Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

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Kentucky Derby

Posted by Annb on 3/5/2026, 12:02 am

Watching horse race brings back memories. My Grandmother used to bet on the horses. Her favourite jockey was Lester Picket. The bookie used to pick up the bets ever questioned if it was legal. Fond memories

Re: Kentucky Derby

Posted by George on 4/5/2026, 11:59 am, in reply to "Kentucky Derby"

Hi Annb. Until the new Betting and Gaming Act of 1960, off-course betting in person was illegal. Like yourself, I also took my dad's bet to the local "bookie". I never understood the jargon such as "3 x double and a treble" which was written on his piece of paper together with a selection of losers and of course his secret name - "Geordie 5" (he had 4 brothers). I never had any luck with the horses and even missed out when my name-sake Mr Watt" won the Grand National in 1958. Hope your grandma was more successful when placing her 2 bob each way.

Re: Kentucky Derby

Posted by Annb on 4/5/2026, 1:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Kentucky Derby"

Thank you for sharing your memories George, My Grandmother wrapped the coin in a piece of paper. Sometimes she let me pick a horse.

Re: Kentucky Derby

Posted by George on 4/5/2026, 1:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Kentucky Derby"

Yes Ann, that was the way it was. The money was always wrapped in the betting slip and secreted away in case the polis caught you.

Re: Kentucky Derby

Posted by Norman on 4/5/2026, 2:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Kentucky Derby"

When I was a little lad late 40s early 50s living in Lyon St I remember there was a 'Eddie the bookie" who used a William St yard across our backlane to take bets. Everyone seemed to know he was there except the Police, unless they knew and just turned a blind eye.

Re: Kentucky Derby

Posted by AJG on 4/5/2026, 7:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Kentucky Derby"

I have really enjoyed reading everyone's memories of betting on the horses. I remember that two of my relatives used to get together every Saturday to pick their bets and then would spend the afternoon watching the racing on the telly. I'm not sure if they ever won anything but it was a cheap afternoon's entertainment!