HOODWINKED! -

Story 1.

At one time foot races were popular in Sandstone and punters made bets on the outcome with prize money being awarded to the winner.

One day a stranger arrived in town and got wind of the races. He wanted to join in but was seen to be quite a poor runner. The locals, who were fond of a practical joke persuaded him to wear a pair of blinkers (like those worn by horses) to keep him pointed in the right direction. The local runners were persuaded to let him win a couple of practise sessions while wearing the blinkers in the hope that they could get him to wear them during the real race meeting. After ‘winning’ the practise rounds the new chum duly entered the races and the locals gathered in great numbers to see the show.

On race day fantastic odds were offered for the ‘blinkered’ runner but none of the locals were keen on laying a bet. An old bushy put on a pound (a large sum for the day) and when the competitors walked out, sure enough, the new chum had his blinkers on.

The crowd applauded and cheered to see such a sight but when it was time for the race to start off came the blinkers and the new chum said ‘Now I will show you how to run’. He won every race that day and along with his ‘bushy’ friend cleaned out the bookmakers before departing quickly on the next stage out of town.

Stroy 2.

Some time later a couple of odd characters arrived in town. One small and spindly wearing a suit some sizes too big, another tall man wearing a suit some sizes too small.

The large man was very fond of a drink but became aggressive and picked fights with the locals every time he got drunk. Trouble was he lost every fight getting a complete thrashing into the bargain. It was said that even a 60 year old gave him a hiding on one occasion.

Each time he sobered up he was very apologetic and meek. Without the booze inside him he was a complete gentleman but each time he got drunk he would pick another fight and take another beating.

This went on for some days before he singled out the largest of the locals and tried to goad him into yet another brawl. The local man would have none of it until the stranger wagered five pounds that he could take him. The fight took place with the usual results and the next day the stranger went round to apologise asking for the return of his money as he had been drunk and was not responsible for his actions the night before.

Surprisingly the local man agreed but warned him that should it happen again he would not return any money.

Of course as soon as he was ‘in his cups’ the stranger sought out the local again and challenged him to yet another fight. This time he was waving a fist full of notes and so it was agreed to arrange a fight for the next day.

The locals gathered and bets were placed on the outcome. The small stranger, who had kept a low profile, placed a number of bets on his large companion and soon it was time for the fight to begin.

It was all over almost as soon as it started but this time it was the big stranger who was the victor. After collecting his winnings he sought out each man who had given him a hiding and returned the favour two fold – all except the 60 year old who he congratulated on his ‘pluck’.

The two left town with bulging wallets and some time later it was found that the big man was a professional boxer from the east and his small mate was his trainer.

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