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Saturday, 23 November 2024

Terry Ramsden - The True Story of a Man Who Broke his Bond

In his heyday, in the Eighties, Terry Ramsden was the quintessential self-made Essex man of the Thatcherite era. A diminutive 5'4" tall and sporting the mullet hairstyle that was ubiquitous at the time, Ramsden once declared, in distinctive cockney tone: 'I'm a stockbroker from Enfield. I've got long hair and I like a bet.' 

Born in Enfield, North London on January 19, 1952, Terry Ramsden proved financially astute, at least in his early years. By trading bonds on the Japanese stock market and gambling on horse racing, by 1984, he had raised sufficient capital to purchase the Edinburgh-based Glen International Financial Services Company. By 1987, he had increased the turnover of the company to £3.5 billion and his own net worth to £150 million. 

By that stage, his royal blue and white hooped colours had become a familiar sight on British racecourses – at one point, he had 76 horses in training – and he had won, and lost, some eye-watering sums of money. 

In May, 1984, for example, just days before the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Ramsden bought the filly Katies, unseen, for £500,000, but reputedly profited to the tune of £2.5 million when she won the Irish 1000 Guineas at odds of 20/1. 

In 1986, on the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival he reputedly won in the region of £1 million when Motivator landed what is now the Pertemps Final and would have won a further £6 million if another of his horses, Brunico – an "immensely strong finisher" according to commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan – had managed to overhaul Solar Cloud in the Triumph Hurdle the following day. 

Ramsden had apparently been backing Brunico in doubles with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Dawn Run for some time beforehand. 

Shortly afterwards, Ramsden acquired Mr. Snugfit, who had finished second in the 1985 Grand National, and bet £50,000 each-way at 8/1 on his purchase for the 1986 renewal. Almost single-handedly, he ensured Mr. Snugfit was sent off 13/2 clear favourite for the National; the nine-year-old could manage no better than a distant fourth place, but Ramsden still collected £150,000 on the place portion of his bet. 

Many years later, Ramsden claimed: 'The truth is I had half a million quid each way, quote, unquote. Anything else you hear is bullshit.' 

Further high-profile successes followed, including Not So Silly in the Ayr Gold Cup in 1987, but his 'biggest single losing bet' – £1 million on another of his horses, Below Zero – and the sudden expected stock market crash, a.k.a. 'Black Monday', in October that year, effectively sounded the death knell for the Ramsden fortunes. Glen International collapsed and, in 1988, indebted to Ladbrokes to the tune of £2 million, Ramsden was 'warned off' by the Jockey Club for non-payment of the debt, thereby ending his interest in racehorse ownership. 

Three years later, in 1991, Ramsden was arrested in Los Angeles at the behest of the Serious Fraud Office and imprisoned for six months, pending extradition back to Britain. On his return to home soil in 1992, he was declared bankrupt with debts of £100 million. The following year he escaped with a two-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to recklessly inducing fresh investment in Glen International but, in 1997, was prosecuted again, at the Old Bailey, for failing to disclose assets worth £300,000; he was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment, of which he served ten. 

Following his release from prison in 1999, Ramsden went back to working in the financial industry, but could not return to racehorse ownership until 2003, when cleared to do so by the Jockey Club. His first winner as an owner since the halcyon days of the Eighties was the two-year-old Jake The Snake, bought for a modest 17,000 guineas, who landed a gamble when winning a maiden stakes race at Lingfield in November, 2003.

Saturday, 16 November 2024

5 Famous Sports Referees Who Made an Impact on the Game

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5 Famous Sports Referees Who Made an Impact on the Game
In the world of sports, players and coaches often steal the spotlight, but referees are the silent enforcers of the rules, ensuring fairness and integrity. While their role can often be thankless, some referees have achieved fame—or infamy—for their contributions to the games they officiate. Here are five referees who have left an indelible mark on sports history.

1. Pierluigi Collina – Soccer:

Widely regarded as the greatest soccer referee of all time, Pierluigi Collina is an icon in football officiating. With his distinctive bald head and piercing gaze, Collina commanded respect on the pitch. He officiated high-profile matches like the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany and the 1999 UEFA Champions League final. Known for his fairness, deep understanding of the game, and ability to handle intense pressure, Collina was named FIFA's "Best Referee of the Year" six times. His legacy endures as a symbol of authority and excellence in soccer officiating.

Quote: "The best referee is the one who is not noticed, but to achieve that, you must have absolute control of the game."

2. Dick Bavetta – Basketball:

A legend in the NBA, Dick Bavetta was known for his remarkable durability and longevity, officiating 2,635 consecutive games from 1975 to 2014. His streak earned him the nickname "The Iron Man of Referees." Bavetta officiated numerous NBA Finals and All-Star Games, gaining a reputation for his fairness and impeccable professionalism. Beyond his refereeing, Bavetta's memorable charity footrace against Charles Barkley during the 2007 All-Star Weekend showcased his playful side and cemented his status as a beloved figure in basketball.

Quote: "My streak wasn’t about setting records; it was about showing up every day, ready to give my best, no matter what."

3. Gene Sarazen – Golf (as a Rules Official):

While Gene Sarazen is better known as a golfing legend, his contributions as a rules official in major tournaments were equally significant. Sarazen was an advocate for fairness and integrity in golf, often stepping in to ensure that rules were interpreted correctly during high-stakes moments. His dual role as both a player and official provided a unique perspective on the importance of enforcing the game’s principles. Sarazen's influence helped shape golf's rules into the modern standard we see today.

Quote: "The rules of golf are not there to punish; they’re there to protect the integrity of the game."

4. Steve Bucknor – Cricket:

Hailing from Jamaica, Steve Bucknor is one of cricket's most recognized umpires, with a career spanning over two decades. He officiated in five consecutive ICC Cricket World Cup finals from 1992 to 2007, a record unmatched by any other umpire. Bucknor's calm demeanor and ability to handle contentious situations earned him respect among players and fans. While not without controversy, his contributions to cricket umpiring have made him a significant figure in the sport.

Quote: "An umpire’s job is not to be perfect but to be fair and consistent. Respect is earned by staying calm under pressure."


5. Ed Hochuli – American Football:

Ed Hochuli is a name synonymous with the NFL, known for his larger-than-life presence on the field. A lawyer by profession, Hochuli combined his sharp intellect with his love for football, officiating over 25 seasons. His muscular build and elaborate explanations of rulings made him a fan favorite. Hochuli’s ability to simplify complex calls helped educate audiences about the nuances of NFL rules, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most recognizable referees in American football history.

Quote: "The game is for the players, but the rules exist to make it fair. My job is to enforce those rules with clarity and precision."

Referees play a vital role in maintaining the spirit of competition, often under immense scrutiny. These five individuals demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication, proving that even in the background, referees can become legendary figures in their own right. Their contributions remind us of the importance of fairness and integrity in sports, ensuring that every game is played on an even field. 

Photo: Freepik

Friday, 15 November 2024

Which Professional Darts Player Won The Bronze Bully on TV Programme Bullseye

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Which Professional Darts Player Won The Bronze Bully on TV Programme Bullseye
Darts is popular. 

Who didn't love a bit of Bully it was a beautiful little show that holds so many memories for young and old.  

Originally made for ITV network by Associated Television in 1981. Later, by Central Television from 1982 - 1995. It was hosted by Jim Bowen, a stand-up comedian who was influenced by Ken Dodd and television personality. 

Bowen was a straight-faced comic known for his bad jokes, who used to make fun of guests on the show. 

The animated mascot named Bully wore a red/white striped shirt and blue trousers. 

The show also featured Tony Green who helped with scoring the dart games and sideman for Bowen. Green was an amateur player who became BBC's lead commentator when showing the annual World Professional Darts Championships staged at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey. While reading this post, check out australian online gambling sites. He worked alongside Sid Waddell, a talented Geordie entertainer and well respected within darting circles and known as ''The Voice of Darts''. He was also a gifted writer, comedian and nicknamed the ''Theif of Bad Gags''. Waddell wrote 11 published books including autobiographies of John Lowe, Jocky Wilson & Phil Taylor. 

He also wrote a racy novel in 1973 named Bedroll Bella (about a Georgie groupie) that was banned by W. H. Smiths. 

Back to Bullseye. 

In total there was 16 series of Bullseye and an incredible 354 episodes. The run time for the programme was 30 minutes. The programme was created and owned by Andrew Wood and comedian Norman Vaughan who had a successful career in television and theatre. 

The game show was based on three pairs of contestants with one person the darts player and the other answering questions. Unlike usa casino Prizes included a car, speedboat, holidays in addition to a tankard and silver goblet alongside a Bendy Bully (the show's mascot). 

The show was originally on Monday evening before being moved to its popular spot on Sunday. Later it was to be shown on Saturday afternoon. The show was planned for 1996 but cancelled after the network pressured Wood to modernise the programme which he deemed unsuitable. 

One part of the show saw a professional darts player throw nine darts and their total score would give a pound a point for the given charity chosen by the contestant. If the professional dart player scored over 301 the money would be doubled. Alongside this, the highest score of the series would win the Bronze Bully Trophy. This was based on series 5 - 13 (1985 - 1994).

Interesting that the highest charity points scorer was Alan Evans in 1984 with a score of 401. Truly fantastic darts from the Welshman. Those first six darts I couldn't believe my eyes. 

However, the Bronze Bully Trophy started in 1985. 

Here is a list of the winners:

1985 - 86 : John Lowe (380)
1986 - 87 : Lionel Smith (365)
1987 - 88 : Ray Farrell (340)
1988 - 89 : Mike Gregory (380)
1989 - 90 : Eric Bristow (380)
1990 - 91 : Bob Anderson (380)
1991 - 92 : Mandy Solomans (363)
1992 - 93:  Mike Gregory (340)
1994 -    :   Kevin Painter (380)


   



Tuesday, 12 November 2024

The Millionaire Betting System

I'm surprised more people don't ask this question: ''Why do you bet on the horses?''

This can be specific to you, me, or the bustling crowd at the Cheltenham Festival. 

I'm far from a natural gambler. In fact, I don't really like gambling. I don't bet for fun, the buzz, which is different from online casino usa real money or all those things many gamblers do from day to day. 

Each to their own. 

If it makes you happy, doesn't lead to the wolf knocking on your door, or affects your life, family, or lead you to suicide you are onto a winner. 

That probably sounds a bit flippant - but you know what I mean. You have to be responsible for your actions and if you can't you need to find an answer.

Anyway, you meet all sorts of people under the umbrella of the gambler. To be fair, you see some very sad sights, especially fixed to the betting terminals in the local bookmakers. 

For many gamblers, betting gives a live hope of making a killing. That's winning cash not holding up a bookmaker's shop with a gun. 

The good side of finding a winning betting angle is that you can easily outweigh the cost of living. You simply bet more money and win a grand a day! Well, you can if you know something the majority of the population doesn't. 

Namely, you win money long term. 

The holy grail is finding a system that gives a regular income. If you attach this to a bot that places your bets automatically, you have a passive income. 

You could be sitting on the beach in the Bahamas, living the life most can only dream. 

If you get to that level you are well and truly a winner. Because let's face it, very few people make their gambling pay. They simply don't know enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

Is there a system, simple or complex, which guarantees you will make a profit? Better still, is there a system which shows hundreds if not thousands of points profit every season?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. 

I'm saying no names because these things are private but I've heard something incredible.

There could be a Millionaire Betting System out there. What I mean by this, is a system that can take let's say £100 and in a year, two, three or four and turn that small sum of money into one million pounds profit. 

Many of you reading this will be thinking it's pie in the sky. It can't be possible. How can it be possible?

In fact, by the end of this Flat turf season, I will be in a position to detail whether or not this is fact or fiction. 

Unfortunately for me, and you, I don't understand how this system works. But I imagine it won't be sold for any amount of money. (Even two million pounds!)

It's interesting to consider what goes on behind the scene of the betting exchanges. You see a bet and you have no idea who is behind that transaction. It could be a little old lady down the road placing her first bet. It could be a trader looking to make an easy £5 here and there. Some may suggest you'd be better off playing best online pokies australia. It could be a professional gambler with his finger on the pulse. It may even be Harry Findlay recouping his losses lumping on the next odds-on shot. The stories behind each and every bet and gambler are unknown. 

But consider for a moment the next bet you place could well be a plus or minus for this new gambler on the block as he puts the Millionaire Betting System through its paces. 

This time next year, he'll be a millionaire.

Update: 'Unsurprisingly, the system I was told about didn't work. But that doesn't mean someone, somewhere, doesn't hold the key to the kingdom.'

Friday, 8 November 2024

How Did Ladbrokes Get Started As A Bookmaker?

Ladbrokes is one of the world’s largest and most recognized bookmakers, with a storied history that stretches back to 1886. Founded by commission agents Scholes and Duggan, the company initially focused on horse racing, offering fixed odds on races. Since then, Ladbrokes has grown significantly, expanding its operations to cover a vast array of sports betting and gambling products, including casino games, poker, and bingo, making it a global leader in the industry.

The early years of Ladbrokes were characterized by rapid growth and expansion, as the company quickly established itself as one of the leading bookmakers in the UK. As an aside, I have no idea if they have australian online casino sites but I'd love to know. The company was known for its innovative approach to sports betting, and was one of the first bookmakers to offer fixed odds on football matches.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Ladbrokes continued to expand its operations and grew into one of the largest and most successful bookmakers in the UK. The company was also one of the first bookmakers to embrace new technologies, such as computerized betting systems, which helped to improve the speed and accuracy of betting transactions.

Over the years, Ladbrokes has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the sports betting and gambling industry including top online slots. The company has been at the forefront of the digital revolution in the betting industry and has invested heavily in technology to provide customers with a seamless and user-friendly betting experience.

Today, Ladbrokes is a multinational company with a strong presence in several countries, including the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, and Australia. The company's online platform offers a wide range of sports betting and gambling products, and its mobile app allows customers to place bets and manage their accounts from anywhere, at any time.

One of the key factors behind Ladbrokes' success is its commitment to innovation and its focus on providing the best possible customer experience. The company has a strong focus on customer service and offers a range of tools and resources to help customers manage their betting activities and stay in control of their spending.

Ladbrokes is also known for its corporate social responsibility and has been actively involved in several initiatives to support local communities and charitable causes. The company has a strong commitment to promoting responsible gambling and has implemented a range of measures to help prevent problem gambling and to promote responsible gambling practices.

In conclusion, Ladbrokes is a true success story and a testament to the company's rich history and its commitment to innovation and customer service. The company's journey from a small commission agent to a multinational bookmaker is a testament to its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the betting industry. Ladbrokes' commitment to responsible gambling and its focus on providing the best possible customer experience has helped to make it one of the most trusted and respected names in the sports betting and gambling industry.

Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Ron Pollard: The Man Behind the Odds at Ladbrokes Bookmakers

Ron Pollard: The Man Behind the Odds at Ladbrokes Bookmakers
In the fast-paced world of sports betting, there are individuals who play a pivotal role in shaping the odds and steering the ship of one of the most renowned bookmakers. Ron Pollard, a name synonymous with the betting industry, has left an indelible mark on the landscape, having served as an odds-maker and PR Director for Ladbrokes, a giant in the world of sports betting.

Ron Pollard's journey in the betting industry began decades ago when he joined Ladbrokes, one of the oldest and most respected bookmakers in the United Kingdom. His passion for numbers and sports made him a natural fit for the role of an odds-maker, a position that involves setting the odds for various sports events based on statistical analysis, expert knowledge, and market trends.

As an odds-maker, Pollard's responsibilities extended beyond mere number-crunching. He played a crucial role in gauging the pulse of the betting market, understanding the dynamics of different sports, and predicting the outcomes of events. His skill in balancing risk and reward became the linchpin of Ladbrokes' success in providing competitive and enticing odds to its vast clientele.

One of Pollard's notable contributions was his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of sports and betting. With a keen eye for emerging trends and an understanding of the global sports ecosystem, he ensured that Ladbrokes stayed ahead of the curve. Whether it was a sudden surge in popularity for a niche sport or a major upset in a high-profile match, Pollard's expertise allowed Ladbrokes to quickly adjust its odds, providing a seamless and dynamic betting experience for its customers.

In addition to his role as an odds-maker, Ron Pollard made a significant impact as the PR Director for Ladbrokes. In this capacity, he became the face and voice of the company, responsible for managing its public image and relations. His charismatic and approachable demeanor made him an effective communicator, both with the media and the diverse community of bettors.

Pollard's tenure as PR Director saw Ladbrokes engaging in innovative marketing strategies, establishing a strong brand presence, and fostering a sense of trust among its customers. He understood the importance of transparency and fair play in the betting industry, working tirelessly to build Ladbrokes' reputation as a reliable and customer-centric bookmaker.

Beyond the boardrooms and betting halls, Ron Pollard's influence extended to the broader conversation around responsible gambling. Recognizing the social responsibility that comes with the betting industry, he actively championed initiatives promoting responsible gambling practices and advocating for the welfare of bettors.

As the years rolled by, Ron Pollard became a legend in the betting world, earning respect not only for his analytical prowess but also for his commitment to ethical practices. His legacy at Ladbrokes continues to shape the company's approach to odds-making and public relations, serving as a benchmark for excellence in the ever-evolving world of sports betting.

In conclusion, Ron Pollard's journey from odds-maker to PR Director at Ladbrokes is a testament to the indispensable role played by individuals behind the scenes in the betting industry. His impact on shaping odds, managing public relations, and promoting responsible gambling has left an enduring legacy, making him a revered figure in the annals of sports betting history.

I would recommend Ron Pollard's book: Odds & Sods: My Life In The Betting Business (1991) 

Photo: J.Coote (2023) 

Friday, 18 October 2024

Are Speculative Bets Good or Bad News?

Who doesn't love a big priced winner? 

I've had a few decent winners in my time. For example, winning £1,800 for a bet of £60. You know what I'm going to say, there have been far too many near misses or horses I didn't bet which turned into longterm regrets. The most disappointing bet of my life is one of these said outsiders. Unbelievably, it was priced over 300/1 on Betfair. You may be thinking I'm talking from the realms of cloud cuckoo land but as God is my judge it's perfectly true. A bet of just £35 to £10,000. With every winning stride of pure joy turned to dismay with the cruellest twist of fate.  

In the final half-furlong, the saddle slipped and the jockey went over the port side. I could have done with a big drink of something stronger after that misdemeanour.  

I am confident the horse would have won. You don't expect the saddle to slip on the Flat turf. But there you go. Gambling is never straight forward and winning and losing just moments in time. 

My brother has won a lot of money from a handful of speculative bets. For example, a bet of £20 to win £4,000. The horse was called Puggy, winning on debut for a relatively unknown horse trainer Roy Arne Kvisla, who had a season or two in the UK, after being a big name in his native Sweden. As it happened Puggy was a very classy filly who went on to compete in the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas. Anyway, that is another story, but a fantastic memory of what can happen when you bet on a horse at huge odds. 

Take a look at the race result here

Tony has had many similar days where he seemingly did the impossible. 

After all this talk, you must be thinking why wouldn't anyone be betting on 100/1 shots left, right and centre.

Here's the problem, not every outsider is value. Just as you need to assess the favourite because it's short odds you need to do the same with the rag to make sure it has something going for it. 

In many respects, betting on huge priced horses can be a frustrating business. However, good you are at finding these potential diamonds in the sand the strike rate is going to be low. It's the nature of the beast. 

Outsiders are a mirror image of favourites. 

Instead of a high win rate, you bet less in an attempt to win more. 

It may well be easier to put £2,000 on an even-money favourite than bet £10 at 200/1. The only answer to that question is your knowledge, insight and understanding.

The problem with betting on outsiders is that you feel you can take a risk because you only need one to pop up once in a blue moon.

That is true to a point. But as with so many things, it's a strength and weakness. Similar to the punter who does an each-way double to make a bet because the prices of each doesn't allow a single each-way wager. 

Are you trying to be too clever or trying to make a cup of tea with your beautifully crafted chocolate teapot? 

When betting outsiders you cannot afford to think just because you have big odds anything goes. 

It doesn't. 

Each and every speculative bet needs to be assessed as if you are looking at a favourite. Can it win? Is it value? Can it really beat the favourite... the list goes on. 

If these bets are pinned simply on the size of the betting odds you will be frustrated by the losses and the realisation (after the event) that very few were good bets. 

At best, speculative bets can be the turning point of a betting year or even a life-changing event. 

The day Eric Winner tipped a 100/1 winner!

When done to their best, they are a wonderful moment. To see that 100/1 shot hit the finishing line first is something very few punters will ever experience. However, betting on a big priced horse takes knowledge which far exceeds the favourite backers. Unless you have the odds in your favour the price means nothing at all. 

Good luck to all. 

Thursday, 10 October 2024

How Did Betfair Get Started As A Bookmaker?

Betfair is a leading online bookmaker that was established in 2000. Based in the United Kingdom, the company is well known for its innovative approach to sports betting, which includes a wide range of betting options and a strong online presence. Over the years, Betfair has become one of the most recognizable names in the industry and is one of the largest bookmakers in the world.

One of the key strengths of Betfair is its exchange model, which allows customers to bet against each other instead of betting against the bookmaker. This model offers customers greater control over their betting experience and provides more opportunities for them to win. In addition to this, Betfair offers a wide range of betting options, including sports betting, live betting, casino games, and more. The company's sports betting offering is particularly extensive, with a wide range of sports and events covered, including football, basketball, tennis, golf, and more.

Another key feature of Betfair is its user-friendly website, which makes it easy for customers to place bets, manage their accounts, and access the wide range of betting options that the company offers. The site is available in multiple languages and offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that customers can get help and support whenever they need it. Betfair also offers a mobile betting app, which allows customers to place bets on the go, making it even easier and more convenient to enjoy the company's betting services.

In addition to its innovative exchange model and extensive range of betting options, Betfair is known for its commitment to responsible gambling. The company has implemented a number of measures to help prevent gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling, including setting deposit limits, providing information on the risks of gambling, and offering self-exclusion options. This commitment to responsible gambling is one of the reasons why Betfair has become such a trusted and respected brand in the industry. 

Betfair is also known for its competitive odds and high-quality customer service. The company's experienced team of professionals are available 24/7 to provide customers with support and assistance, ensuring that they have the best possible betting experience. This high level of customer service is a major factor in Betfair's success and has helped the company to establish a strong and loyal customer base.

In conclusion, Betfair is a leading online bookmaker that offers a unique exchange model, a wide range of betting options, and a commitment to responsible gambling. With competitive odds, high-quality customer service, and a user-friendly platform, Betfair is a bookmaker that is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to place bets online. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the world of sports betting, Betfair is a bookmaker that is sure to provide you with an enjoyable and rewarding betting experience.

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Which Racecourse is your Nemesis to Bet?

I am coming out in a cold sweat just thinking about this question. 

Perhaps I should just run my fingernails up a rubber boot, or chalkboard or jump in a vat of fermenting horse shit.

In truth, I don't think I would take any of those options in favour of betting at my nemesis course. 

Although, give me a year or two and you may find me standing on the edge of a highrise car park in Milton Keynes. I'll be babbling on about Brighton and holding a tuft of luscious, green grass in one hand and a losing betting slip in the other as I take flight plummeting like a stone. 

I really do paint a rosy picture, hey. As dark as blood. 

So, on a lighter more jovial thought, which racecourse do you just dread to bet? 

Even if you have been following a horse, it's primed to win and even the trainer's wife gave you the wink as she breezed through the paddock in a flowing summer dress, you start to question the double gamble which you know is wrestling within the brain. Like a devil and angel on either shoulder, a tug-of-war where the rope enters your left ear and exits the right and the friction from all the pulling too and throw carves your grey matter like a pork cheese. 

Betting on the said horse is a gamble but the fact it is running at your nemesis course is the kiss of death. 

Now, for no particular reason, your despicable course may be different from mine. You may say Chester and I'm almost mocking you with the fact that I'm like a winning machine there.

Don't talk to me about Epsom Downs, I've never backed a loser. 

It's so easy. 

But Brighton...

I mean, I love the Royal Crescent. 

But ask me to bet at Brighton racecourse and I go quiet. You can see my brain working overtime trying to resolve some crazy equation that even Isaac Newton would run from. 

But you know what it's like...

I really fancy that horse today. 

Trying not to think about the last twenty-five bets that went south. Trying to convince myself that some old, ghostly witch that had been following me around the course for years had finally died or given up the ghost (so to speak).

Let's face it, even the bubonic plague died off in the end. 

So I chance my luck with a bet. I'm sure it will be ok. Just take a few deep breaths of the beautiful sea air and think pretty thoughts. 

As soon as the stalls open I realise the old witch has climbed on my back, whispering words of death and pointing me in the direction of Milton Keynes. 

I wonder, which course do you fear to bet?

Monday, 23 September 2024

Professional Gamblers: The Secret Guide to Phil Bull's Betting Success

Background

Ironically, for a devout, lifelong atheist, Phil Bull (not pictured) once said, ‘I was bred to be a saint, you know’. Born on April 9, 1910, in the small town of Hemsworth, West Yorkshire, Bull was the son of William Osborne Bull, who began his career in the Salvation Army, but later worked as a coal miner and as a sanitation engineer, and Lizzie Jessop Watson, who was a Sunday school teacher. He was educated at Hemsworth Grammar School and at Leeds University, graduating with a modest degree in mathematics in 1931. Bull subsequently taught mathematics in London and did not abandon the teaching profession, at least, not entirely, when he embarked on a career as a professional gambler, which would make him a familiar figure on British racecourses for decades afterward.

Interest in Gambling

Later in life, Phil Bull recounted almost certainly apocryphal stories of how he was taught the rudiments of odds and betting parlance by his mother in early childhood. Nevertheless, Bull started betting, to small stakes, as a schoolboy and, during his studies at Leeds University, his mathematical and research skills, coupled with his abiding interest in horse racing, naturally led to the statistical analysis of race times. Following graduation, Bull continued to develop a unique technique for evaluating horse racing form, based not only on relative finishing positions, as was commonplace, but also on race times. Bull bet on the conclusions of what became ‘Temple Racetime Analysis’ with no little success and, in 1938, starting selling information, by mail order, to the general public. Initially, his teaching job precluded using his own name, so the ‘Temple Time Test’, as the service known, was sold under the pseudonym ‘William K. Temple’. The Temple Time Test proved highly successful, so successful, in fact, that Bull gave up his teaching job to concentrate on gambling for a living.

Golden Rules

In 1970, Phil Bull published his ‘Ten Commandments’, which, paraphrased in less ‘Biblical’ language, read more or less as follows: 

1. The selection source is unimportant, but bet only on selections you consider value-for-money; avoid the temptation to bet in every race. (As a side-note, on the subject of value-for-money, Bull was not afraid to bet odds-on).

2. Luck, the law of averages and staking plans are delusional, so place no faith in any of them.

3. Bet according to your means and adjust your stake according to the chance of your selection, as you see it; a selection with a greater chance deserves a higher stake.

4. Do not bet each-way in large fields, unless you are satisfied that the place portion of the bet represents value-for-money.

5. Shop around with bookmakers and the Tote to find the best prices, according to your judgment.

6. Do not bet ante-post unless you know your selection is a definite runner.

7. Do not buy systems; if you come across a profitable system, keep it to yourself.

8. Bet in doubles and trebles if you want to, but not on objections.

9. Make wise, attentive betting decisions and adopt a patient, cautious approach to betting, but do not be afraid to be bold if circumstances dictate.

10. Bet only what you can afford to lose; increasing stakes beyond your means, even in the short-term, can lead to catastrophic losses.

Successes 

Thankfully, from a historical perspective, Phil Bull kept meticulous accounts, just over three decades’ worth, of his ‘serious’ betting activity between 1943 and 1974. However, it is worth noting that, even before the start of that period, Bull had won enough money by backing Pont L’Eveque, winning of the so-called ‘New Derby’ – a wartime substitute for the Derby, run at Newmarket, rather than Epsom – in 1940 to buy a five-bedroom, detached house in Putney, South-West London. In 1944, the year in which he was bombed out of his London home, prompting a return to Yorkshire, Bull had a ‘serious bet’ on Dante, beaten favourite in the 2,000 Guineas and, always one to stand by his judgment invested heavily at 5/1 and again, at 10/1, on the same horse to win the New Derby. At Newmarket, Dante was sent off at 100/30 favourite and won by two lengths; Bull collected £22,000, or in excess of £958,000 in modern terms. In 1952, Bull enjoyed his most profitable season ever, collecting £10,500 for an investment of £1,700, in various bets, on 1,000 Guineas-winner Zabara and £8,000 on Middle Park Stakes-winner Nearula; all told, that season he collected nearly £38,000. Another notable success came in 1963, when, after a series of unfavourable results, Bull staked £1,000 at 20/1 on Ebor-winner Partholon, thereby recouping all his previous losses. According to his own accounts, between 1943 and 1974, Bull made a total profit of just under £296,000 which, even at the most a conservative estimate, is the equivalent of over £3 million in modern terms.

Publications

Aside from his early work under the pseudonym William K. Temple, in 1942, Bull published his treatise on betting, entitled ‘The Mathematics of Betting’, under his own name. The following year he published ‘Best Horses of 1942’, the first in a series of annual volumes that would ultimately evolve into the ‘Racehorses’ annual under the ‘Timeform’ banner. Indeed, the first Timeform annual ‘Racehorses of 1947’ followed in 1948, and included an essay and numerical rating for each horse that ran on the Flat in the 1947 season. Remarkably, the four highest-rated horses, according to Timeform, filled the first four places in 2,000 Guineas, in the correct order, and were led home by My Babu, whose entry read ‘should win 2,000 Guineas’. In 1975/76, Bull published the first edition of the Timeform ‘Chasers & Hurdlers’ annual, which extended coverage to the sphere of National Hunt racing.

Summary

In promotional material for ‘Bull: The Biography’, published in 1995, Phil Bull was billed, justifiably, as ‘racing’s most celebrated and successful punter’. Certainly, Bull was one of the most influential figures in the history of horse racing, developing an innovative technique for analysing form by awarding a performance figure to each individual performance by a horse. Nowadays, that practice is part of the official handicappers’ methodology for handicapping horses. However, although he won, and lost, thousands of pounds, Bull was by no means an inveterate gambler. In fact, he once said, ‘I’m not a gambler. Betting as such doesn’t interest me’, although he added, ‘Racing is different; it’s a continuing play with a fresh set of individual characters every year. Not a who-done-it, but a who’ll do it.’