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FAMOUS ENGLISH TURF SWINDLES Here is a true tale in connection with the Xorth-uniberland Plate race, the Pitmans Derby, as it is called in the north country of England. It was in the old days when the quickest way of communication was by railway and results were not as rapidly transmitted as by the "tape." In the far-off times referrecfto there used to be heavy betting at Manchester long after races had been decided. A certain person, long since gone over to the majority, but nevertheless nameless here, rose from the position of railway mechanic to be one of the most famous schemers and wirepullers ever known in connection with the turf. He determined to bring off a safe coup at the expense of the Manchester speculators, and this was how he did it: Having arranged witli his agents to meet him on arrival, so that he did not personally appear in the nefarious business, he proceeded to square tho driver of the engine of the connecting train between Newcastle and Manchester to await the arrival of his train, and 011 no account to miss the connection. If the incoming train were late, as it was, lie was to disappear under his engine and hammer away at some imaginary trouble until he came. This was done accordingly. The schemer arrived, took his seat, and as if by magic the engine was all right, steamed away immediately, reached Manchester safely, where the agents were in waiting to lvceive the information as to the winner, and the schemer disappeared. The clubs were sucked dry, and thus was successfully achieved one of the greatest robberies ever perpetrated in connection with racing results, and it was many years afterward before the secret of the fraud was exposed. The chief actor was a genius in roguery, but became an important personage on the turf, and died the possessor of a huge fortune. Happily times have changed and such swindles would now Ihj impossible, but this tale is as true as that I have told it. "Vigilant" in London Sportsman.
