anyone ever had a race horse or been in a synd, page-22

one good pal gave me some excellent advice.

treat punting as if you were taking the missus to the pictures and meal after.

that's the amount of dough you take to the track.

if you come out with some dough then you have had a good afternoon.

back in the early 70's in uk I was on the verge of going pro punter. I believe I had proven myself and had most of the pros back then listening to me so I was mighty proud. but i had that little niggle from another pal. he had successfully owned racehorses, pubs, and even a stables. stay with the mkts 40 (ok ok that was not my name back then lol) and take your nimble 6 pences. I took the advice of both those gentlemen. I have never regretted it. when I go races I look at the front legs but my bet is usually $2 or €2. if I am really happy that goes to 5 in each case.

I do not buy shares in $2 lots but do sell them in $2 lots ha ha.

two lovely memories at brissy.

one back around 2004 there was a two yr old unbeaten from one start. the fav unbeaten from 5. I think the filly with that one win was called arctic express ? anyway she was so bloody fit and polished (front legs tell me) I took 40 to five bucks with one of them stinky bookie fellows. arctic dealt a death blow to the fav and I was proud once again.

a few yrs later I saw a nag in the paddock. no one goes to mid week races at brissy but there I was talking to the security guy on the members gate. I gotta go said I to bet my nag which was now drifting in the mkt. it was around 8's when I went into the stands. I was the only one in the stands. there were two blokes down on the grass. my bet came out of the gate last. always a good sign for a horse ready and polished to run for it's life. last to the final turn and last to first in the straight. I cheered and so did those two chaps down there on the grass. I went down to them and asked why did you back it ? one who was wearing a white t shirt said I don't know cos I have never been to a race meeting before, I only came to make sure my mate gets home safely. his mate, drunk and in his old suit said ' I bred it' what a laugh we had and all off to the bar for me to meet the owners. that nag paid 17-1. more magic moments.

fwiw a pro pal bill brandon and ex bookie told me always keep records of all your bets. I was doing that but excellent advice. it doesn't take much to know why.

see you,

40.