I heard the expression "at the hurry up" several times from an older guy who worked where I did. The context suggested he was a minor "spiv" of sorts around Shawfield dog track (Glasgow) in the 50s/60s and the phrase appeared to refer to something less than legal.

I would like to know how the expression originated and whether my interpretation is more or less correct. I have tried to imagine any possible rhyming slang connection but to no avail: such practice is by no means restricted to Cockneys, and is quite popular in and around Glasgow, with some examples depending on the West of Scotland accent, such as "winners and losers" for "troosers".