view raw text
. ORIGINAL ENGLISH "TOUT A POISONER Although racing was well established lit England late in the eighteenth century, it was not until some years later that the tipster or tout made his appearance. So far as turf history can be relied on, Daniel Dawson was the originator of tipping. He first came into prominence in and- about the course at Newmarket during 1S07. Although absolutely illiterate, he was a shrewd judge of a race horses ability and soon beciime known us a remarkable forecaster of winners. His fume spread rapidly and his tips were in great demand by those who desired to" wager on the results of the various races. He profited exceedingly at his novel vocation until he fell In with several educated and clever rogues. , - , y, , His new companions ; hit upon the plan of using Dawsons fame as a means of executing sensational betting coups. He was Influenced to name probable winners of big stakes a week or more iu advance of the Rices, thus causing heavy play, on the favorite, while other entries were neglected. Then Dawson was furnished with poison by Tvhlch he eliminated the public choice, leaving the field clear for a clean-up by his backers. The scheme was exposed when Lord Foley lost three of his best racers at Nqwmarket in 1811.. Dawson, .and a eon -federate named, Bishop vere ja.rrested and , the latr ter turned kings evidence. Dawson was convicted of this and similar charges under an, act . which made it capital offense to : maliciously destroy horses and cattle. Dawson- was hanged atthe" top of Cambridge Castle in the autumn of 1812 before more than 10,000 spectators, -many of whom had purchased his tips when he was a "touter" at Newmarket. -.
