A Betting Incident in England, Daily Racing Form, 1913-12-11

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A BETTING INCIDENT IN ENGLAND. On the day ot the running of the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, before the late Surefoot won, a man went to Richard Fry, the biggest English bookmaker of the day, according to a London Express story, and asked the price of Common for the St. Leger. Mr. Fry, with his peculiar air of making a bit of a concession, replied: "Well, sir. Ill take C to 5." "Very well." the stranger answered, Ill lay you 0,000 to 5,000." Mr. Fry was a trifle staggered, the more so as lie did not know his customer, and observed, "Youll excuse me asking, sir, but are you accustomed to bet such sums?" "No," the stranger answered, "I cant say I am, but " he paused for a moment and then added, "Perhaps 1 had better post the money," saying which he pulled out his pocket-book and handed over the amount. Fry, somewhat astonished, inquired "What name, sir?" "Oh, never mind the name. I know you very well. It will bo all right." On the night before the St. Leger Mr. Frys clerk met the unknown in the street at Doneaster and said to him. "Youll bo up to sec your horse win tomorrow, I suppose?" "I expect I shall. I am not quite certain yet," was the reply. He was there, however, and after the race presented himself to Mr. Fly with the remark "I think you owe me 5,000." "Quite right, sir, the well-known bookmaker answered. "I have not the money with me, but if you will give me your name a cheque shall be posted tonight." "Very well," the winner replied. "Send" it to such and such an address, and please send an open cheque." This was the biggest ready-money bet Mr. Fry ever made, and he never learned the identity of his customer.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1910s/drf1913121101/drf1913121101_1_10
Local Identifier: drf1913121101_1_10
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800