent in the circumstances so Chester was reprieved and sent back to Sheffield suffering with a non diagnosed problem.

The commanding Officer of his unit, was not as bright, as he should have been, A lesser charge, was trumped up. And for over 2 years nothing was heard of the brother, it is believed that a caring Vicar, who was a friend, managed to get him a job, in charge of the hospital morgue,

He had become a changed man a heavy drinker, who would fight, anyone at the drop of a hat, and could he fight, he was also a firm atheist. Actually telling every one who me met, of his new thoughts, having seen first hand, the caring nature of his previous redeemer.

After the war was over, Chester was sent back to his home town, were what had happened to him, had been printed in the local rag, every one was to be told that he had deserted,
Nothing was mentioned about, the reason for protecting his brother but the way he had just missed being shot by less than a hour, seemed to be in the public interest, more than, him being a loving brother, carrying out what he had promised his other. Before he left for France. It was left to the public to come to the conclusion if he had been fortunate, not to be shot as a coward, or not. And sadly every one even his mother came firmly on the side of Kings Regulations.

Even his mother could not forgive him, for him to having survived the war without his brother was sacrilege in her eyes, so although Chester was allowed to stay at the farm for a month or two his mother hardly spoke a word to him…

It was at this time that whilst looking through some of his equipment he found the letters that Charlie had given him to be delivered, if he managed to survive, the war.

This was the time that Chester decided to run away again, leaving the notes in a large envelope, along with his own letter to his parents explaining what had happened, and not what the news papers had printed.

On the way back to the city centre of Birmingham Chester dropped in to see Ivy Charles Girl friend,
Chester was distraught to see the poverty that she and a very young little girl were living in, it was the back room, of her parents, home that in its self was a slum,
Ivy fortunately was a labourer in a factory, the wages just enough to stop the pair, visiting the poor house,
As Chester had a few £s that he had saved, from his period in Sheffield, he gave it all to his sister in law, (Not quite correct) and walked the 25 miles to the Birmingham City Centre, were no one knew him or his history.

After all the War was over, there was work about, one of the first places he saw was a Billiards Hall in new street, it was full of players, and for coppers, you could take a table, to play on there were also many people prepared to play with a stranger certainly if there was a bet, or gamble involved.
What many did not realize was that there had been a billiards table in the Sheffield Infirmary, and after 2 years Chester had become a very good player.

After watching a few games, Chester was befriended by a local. From Bordsley Small Heath, a gypsy like person, with a softly spoken voice,
After a few games he told Chester that he was prepared to support him, in a few games against, others, but Chester would have to lose a few games to get him a handicap.

One thing that Chester had not become accustomed to was Gambling for anything other than coppers, in the next few weeks, this man called William Kimber, was to become his backer, telling him when to play to win and when to lose…

Although Chester spent the first two weeks sleeping under one of the tables it wasn’t long before, he had his own flat, only a few doors from the Hall.

A further bit of advice that Mr Kimberly gave to Chester was how to control his drinking habit, one that would clearly affect his gambling success.

Kimber was more than a backer of Billiards stars, he was in fact the leader of Birmingham’s racecourse Gang known as the Brummies, and they controlled almost every racecourse in the country,
What they were other than organised criminals, they were a team of extortionists, charging racecourse Bookmakers a fee, to be allowed to operate.

Horseracing and greyhound racing as well as trotting and Pony racing was thriving, racecourses were full of those looking for a gambling experience. With Gambling banned, in the high streets, only those with a credit account or those prepared to visit a track could take part.

One night at the Billiard Hall, Chester was playing a game for the most amazing stake of £200… The best of 5 games,

Although Chester was by far, the better player, he was instructed to lose the first two games, and win the next three, the overall gambling that took place on this game was enormous with over a hundred, watching, as well as supporting there selection..

The amount of interest that was generated, gave many confidence to support jack Wilde, Chester’s opponent.
When the betting was 1/10. Wilde, only Kimber was betting on Chester, and must have had a massive liability. If Wilde won.

In the thirst game, a team of hooligans known as the Loonies, began, supporting Wilde, having taken an opinion that he was a certainty,

When Chester won the third game, and the forth, making it 2 each, on of the leaders in the Loonies, realized he had been duped during the last game he jumped on the table and urinated all over the green baize, kicking the balls off the table.

A fully fledge battle took place, between Kimbers supporters, the Brummies and the Loonies. Knives and razors, were every were, at one time over 50 villains were fighting toe to toe.
The green of the table was red with the amount of blood. And guts.

Kimber himself personally had remained, aloof from the battle leaving it to his minders, all of them ex boxers, and although they were out numbered, there was a lull in proceedings, were Kimber, and an Irish man called McCoy, called a truce.

The Irish man was content to call all bets off, and even though it was still 2 games each, there was an opinion, that Chester was only slightly favourite.

Kimber as brave as a lion, stood as tall as his 5ft 5 inch allowed, and gave his opinion that the game should continue with all bets to stand.

It took 30 minutes to clear the table and continue with the final game, Chester knew what was required, only moving to there front, when the score was 95, best to 100.
It was then that fair minded gamblers would believe that it was a very fair and open game,
But still McCoy knew they had been conned, for Chester was a much more superior player.

As the last point was gained with Chester the Winner, The Irishman drew out of his pocket, a knife two feet long, at the same time to very big, and villains, held the arms of Kimber in a lock.

Every one moved away from the table scarred stiff what was about to take place, only Kimber seemed calm. And it was he who had his life, in balance.

At that moment, only the two players were within striking distance,

At this moment Wilde the losing player, began to rant and rave, telling every one what he was about to do. Pointing to his apponent, who hadnt said a word, telling him, that he would be first.

In the next few seconds, there was an incident that was still being discussed on all British racecourses, for the next 50 years.

Chester, must have seen blood, for with one blow he struck, Wilde, between his eyes, knocking him out, the two blows of his cue, sent the two Loonies, including McCoy, to the floor ending what could have been a serious battle.

No one had been accounting for Chester, as part of the fight, and every one was taken by shock.
Even Kimber, who was tantamount to a British equivalent to a mafia Leader. Was stunned.

The next day, Kimber was to make Chester an offer that would in the next 2 years make him a wealthy man, for he would become, the leading player, in British racecourse extortion. Nothing heavy, for all of the British Bookmakers knew the agreement, and how much they had to pay every day for there protection. This was with the changes there were about to take place with the arrival of a 6 unit Italian Family. known as the Sabine’s, one that would tilt, the whole of British Horseracing as well as a slice of Greyhound and trotting events, into the hands of organised crime for 5 years, this battle took place everywhere from Cardiff, Bath, Epsom, and Brighton as well as many Trots and Pony racing, even Wands worth, greyhound stadium produce a stabbing over a Bookmaker pitch. All brought to every ones attention with the making of the film Brighton Rock. But it was the government that demanded a call for order, when it was indicated that there would be a Tote monopoly if these racecourse battles failed to be brought to a halt. It was then, that Bookmakers and there supporters, saw the light, but it would take many more lives and prisons full of those desperate to take over horseracing.
It would be the formation of a Bookmakers trade association, and affiliate groups all over Britain, before order was commenced.

Chapter Two.

A Battle Royal.

After one of the Blackmans stints, Henry Solomon, noticed he had perfected a full comedy act.
And made him an offer to be his agent and partner,
The first thing he thought Peter required was regular style he discussed many before coming up with a soldiers uniform, from the South African Wars,
The one that they both liked best was that of an Officer in the Guards, Peter being smitten with the White Pith Helmets. that caught there eye,
With money collected from the many venue’s Peter was operating at.
They purchased a second hand, uniform, of a Colonel. in the Guards,
Not only the Pith, but a red tunic, blue britches and silver spurs, and as many medals as a large man’s chest could contain.

Within a short time, Peter was reciting poems, from the front, singing popular ditties made famous over time, but still contained the rude element of the local scourer’s. accent.
Working 5 days a week, not only in the many dives, spread about the county but he made a compete break through when Henry decided on a new script it came about owing to the popularity of Horse racing in Liverpool area.

Henry was also an agent for the most popular Hotel in Liverpool. The Adelphe was the haunt for all lover of National Hunt sports, the 2 weeks before the yearly Grand National. was a typical event were every bedroom room was taken, mostly by the Illegal Bookmaking element operating in England, they would set up the same as a London Coffee House with the walls covered with lists of the forthcoming event. and all the prices available.

Henry saw a great opening for Peter by acting as a TIPSTER. there were racecourse tipsters, already in competition but non like a black, Colonel. with so called friends, in every royal household in the country.

Peters act, as a retired officer and gentleman, was hilarious, if not a little outrageous. but somehow the spurs and britches gave the impression of a National Hunt Amateur Rider, and possible owner, could it be that the Tipster was inspired and would have his eyes and ears, in all the leading stables.

He would claim to be the son of Queen Victoria, and a relationship of hers with the Zulu King Cashways.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Cetshwayo-c1875.jpg/175px-Cetshwayo-c1875.jpg
No one knew that the South African King opposed to Britain’s imperialism, would soon be in a terrible war. ,
Being a mixture of Irish and Liverpudlians, They just loved the Anti Royal sentiment.
But the main part was that black tipster was some how produced as a race horse owner, who knew all the winners, Peter had become a specialist Tipster,
There was a slight problem that wasn’t of concern, on the stage, but was to be a disaster in a few years time Peter was Illiterate, and could only sign his name with a large X. he required Henry to make out all the betting slips with the names of there selections and any witty comments.
The two weeks prior to the 1869 Grand National. Peter worked every night solid, tipping The Lamb. As pure white horse, that he would claim that Victoria had sent him direct, to run in the race, the amount of information of jockeys and trainers, made any comment by Peter acceptable.

The amount of cash they were earning was spectacular, when The Lamb won at 9/1 having been 25/1 weeks before. the big race, there were hundreds, who had followed his lead, and were now happy to continue following what ever he tipped them, all the year round.
He even befriended, those who were actually part of the industry, so improving his knowledge.
That night at the Alephie was exceptional. with the floor flooded with beer,

It was this moment when an observer would have noticed that Peter had two very dangerous, habits one was to drink himself paralytic every night after his act was completed, but he also spent every penny he had, buying drinks for every one rich or poor,, he was not going to last very long at this rate.

Within 12 months the end could be seen, every night Peter would fall asleep, drunk, sometimes on the floor of the stage, others outside the last of his venue, in the gutter.
This was when; the love of his Scouser clients, began to wane,
Many mornings, market workers, would see The Black Tipster fast asleep, next to his head, was the PITH Helmet propped up like a Gazunder (Toilet) full of urine, certainly not his own.
There would be vomit, all over his tunic and britches. With the spurs missing,
The medals of some value had been sold by Henry well before this time.

After many arguments, about these loss’s Peter expected new uniforms, to be produced the next day.But the money had run out,

It was when a sober Peter realized that Henry had been taking more than the 50% partnership. In fact a further 25%.

Hardly speaking to each other, Peter was expected to dress himself, but with no cash, the dress became laughable, a Pith hat was now green, coated with fungus, the riding boots, were odd wellingtons, cut short, and on the chest of a canvas Mack were 5 silver coloured tin can lids.
It was amazing that people still purchased his tips, but not so many, and the laughter that followed his act, was now, cynical.

On the forthcoming National Event 1870, Peter decided that the very successful partnership from the past must come to an end,

Calling Henry to his side telling him that this would be the last of there partnership, after the 1870 race they would go there own ways,

In hindsight this was a disastrous decision.
As Peter worked the Liverpool crowd there were still clients, who had remembered the last year’s winner,

As the horses were going down to the start, Henry began to distribute the slips, placed in white envelopes, Peter had told Henry which horse he was going to select, and it was up to Henry to create the information on a slip and entered into a envelope, the horse was to be “The Colonel.”
In the past Henry had entered a clever witty comment, alongside the Horses name, but as Peter could not read or write, he left that to his partner..

Within a short time there were over 100 of Peters old clients in a steady circle, paying for the tips, various amounts, based on how much Henry thought they could afford.

Even Peter did not see what was coming, and was to drunk, to duck from a heavy blow across his head, within seconds there was a riot, with the Black Tipster, pole axed on the floor, only 3 policemen, with riot gear, and long wooden staffs, saved his life,

Back inside the Temporarily Built Police Hut on the course it was discovered that Henry had written out, an ungraceful comment, about white men, and there wives, ignoring any selection. it was the last throw of a dissatisfied partner.

After a period in the City station Peter was let go with no prosecution although there were over a 100 race goers seeking his blood

The Black Tipster was no more when “The Colonel”. Strolled home an easy 4 length winner it made no difference, only Henry had backed the selection, no one else had been informed.

It was 6 months before anything further was known of Peter, the Tipster, when the body of a tall black man, covered in leaves and twigs, was discovered alongside the wall of the Liverpool Lunatic Asylum how long he had been there no one seemed to know.

It was a further 50 years before a sailor, arrived in London, http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJ9n6KfY_Is2OxLtHjO8VodsNUvWOCXeTEoc_6imao9OB663kkOg
Peter McKay in 1881 was originally from an island called St Croix, part of the US Virgin Islands in the West Indies. He arrived in Britain in 1902 and after a year of mostly menial work he managed to join the chorus of the first all-black West End musical show called In Dahomey.
With very little evidence in print of who was the original Black Tipster, Prince Monolulu will have to go down in history as the real McKay. but we no difference.

It was his timing that made Peter McKay so famous.
Horseracing during the 2 WWs was promoted, through Film, with all the big races, The Derby, Grand National and Royal Ascot, shown on the Pathie News so that every film watcher would also see, the big Sporting Events, there in the middle of the action was Prince Monolulu. In his royal robes of a Royal, just like Our Black Scous, This Prince also had a great personality, who would call over to the Duke of Windsor, in such a friendly terms that all the race goers believed that they must have been friends,

Reminding the Duke that he hoped the 6 penny special had been delivered on time to Buckingham Palace.
The crowd roared with laughter. Just like they did 50 years before.

Two things gave him the impetus the first was when he tipped the 1920 Grand National Winner Spoin Kop at 14/1. Clearly heard on the news bulletin, that publicity was worth a fortune, to the new Black Tipster.
And for it to be seen on the news was worth its weight in gold.

Dorothy Paget, the £millionaire daughter of a Lord Queensborough, literally hated him and would miss some of the bread and butter meetings, even if she had a runner, if she had been informed that the Black Prince was there tipping.
He had the habit of calling her My Love, and as she was very Butch, she would have knocked him out there and then, if she had had here way,

The Aga Khan, hated him even more so, when The Prince Monolulu virtually inferred that they were cousins. the joke didn’t go down very well. but his son, Prince Ali Solomone Aga Khan, known as Aly Khan husband of actress Rita Hayworth. would spend ages discussing, the days racing, once again improving the Tipsters, following,
Horseracing and its popularity had taken off, big time some of the crowds were enormous, but for an hour before the first race, every one wanted to watch the “Princes Act”

His “Ive Got a Horse” became world famous, and made Prince Monolulu an Icon in his own time, very few punters had an opinion of there own, and what better than a tip from a Royal. There were all sorts of confidence tricksters on the British racecourses, who sought out any mug they could find, and non better at conning the public was The Bogus prince.
I am ready to believe that Peter McCoy copied The Liverpool Tipster, from something he had heard. There act was to close, not to be a resemblance created not by chance, but by history.
They both dressed in a similar pattern creating a royal persona, both had amazing personalities, who would speak and converse with any one even the Kings, of England. Both started off with an amazing lucky streak tipping the winners of the biggest race of the year, and at enormous prices,
Both finished up destitute, with there costumes smelling of urine.

Very few knew what a rouge Peter Mcoy was he was, married 4 times, he would be invited, too many dinner parties of the rich and famous.
It was when he was invited to an after show, dinner, for the Royal Household,
One of the royal wives, who will remain anonymous, had fallen in love with him not because of his winners or royal blood but of the talk amongst film starlets, and going the rounds, that his manhood was larger than Errol Flynn.
When he arrived at the Savoy, with an invitation, his new Royal friends, the doorman refused to let him in, for he was in top hat and tails, and not the silk robes and feathers of the Prince Monolulu.

It was fate that they should both die, in similar circumstance, winning and losing fortunes in there time, only to end up destitute.

So once again I will give my humble opinion that every success story. Creates a copy cat, years later that will succeed and then die out, again.
So if you are on Job Seekers Allowance. change you name, and be unique,

Cubone.

What a coincident THE END.

That is why it is so much better if you have a bedroom. were you can think alone, and plan your escape from “The Lost Generation” slowly and with much thought.

Take Frank Lee Morris that is a common enough name, so it is no clue, for what he was about to do.to make his great escape. ,http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Frank_Morris.jpg/100px-Frank_Morris.jpg href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Frank_Morris.jpg/100px-Frank_Morris.jpg"> Frank was a little like you, no Clark Gable http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRhoc49k9XvJngpr9rliZE7NnvsiAJwf2o8fhWED4xbb-sfZrGT0Q but then again he did not resemble the Haunch Back.Notradame http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxx6PcOwa1sjtIhcFLcEXCCEl0gETSYOtdCoYgDZv6fy7xR4DC
Born in Washington in the year 1926, Morris is said to have had an IQ of 133 plus, which is going on some, in the top 3% of the clever fucks globally.just think he was cleverer that Einsteine. but ignore that, take my word you are clever enough. as long as you are not, snorting something up your nose, in that case you are already in the non advisable bracket.
Why then was his bed in Alkatraz, after all he spent most of his early years in foster homes some must have been good, and you would think, he was being looked after. at some time.
But obviously not, for he was locked up with the very worse type of American criminal, and for 12 months he planned the cleverest escape in the history, of Criminology. when he cracked open his bedroom, (Cell) taking part in the “Escape from Alcatraz and was never seen again
The FBI, were never going to admit his success, claiming that he drowned in the San Francisco Bay. but let us believe that he finished in a multi million dollar, penthouse with some retired pent house babe.

So although I do not wish to be to melodramatic, your situation, in the United Kingdom sica 2011, can not be as bad as Franks.

Nothing is easy. if you are aged between 18 and 24, you fall into the right type that I am looking for, although, it don’t matter much if you are 75.as long as you have the will.
For being in a Lost Generation, is a terrible place to be,

I believe that if you look hard enough, you will realize that all clever moves throughout time, are reenacted again and again over generations, only the way they are carried out change.
Take Sir Francis Drake, he was nothing but a villan. an English sea captain, privateer, navigator, slaver, and politician, how low can you get Elizabeth I of England awarded him a knighthood for going out and finding things that others wanted, and he got most of them for very little cost.
So that the first clue go out and circumvent the globe even if it is on some
clapped out ship.
You know there is a market for what ever you bring back home as long as it cost nothing. or very little
When people like Drake, raped continents, of there wealth, for his Queen, they were stolen, but things have changed and those places like Brazil and China now want there treasures back.

So why not be a little drake, for one day you may become a Duck.

Let us look at China, if you spend all your lost time, looking at old Chiness pots and pans, for instance you could became a Kevin Page who opened his first antiques gallery in Camden Passage, London UK, in 1968 and for almost 40 years has been supplying the finest Japanese Antiques, Chinese Antiques, Chinese porcelain and Japanese meiji art to dealers, decorators and collectors worldwide. you will find if you Google hard enough, how copies of the real thing are produced, once you know you will find what you are looking for, if you are living at home with no expense only the love of a mom and dad, to pay for, and you cant get that much cheaper than a Hug and Kiss.
I have not forgotten Frank who obviously did not have that parental affection. so you will have to work that much harder.

But here comes the crunch, 99% of these Japanese and Chinese Antiques, are not what they seem, they may be made in the far east, but last week.
In fact the Antique game is is the crookedest game in history.
But don’t forget we in Europe stole it from them, in the first place and they want the real m’coy back, in exchange for copy’s.
That’s fair enough, so what am I saying, well you must learn another language Chinese and Japanese’s for starters, but there is something that can be taught, and is most crucial. it is a friendly personality.

Without going back as far as 1500s to find a copy cat, who followed on, from disaster no mate,s to glorious success,

In 1850s a Human Being ex Slave, now finds himself a Job Seeker without any alliances, for he was Black, hated outside, and couldn’t afford a bedroom, inside.
Safe and sound in some South African hut, may have been an option, but Peter was a trier, at 6ft 4 inch, you would have thought he could take care of himself, and perhaps he could but a bow and arrow against a gun was never an equal opportunity.

What was he to do, after the Slave Abolikshment England passed laws to make it impossible to get real work.
Sitting in his little slum he weighed up his options, if he couldn’t work and was forever being attacked physically or racially

He smiled there was only one option.
Make people laugh,
If he was Black, and that colour was the tool that Scousers, in and arround Liverpool Docks, used to hurt, why not become a Black Scouser,
The accent was eisier than you may think. any one can tell a Liverpudlian Joke some better than others.

He walked into his first Pub, in 1862 and expecting to be thrown out, he shouted “Why wasn’t Jesus born in Liverpool? and as two dockers began to put on there angry faces.
Peter smiled and said
Couldn’t find 3 wise men and a virgin.

The rour rocked the bar, sending drinks every were.
Followed by Laughter, then with Peter getting ready for a clack over the head. it was followed by Pats on the back..
Before long people who had very little money themselves, were buying him drinks.

Chapter 2. That’s Entertainment.

The American Invasion, (Doping) in 1900 held the industry to ransom. They had to be sent packing back to the states, just because the Jockey Club knew they were villains, even though they couldn’t prove it.
But things stick in your memory and although now that I am a Racing Historian, of a sort, after many such tales it is no wonder that mid week, there are only a half dozen computer pluckers.in the betting rings, and even when I attend the High Street shops, I am amazed to watch the English gamblers, placing there bets on reality racing, but why should I be amazed for I have never seen a horse run out, having taken the wrong course, at one of these make believe meetings.
Every year something happens, that weakens, the public interest, in this great sport, even the British Totelizator that was seen by many as the savoir of the Sport, when it was first created in 1927. it was a licence to print fortunes, when a team of price watchers, working for the Tote, would make notes in the rings, watching and comparing the Starting Prices, so that the Tote return could be comparable, when a short priced favorite won, the Tote price would be slightly less, but when a big price winner won the race sometimes not even been backed. they would pool the extra profit pocketing the difference, as a fighting fund, but that was never proven until the 1970s. Carlisle Cock Up. When the Tote management, were found to be placing bets after the result was known. This realization, didn’t help there cause. Or Lord Astor, in his attempt for a British Tote Monopoly.
However when the 21st century arrived and with it, Computerized Internet Betting the Exchange System, Dominated by Belfair, created a service so transparent, that although a punter could Back to win or back to lose, It was inevitable that all betting transactions would be visual to The BHA, of right.
Bookmakers have until then always kept, there business to themselves, like a doctor, unless of course like Gay Future they were on the wrong end of a beating. and made good use with Lord Wigg, using the British Secret Service to break the coup. blaming it on the IRA.

I feel it was the Warwick Match, where Graham Bradley was accused over an incident in which 4-7 favourite Man Mood pulled up in a two-horse race at Warwick in November 1996. that threw the doors wide open, when The William Hill Management, refused to inform of any bets they had taken, on the race, even though there concourse hedgers. Were running round like scalded cats, backing against Man Mood winning. , it was no surprise when the favourite pulled up. But without transparency, the Police who were called in but did nothing.

In 2004/5 With every one squealing that it was Belfair that had corrupted the sport, it was this firm that had actually opened up there books, and the business of all there customers, before the races took place, betting coups and skulduggery would in a short time be a thing of the past, unless of course you wish to lose your living. And your business.
Other than very stupid fools, like these two, Jockeys, should know by now that the BHA (Son of the Jockey Club) know every bet that is laid through the Exchange system, and act accordingly. It may happen again, when a jockey forgets to weigh in, only to find that many £thousands have been won, in the Belfair in running markets, but being able to spend the loot is a different matter. these Jockeys may well be the last of serious chicanery, but of course, cheating in general will just go on, in its merry way, but not so greedy.
Question, is the villainy any worse now than before, certainly not I would say there is a massive improvement, in the honesty of horse racing but tell that to the Indians, for none of the old racing fans will ever believe me.
A 12 year ban for young jockeys is a cost, that could never have been worth while, and anyone who goes down the same rout again, will be a bigger fool, than these two. nuptials.
For those who will not believe my opinion as to the amount of cheating during the relevant periods, I will end with a story from the past, as it was the organizer of the conspiracy himself, who wrote the evidence, in his memoirs, “Sixty Years on the Turf, a Bookmaker of great repute,” George Hodge man” was involved and didn’t appear to worry about telling everyone.
It took place at the now defunct course, called Shrewsbury, between Wolverhampton and Chester, It was the end of the 1862 season in fact when the majority of gamblers reached the last race at Doncaster St Leger meeting, and they were all skint.
As they arrived in the George Hotel three of the National Hunt greats, walked to the bar were, Mr George Angel. And friend of the Jockey Club, A very well respected person, in the game, was seated.
It was George Evade real name Edwards, who started the conversation. A rider of The Lamb one of only two Grey’s to have won the National. Of which this horse won it twice.
“We are in a right state we will be having a right bad Christmas, unless we can get some help.”
In the company with Edwards, was Captain Little. and Captain Tinley all the three were Grand National Hero so, all though Tinley only finished second, whilst crying out to Thomas the winning jockey, “I will give you a grand, If you stop riding”, the other thing they had in common was they were all Cheltenham Boys, (Known for there trickery in betting maters,) all friends of Tom Oliver (3) and George Stevens, (6)
Angel said “leave it to me I will have a word with George Hodge man, the leading Bookmaker not many notches behind, leviathan Davies. Was George.
“George I have been approached by three Cheltenham, swells, they need some help and want to know if we can organise a small handicap. For gentlemen riders, they are all dead broke, and require a hand.”
The main steward John Frail was approached and between them they created a 4 Runner event. To be run on Friday.
The Welter Handicap. of 5 so, with £20 added, for three year olds and upwards, Gentlemen riders jockeys an extra 5 lb, The winner to be sold for 50 sobs,
The race at half a mile.
—————————
It was Frails young son who placed the notice in the window, and as it were 4, o’clock, at the time there was very little chance of any other runners, being declared…
The runners would be Sheerness, Astarte, Zara and Baron,
as the boy was about to take the list down, Hodge man walked away satisfied that the race was organised as required.
A few seconds later a very well known owner, Mr Justice who raced as Mr Priestly, walked past and noticed the sheet, and thought it was an ideal event for his horse Tom Sayers a right rouge. One who had failed miserably?
The young lad was in a predicament and allowed Priestly to enter his runner.
When John Frail Senior came to his office he was very angry,
“Who put this in?”
I did father it was Mr Priestly who stated he had no notion of the race closing and I though it would be all right.
In a pickle Frail ran over to the Hotel. were he met Hodge man again.
George we are in a right mess, Priestly has entered his Tom Sayers.
Whets to be done?
“The horse is a wretched bad one let it in,
Hodgeman was a very shrewd Bookie and knew all the Bookmakers there as well as the Gamblers, and there strengths, he realized that this race would smell as soon as it was known so whatever horse they planned to win with the market would collapse. being lucky if they could win a grand. before it happened.
But Tom Sayers was known by all the Betting Ring as a brute, so why not let him win…the race. he had let Priest man down many times.
On the morning of event Friday, Hodgeman noticed that Mr Priestly was scouting for a rider, and asked the Bookie who he thought would be likely.
In a second the Bookmakers brain was in overdrive.
“Fordham will be the right person, for the job, Priestly, he is bang in form, and is looking for winners”
It was decided that Fordham the Champion jockey almost the equal of Fred Archer, would ride and he accepted.
Carrying a 5 lb extra as a jockey against amateurs.
The card was produced with the race as.
THE WELTER HANDICAP
Tom Sayers, 3 year old. Ridden by G Fordham
Baron aged Palmer.
Zara 4 year old. (Mr Tinley)
Sheerness 3 year old Perry
Astarte 4 year old Mr Edwards.
As the betting commenced, Hodgeman called over Mr Paine a well known agent,
“I want you to get a £1000 on in the next race.
You must be kidding every one in the betting rings, can smell that race.
Yes but what if it is Tom Sayers.that we back. they would all like a bit of Tom for sure.
There was muted laughter, It was agreed that he would take half of the ring with his monkey (£500) and Ten Brock the other half, £500.
As the betting commenced, Tom Sayers owner Mr Priestly who loved a winner, heard the cry of 2/1 the field,
As he reached the paddock he called out to his bookmaker “Whets favourite”
“Yours is,”
“Mine you must be mad.”
He has no chance I will bet 4 ponies (£100 to £25) against him winning. said the Owner.
You have done that Priestly. he had laid his own horse knowing how bad it was. to lose £100.
Within a few minutes the same horse was Evens, with his owner scratching his head. in amazement.
At the post, Mr Edwards. told all the conspirators that Fordham was going to win.
As the flag was dropped,
Tom Sayers dug his heals in being left 50 yards, the other horses off and running with a great deal of strength they were all pulled up and returned back to the start.
With the four riders explaining to the starter, that they felt a little unfair, for Fordham, a 200 a year winning rider.
The second start was fine and at a very slow pace they made there way into the straight.
Fordham was on the rails which he liked best, but still being held up.
It was then that one of the jockeys called out to Fordham “Go on George the race is yours”.
He needed no more telling, and with a crack of the whip and his spurs to good affect his mount was clear.
It was Mr Tinley, who thought that it best to make a race of it,
Telling the other runners, close up; a little but don’t make it to obvious,
At the line with Tom Sayers, trying to stop. he got home by 3/4 of lengths all the other 4 runners in a bunch just behind.
The Welter Handicap produced a profit of £2500 that was divided as
Captain Little £500
Mr Edwards £500
Captain Tinley £500
Barber £250, Mr Dunne £250.
Perry and Palmer £150 between them
the remainder of £350 was divided between Angle and Hodge man,
A conspiracy if ever there was one.
So the jockeys of today may rest assured that they are not the only Jockeys, who have cheated and they won’t be the last.
Cubone..co.uk