BOOKMAKER’S RASH WAGER

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1932, Page 8

BOOKMAKER’S RASH WAGER

OUTSIDER’S VICTORY. A bookmaker recently laid a man. £5 a week lor life to half a crown against a horse winning—and lost. The race was the 4.45 at Pontefract, in England, on October 8. The horse was Gold Meter, says the “Sunday Express.” The circumstances of the bet were these: —Business was slack. It was the last race, and the bookmakers, who had had a fairly good day, were inclined to over-shout the odds in order to encourage tardy hackers. One bookmaker went so far as to otfer £5 a week for life to 2s fid against Gold Meter. To his surprise the bet was taken. Gold Meter was not regarded as having much of a chance, and the bookmaker decided to stand to his bargain. The race started—and finished with T. Weston, the jockey, romping home by a clear length victory. The starting price of Gold Meter was Bto 1. but the rash bookmaker found himself confronted with the greatest pay-out of his career. He lias now consulted ail insurance company regarding the best means of meeting his liabilities. An expert estimate* that if the lucky backer was aged 10, the bookmaker, to buy an annuity bringing m £5 a week for lilo, would have to pn\ £45)85. If the backer is aged 50, the cost is reduced to £37-16.