The racetrack touts and their lore is legendary.
Some were the bad side of touting. They'ed have people in different parts of the track. Each got a different horse He'd get a tip from whomever won. Not good.
The other old school touts had much more class and flair.
I worked at DRC in the mid 80's.
There was a mutuel clerk there named Kaz. Really good handicapper who would share his opinion with players. They would take care of him if the horse hit.
But just to seal the deal. Kaz had plastic bag of straw in his locker.
He'd put a few strands of the straw on his shoulder. When people would notice it he'd say yeah thanks. I was at the barns this morning getting the inside scoop steam. Must have got some straw on me.
Could only work a few times a meet. But boy did it work. He must have had 20 guys all betting $200 and $20 for him!
No risk!
I knew another clerk in the Bay area. Bay Meadows, Golden Gate and the fairs. Wayne.
Back in those days your box would go back into the money room at the end of the day. But it didn't have to square up till the end of the week.
He may have been the first ever Cash Call. If you were tapped. You could always go to Wayne's window and get a 1 day VERY short term loan.
He wouldn't charge vig. But it was well known when you paid him back a win ticket of $20 to $50 would be much appreciated.
