Just read TGM (about Robbie W's father). there was mention of some interesting punters in there. I was wondering if anyone one on here has any recollections or info on them Pat Cummings (barts brother), Johnny Diamond and the most interesting of all Jack "Dookums" Humphreys (especially interested in him if anyone has any info or stories)
Randwick Dookums was solely a form man and hardly relied on stable information. He was able to sum up positioning of horses in running and evaluate where they would be to give them every possible chance. He was also very clever in assessing percentages. And he would not have more than three bets a day, which why he was hard to beat. It was easier to assess form in those days because more than often the same volume of horses would compete againsy each other, unlike today where they come from albury, tamworth balnarring, etc, and it is very hard to line these horses today. Another quiet acheiver is a punter named Chris Jenkins who a while back was on the committee of the VRC. He has been punting in a moderate way for 50 years and is very successful, always looking at horses in the mounting yard, and he never backs a fav., always horses around the 6.0 to 11.0 chances. To this very day I would like to know what he backs as to follow him . He also had a brother Jim Jenkins who was a mad punter from the 60's to 80's who only backed favourites. He used to run in and out of money very quickly, but he used to set the ring alight.
RandwickDookums was solely a form man and hardly relied on stable information. He was able to sum up positioning of horses in running and evaluate where they would be to give them every possible chance. He was also very clever in assessing percentage
thanks for the wap 'LateMail" sometimes i got in the neck as well,lol,great days at the Gold Coast. one Gold coast cup i bet GS 100k to 1,600 about one of his winning the heat and final....it's name was sir clonic (lightly raced).did no good in the heat ,but won it's next 9 or 10 in a row. A superstar og Pringles called Key Dancer won it that year i think.
thanks for the wap 'LateMail" sometimes i got in the neck as well,lol,great days at the Gold Coast.one Gold coast cup i bet GS 100k to 1,600 about one of his winning the heat and final....it's name was sir clonic (lightly raced).did no good in the he
Dookums H got sick of people ringing him for his tips so he devised a method to"spread the word". He nailed his tips on his garage door (wooden in those days). If you wanted his tips you just walked up his driveway and wrote downs his selections. Only trouble was that the suspicious neighbours were concerned about the amount of people stopping for 3 minutes at the house,going up the driveway and then dissappearing down the street. They called the police.--- You guessed the answer, The coppers saw the tips and started stopping there every Saturday Morning.
Nick D. owned a dog called "One Not TWO" which was handy (had only 1 ball).
Jim Neilsen was broke when the Fireball arrived in town but got to know him well. He offered to organise the commissions on the horses that Ysmal wanted to back. jim was too smart for the poor dumb "filipino". If Ysmal wanted $30,000 on a horse,Jim would put it on. Only thing is he would put $25,000 on (making as much noise and hoha as possible) with the rails bookies and then bet the last $5000 himself at the short odds that was left. Neilsen owned a great horse(chestnut) named prize lad, if it didn't win it would run a place.
I saw Kevin Ward 2 weeks ago getting his computer fixed. He said he was still trying to back a winner --- on the internet. I didn't think Kevin would be up with the modern "go".
Reg Kennedy got home P$ssed one night (he did like a drink) and when he woke up in the morning he asked his wife to send his trousers to the dry cleaners. She pick up his strides and realised that they contained abit of cash . She counted aboyut 20K, I think she went shopping whilst Reg had a sleep.
Dookums H got sick of people ringing him for his tips so he devised a method to"spread the word".He nailed his tips on his garage door (wooden in those days). If you wanted his tips you just walked up his driveway and wrote downs his selections. On
nick d's mate Frank M. owned the bother to One not Two,a dog called Tell Me Why.it was a free for all dog in both melb and sydney.Frank was the one of the funniest blokes i've evermet.Married and lives in Canberrra last I heard. The boss was driving cabs when i last heard of him 2 or 3 years ago. They had another mate 'Buddy S." who took out a bookies license and did ok.he moved up somewhere near the Goulbourn River,he still fiddles but spends a heap of time fishing.
nick d's mate Frank M. owned the bother to One not Two,a dog called Tell Me Why.it was a free for all dog in both melb and sydney.Frank was the one of the funniest blokes i've evermet.Married and lives in Canberrra last I heard.The boss was driving c
Did either of these Reg guys have a bald head? Were they well spoken?
I went out with a girl in the early 80's and her girlfriends partner was huge at the dogs, I think his name was Reg. One night he backed Proud Paul for a squillion and later tried to but the dog. He always had a table at Olympic Park inline with the finnishing line. His son helped him in his punting exploits. He had his own dogs.
Did either of these Reg guys have a bald head? Were they well spoken?I went out with a girl in the early 80's and her girlfriends partner was huge at the dogs, I think his name was Reg. One night he backed Proud Paul for a squillion and later tried t
I GOT PICKED UP BY THE COPS ON TE WAY home and got put on the bag, under the limit , unbelevably
Anthoy B you must know Wayne B.? giant dog punter
Tony Araco.Wayne B. Frank Men----. Gumtree, where has everyone gone.
Castiron 14 Apr 10:08 I GOT PICKED UP BY THE COPS ON TE WAY home and got put on the bag, under the limit , unbelevablyAnthoy Byou must know Wayne B.? giant dog punterTony Araco.Wayne B. Frank Men----. Gumtree, where has everyone gone.
Reg Darvill had a bald head and had a son, so it may have been the same person. The only thing about reg, he would not very often stay in one state for a long period, and would move from state to state. Heence he was named runaway reg. He was not what you called a huge punter, but just went along in his own quiet way. He then struck a good greyhound which won many races, and he won a small fortune from it.
In all the years I have been dog racing, the best dog I have ever seen is Zoom Top. Her reputation is recognised world wide, and she is even in the American Hall Of Fame. What was so special about her was that she would win a distance race one week in track record time, then the following week she would break the track record in a sprint race. Her race performances were unbeleivable. The best sire I have ever seen was Shan's View, who was a brother to a champion, but only a very moderate dog himself. He served 2nd grade brood **es at the start before people realised this dog would throw a winner to anything. He was owned by George Schofield, a gentleman himself, and at the end of his carrer he broke every stud record imaginable. Biggest bookie at the dogs would go to John Ryan, a fearless bookie who would take on all comers and give some very big bets. After he was held up at gunpoint he handed in his license. Biggest punters I have come across at the dogs would have to be all the undesirables, who through illegal means have plenty of cash and would throw it about. Most of them were very nice people to talk to on a racetrack. Throw in Clipboard Gerrry, Ralph, Wane Freedman Geoff Green, I could go on and on. Best greyhound Steward ever was Bertram Smith. He controlled dog racing to the point where everybody was too frightened to do any wrong. Most likable bookies were Lal Schurrah, Possum Fortington, Jack O'Hanlon, just to mention a few, and the smartest bookie would go to J.L.Parkes. Trainers, Reg Johnson the best by a mile. Best official would be H Harrison followed by nil If you would like any information or stories I will be online to answer any
Reg Darvill had a bald head and had a son, so it may have been the same person. The only thing about reg, he would not very often stay in one state for a long period, and would move from state to state. Heence he was named runaway reg. He was not wha
Woody I am a very good friend of A.Araco and see him as much as twice a week. He is looking fantastic, but like most dog punters does all his betting at the totes. Cannot recall Wayne B
WoodyI am a very good friend of A.Araco and see him as much as twice a week. He is looking fantastic, but like most dog punters does all his betting at the totes. Cannot recall Wayne B
Enjoyed your post Anthony, Zoom Top was the champion just about the time I started punting. Have not followed the puppies for many years so I am not sure there has been a dog since who has had the cult following of Zoom Top.
Cheers
Enjoyed your post Anthony, Zoom Top was the champion just about the time I started punting. Have not followed the puppies for many years so I am not sure there has been a dog since who has had the cult following of Zoom Top.Cheers
Woody I am not trying to make a secret of who I am, and yes this is me. I was with Kurdian right through his bookmaking, and he is my best fiend even today.
WoodyI am not trying to make a secret of who I am, and yes this is me. I was with Kurdian right through his bookmaking, and he is my best fiend even today.
I could relive the memories of Striding Ahead who won 14 consecutive races at Oly Pk, or China Trip's two consecutive Australian Cup wins. I can go back as far as Debbie Rose, a ** in the sixties who won a handicap off scratch, giving 8 yards start and a beating, a very exciting stayer,Worthing, Lord Baden, The stripper who raced against the almighty Black Top, and until more recently Brett Lee and Big Daddy Cool
I could relive the memories of Striding Ahead who won 14 consecutive races at Oly Pk, or China Trip's two consecutive Australian Cup wins. I can go back as far as Debbie Rose, a ** in the sixties who won a handicap off scratch, giving 8 yards start a
DaJudge I am a victorian and most of what I comment about relate to victoria dogs and trots. I never miss a meeting at the races so that is why I don't write very much on the forum. And most of what I read on the forum, you may leave yourself open to unnecessary derogative comments by some of the forumites, so I don't want to engage in a slanging match with some imbecile.
DaJudgeI am a victorian and most of what I comment about relate to victoria dogs and trots. I never miss a meeting at the races so that is why I don't write very much on the forum. And most of what I read on the forum, you may leave yourself open to
Olympic Park on the Monday nights were something else. Alphonse, young Costo, and a myriad of others taking block in the middle of the ring discussing the weekends events.
Remember Fr Brosnan saying he was always a regular on a Monday night because it was the easiest way to catch up with his old friends.
Olympic Park on the Monday nights were something else. Alphonse, young Costo, and a myriad of others taking block in the middle of the ring discussing the weekends events.Remember Fr Brosnan saying he was always a regular on a Monday night because it
Gunyah That is R. from Slater fame. Used to be a good friend, but his honesty was not. I know of his health problem but it does not change a leopards spots.
GunyahThat is R. from Slater fame. Used to be a good friend, but his honesty was not. I know of his health problem but it does not change a leopards spots.
Here is a good true tale, at the races a while back a prominent rails bookmaker was asked to attend the stewards room after the last race. The bookmaker was on pins and needles all day tryning to fathom why he had to appear. After the last race he went to the stewards room, and was asked to be seated, and the steward pulled an enlarged photograph from an envelope and gave it to the bookie. He then said "do you deny this is not you using an unregistered mobile phone". The bookie had a long look at the photograph and replied, "it certainly does not look like me, and I hope this is not me, this bloke is ugly". The steward then had a look at the photo, then realised it was actually a photo of yours truly. The steward then said you are no longer required and excused. No apology, no nothing. I had bee insulted by this bookie as he should know I am better looking than all the stewards he faced.
Here is a good true tale, at the races a while back a prominent rails bookmaker was asked to attend the stewards room after the last race. The bookmaker was on pins and needles all day tryning to fathom why he had to appear.After the last race he wen
where are all the queenslanders stories??? going to the doggies as a pup 70's people were around like 'biscuits', 'lemonade tommy' ....surely some know of them here...once asked the old man upon watching watching biscuits put thousands on shorties what does he do for a living??...answer 'tea leaf'....12yo kid...thinks wtf??? :D
where are all the queenslanders stories???going to the doggies as a pup 70's people were around like 'biscuits', 'lemonade tommy' ....surely some know of them here...once asked the old man upon watching watching biscuits put thousands on shorties wha
here's one oz..........late 70's......standing in the middle of the ring at goldie trots with a group of people which included biscuits...........i was still wet behind the ears...........next moment i and a couple of my mates were grabbed by the cops..............and were warned that we could be charged with associating with a known criminal..........wtf?????
is biscuits still around?????
here's one oz..........late 70's......standing in the middle of the ring at goldie trots with a group of people which included biscuits...........i was still wet behind the ears...........next moment i and a couple of my mates were grabbed by the cop
the 2 punters in question are still going around....now where are the forumites?...betcha tails could tell a story or 2.......
another one was bruce aka the missing link...gabba dogs every single thursday nite witout fail...absolutely full as a boot guaranteed could hardly walk.....
the fence jumpers gettting to certain dogs layed off the map by a certain cosmopolitan bookie
work for 1 bookie one night on the rails....next to another (with connections) give me 2000x400 elderberry wine...nah you dont want to be on that one....its not with us...ok then.....3 minutes later one of the biggest goes of all time at the gabba...yep you guessed it 'elderberry wine' backed into fractional odds and that took some doing in them days....pi$$ed in!! and who was getting the price out? one fearless bookie GR...those were the days
the 2 punters in question are still going around....now where are the forumites?...betcha tails could tell a story or 2.......another one was bruce aka the missing link...gabba dogs every single thursday nite witout fail...absolutely full as a boot g
I used to love watching JB when he used to punt before he took out a licince.............looked like the village idiot..............used to come to the gabba dressed in painting overalls that were filthy...........
I used to love watching JB when he used to punt before he took out a licince.............looked like the village idiot..............used to come to the gabba dressed in painting overalls that were filthy...........
Many years ago as a kid I went to Elwick gallops. A smart old punter that I knew had a Melbourne bookie that would bet him Elwick chaffcutter odds. On this particular day a smart sprinter from Melbourne named Pelor Mas was starting first up in Tassie and was being quoted at 2/5 by on-course bookies. My old mate had 500 pounds on Pelor Mas in Melbourne and then put 100 pounds on the second favourite Mount Nathan at the track, with the result that Pelor Mas got out to 6/4 on the chaffcutter and bolted in. At the time I thought that was pretty smart.
Many years ago as a kid I went to Elwick gallops. A smart old punter that I knew had a Melbourne bookie that would bet him Elwick chaffcutter odds. On this particular day a smart sprinter from Melbourne named Pelor Mas was starting first up in Tassie
Oddsto&Ziggy Mandarin Girl was the dog that Reg trained which put him on the map. It was probably the only good dog he ever got hold of, but did train numerous other winners
Oddsto&ZiggyMandarin Girl was the dog that Reg trained which put him on the map. It was probably the only good dog he ever got hold of, but did train numerous other winners
Reg Darville trained Mandarin Girl about the time he shot a person in the car park at Wentworth Park dogs one night. It made headlines in the papers but ironically reg was never charged with an offence, which makes me believe he may have done so in self defence.
Reg Darville trained Mandarin Girl about the time he shot a person in the car park at Wentworth Park dogs one night. It made headlines in the papers but ironically reg was never charged with an offence, which makes me believe he may have done so in s
That is the story Ziggy and what a top beauty she was. Reg Johnson also trained Super Max, Count D'argeant, National Star and probably about ten other champions who I cannot recall at this time. He also trained Princess Kerry at the end of her racing career. She went on to throw countless champions and so did her offspring. Count Dargeant was out of Princess Kerry
That is the story Ziggy and what a top beauty she was. Reg Johnson also trained Super Max, Count D'argeant, National Star and probably about ten other champions who I cannot recall at this time. He also trained Princess Kerry at the end of her racing
reg also had shiner + scotgaan(champion stayers)the latter bred by Karl and Heather Karamatic out of their super producer Scotlyn Heather,gemnault (track record 298 olympic park),silver grand(out of cophan classic..the Weightman's breed),prince d'argent,triple fame (was the dog that started the big fight at olympic park with alphonse etc)that race was won by terrylee's wood ,trained by tommy foster at 33/1 --god bless it---triple fame was 'cold' at 2/5. he had a freak caled Brass Monkey (a pringle dog) that trialled the record at ballarat over the long.It had a few 'cold' starts then disappeared...i'm still waiting,lol.
and as AnothonyB points out ,countless others ,just my memory fails me.
reg also had shiner + scotgaan(champion stayers)the latter bred by Karl and Heather Karamatic out of their super producer Scotlyn Heather,gemnault (track record 298 olympic park),silver grand(out of cophan classic..the Weightman's breed),prince d'arg
Strange, that big fight at Ol Pk that night. Not long after Kevin Richards smacked him in the eye at geelong dogs and shortly after Johnson disappeared from dog racing.
Strange, that big fight at Ol Pk that night. Not long after Kevin Richards smacked him in the eye at geelong dogs and shortly after Johnson disappeared from dog racing.
reg shot a guy who played rugby up there, reg was taking out his girlfriend at the time, as it turned out the rugby player was a well known crook and wasnt charged, my father was tied up with reg/mandarin girl
reg shot a guy who played rugby up there, reg was taking out his girlfriend at the time, as it turned out the rugby player was a well known crook and wasnt charged, my father was tied up with reg/mandarin girl
There must be plenty of juicy Queensland stories. My mate wanted 5/2 about a 2/1 shot when I was bookmaking at Lawnton years ago. He said it will win by a dozen lengths,which it did, and in return he would give me one to lay later on. The dog was in the last race and was a blackout result the week before when it won by about 10 lengths.The other 2 bookies went up 4/6 and I pretended not to see their boards and put it up at evens.The punters came from everywhere and the result was a complete stripout if it won. It ran 2nd last. In the Gabba heydays my mate laid a dog to win $15000 and never went into black figures.Ran unplaced. The younger punters these days will never see the racetrack excitement of yesteryear.Going to the races now and especially the dogs is like going to the morgue.
There must be plenty of juicy Queensland stories. My mate wanted 5/2 about a 2/1 shot when I was bookmaking at Lawnton years ago. He said it will win by a dozen lengths,which it did, and in return he would give me one to lay later on. The dog was in
ozracer......Did Bruce go to Albion Park dogs and trots...A few years ago I was there with my mate and Bruce was annoying the bookies big time...My mate who'd had a heavy day at the horses asked Bruce if he'd like a beer...That was the end of both of them for the night.My mate tried to sneak out and leave Bruce at the bar and a barman chased after him and said,take your mate home too. He told Bruce to wait at the escalator while he got the car and Bruce was probably collapsed there several hours later....Boy did they have a few....My mate shouted all night. Lemonade Tommy still goes to AP every Thursday. The knowledgeable people have the same table every night.I know plenty of good dog punters in Brisbane but they probably would't like to be mentioned here.
ozracer......Did Bruce go to Albion Park dogs and trots...A few years ago I was there with my mate and Bruce was annoying the bookies big time...My mate who'd had a heavy day at the horses asked Bruce if he'd like a beer...That was the end of both of
Ziggy....Just reading you post re GS at the Gold Coast...Where is he now. I haven't seen him for years...I think my memory is fading I nearly had forgotten him...Boy did he like a bet....I think he gave them a nice touch up at Angle Park.....flew down from Brisbane every week...I saw him lay a dog at the Grafton carnival when he was bookmaking ....up and down the page like you wouldn't believe...ran a shocker.
Ziggy....Just reading you post re GS at the Gold Coast...Where is he now. I haven't seen him for years...I think my memory is fading I nearly had forgotten him...Boy did he like a bet....I think he gave them a nice touch up at Angle Park.....flew dow
Reg Darville's blonde girlfriend was Jan. I was going out with her best friend and spent much time with her. She was a stunner :)
Where is Reg nowadays? He had some ties with a bar in Thailand.
Reg Darville's blonde girlfriend was Jan. I was going out with her best friend and spent much time with her. She was a stunner :)Where is Reg nowadays? He had some ties with a bar in Thailand.
tlma you are tight about the younger punters, they will never ever get to see the characters like what we've seen if our time......
on lemonade tommy....i think it was lawnton one bookie had a blue with him...a nice little scuffle mike tyson style...except tommy was on the receiving end...minus a bit of ear
bruce ( i think it was him) was at the trots redcliffe one night asked AP for a lift home later...'no worries'...come the time bruce went to jump in the back seat AP.....not there for you...get in the boot...lol
tlma you are tight about the younger punters, they will never ever get to see the characters like what we've seen if our time......on lemonade tommy....i think it was lawnton one bookie had a blue with him...a nice little scuffle mike tyson style...e
don't know what happened to GS 'LateMail" ,but he was hard to beat when he had an 'edge',which was fairly often,a bit like AP (the bookie). I can safely say I was able to hold my own with those two,but preferred GS's company. His old man was huge at Harold Park dogs when I used to fly up on Sat. nights with Clipboard Gerry in the late 70's and early 80's. My eldest son Troy,(now a partner) laments the fact that he 'missed out' on those days gone by.He reckons he would of loved it.I reckon he would of too. We all did and there was a real sense of fun and achievment back then. Crikey I was 18/19 and rubbing shoulders with Clipboard,The Boss,Frankie M.,Buddy S.,Wayne B., Woody and his extended family,Laurie the Legend,Ralph the Guru,Wok(a real smart punter),Elio Mac...the list is endless....monday night in Lygon street after Olympic Park,friday night at the Shark Fin and then Turf Club till 3 or 4 in the morning,singing and drinking after geelong dogs,going to the 'little girlies' hamburger and souvlaki shop (Hippos),after Sandown on a Thursday night.Live was good. Still is,just harder to CONNECT with everyone now that we don't see each other ....just relate via the keyboard....shameful really but we all seem so bloody busy.Strange how things never change but they do.
don't know what happened to GS 'LateMail" ,but he was hard to beat when he had an 'edge',which was fairly often,a bit like AP (the bookie).I can safely say I was able to hold my own with those two,but preferred GS's company.His old man was huge at Ha
Ziggy, From the sixties on bookmakers were gamblers and would compete on a level playing field with punters. There was always activity in the betting ring where punters would exchange information and express their views. Along came scabcorp and officials soon made it almost impossible for bookmakers, then all of a sudden the exodus of people from the tracks. I recently went to the Meadows, and I could not leave quick enough. Graveyards now only fit for wakes. You and I have survived the time, and there are probably only a handful of us that have. Todays bookmakers have no idea of form and are only there to earn off every bet they take by robbing the unsuspecting phone punter. If you are a winner they move the goalposts and force you to move on. Many thanks to the current officials of GRV, and SGRC who made this possible, did absolutely nothing They run a business that can run itself and get recognition for a job they think well done. Morons.
Ziggy, From the sixties on bookmakers were gamblers and would compete on a level playing field with punters. There was always activity in the betting ring where punters would exchange information and express their views. Along came scabcorp and offic
Ziggy, From the sixties on bookmakers were gamblers and would compete on a level playing field with punters. There was always activity in the betting ring where punters would exchange information and express their views. Along came scabcorp and officials soon made it almost impossible for bookmakers, then all of a sudden the exodus of people from the tracks. I recently went to the Meadows, and I could not leave quick enough. Graveyards now only fit for wakes. You and I have survived the time, and there are probably only a handful of us that have. Todays bookmakers have no idea of form and are only there to earn off every bet they take by robbing the unsuspecting phone punter. If you are a winner they move the goalposts and force you to move on.
Ziggy, From the sixties on bookmakers were gamblers and would compete on a level playing field with punters. There was always activity in the betting ring where punters would exchange information and express their views. Along came scabcorp and offic
Ziggy, From the sixties on bookmakers were gamblers and would compete on a level playing field with punters. There was always activity in the betting ring where punters would exchange information and express their views, then all of a sudden the exodus of people from the tracks. I recently went to the Meadows, and I could not leave quick enough. Graveyards now only fit for wakes. You and I have survived the time, and there are probably only a handful of us that have. Memories only left.
Ziggy, From the sixties on bookmakers were gamblers and would compete on a level playing field with punters. There was always activity in the betting ring where punters would exchange information and express their views, then all of a sudden the exod
I've been trying to contact Dean Hawth.... a punter I think lived in Glen Innis.Was a plumber.Can't seem to get any response from emails.He was friends with a Gold Coast jockey GB.
I've been trying to contact Dean Hawth.... a punter I think lived in Glen Innis.Was a plumber.Can't seem to get any response from emails.He was friends with a Gold Coast jockey GB.
TLMA havent seen those 2 for years, prob cos i havent been to the doggies for about 12yrs myself.....RA one of the best punters up here also a 100% top bloke
TLMA havent seen those 2 for years, prob cos i havent been to the doggies for about 12yrs myself.....RA one of the best punters up here also a 100% top bloke
lemonade tom rarely misses a meeting at goldcoast races sits with a group of friends in members inc dr geoff chapman in members reserve near back entrance gate and between them they can find a winner ..... lemonade also works for gold coast titans ..strapping and injuries etc...hes fully qualified and does a big job keeping the players on the field
lemonade tom rarely misses a meeting at goldcoast racessits with a group of friends in members inc dr geoff chapman in members reserve near back entrance gate and between them they can find a winner .....lemonade also works for gold coast titans ..st
No doubting Tom is a nice bloke but what ever happend to his mate Barry they were a team putting on the cash for Kevin Mcintyre at the sydney meetings.last time i saw Barry was at wenty Park and he was broke and snipped me for a monkey never to be seen again
No doubting Tom is a nice bloke but what ever happend to his mate Barry they were a team putting on the cash for Kevin Mcintyre at the sydney meetings.last time i saw Barry was at wenty Park and he was broke and snipped me for a monkey never to be se
Good read. I was googling Dookums Humphries for personal reasons and came to this site. Affeectionately known as Dooks, often my father and I used to go over to his place in Yarraville for friendly visits ( and now I know why !). I've heard many stories regarding Dooks. Back in the early 60's, my dad ( who is dooks nephew), was looking to buy a property in the outer eastern suburbs of melbourne. He needed money for the deposit so we went and paid dooks a visit. Dooks gave him a tab ticket and told him to head down to the southern cross hotel to keep what he collected. The cashier asked the old man if he wanted to wrap up the collect in a paper bag which he did and then was told of the amount - better part of 4 grand. Another story doing the rounds was that he used to post his tips up on his garage doors every Saturday morning so everyone could make some extra money. He used to sit in his garage all Friday night doing the form. When he used to go to the races , he made sure that his mates didnt go home empty handed, so he would give them money to ensure they got home safely with money in their pockets. Legend has it that he purchased around 15 properties in the area on the strength of 1 bet he made with a bookie. Unfortunately, I only got to hear of Dook's exploits as an adult after he has passed away. Other stories of Dooks would be great to hear.
Good read. I was googling Dookums Humphries for personal reasons and came to this site. Affeectionately known as Dooks, often my father and I used to go over to his place in Yarraville for friendly visits ( and now I know why !). I've heard many stor