PREFACE

This eBook chronicles a personal odyssey through the world of horse racing betting spanning 57 years. Within that time many hard lessons have been learnt, before learning to win, so encompassing both the highs and lows of this intricate world. We take this opportunity to share some thoughts and beliefs. 

Creating an eBook was always a goal of mine, mainly for setting boundaries, particularly concerning the emotional side of betting, which I find to be the most challenging aspect, even now. Throughout the years, revisiting my preferred parameters and established winning strategies has been beneficial, providing support during the inevitable tough and uncertain times that all bettors face. 

Initially, I hesitated to express my candid opinions on the structure of the horse racing betting scene. However, my five-year tenure writing for Betfair significantly boosted my confidence. Betfair encouraged me to adopt a contrarian stance in my articles to stimulate and foster debate, an approach that proved to be successful.

Before my tenure at Betfair, I served as a manager for two notable bookmaking firms, Ladbrokes and Heathorns, amassing extensive and vital experience with the betting populace. Since June 2011, I have been disseminating blogs, betting systems, strategies, and relevant information across various publications. Currently, as the author of The Racing Horse, I am embarking on my 14th year, which is an achievement in its own right, marked by numerous personal victories and memorable experiences, a few of which have been particularly exhilarating.

For example, as a part-owner I experienced the absolute thrill of winning the Triumph Hurdle Grade 1 at the Cheltenham Festival, and walking back into the winner's enclosure with some fellow owners, jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson. Winning at the Cheltenham Festival is a lifelong dream for many racing enthusiasts, and the experience as a part-owner of Pentland Hills was a most moving affair for the owners! The thrill of seeing our horse cross the finish line first, especially at such a prestigious event, is truly unforgettable. Furthermore, on the days leading up to the race I backed our horse Pentland Hills at 28/1 down to 20/1. He went on to win another Grade 1 at Liverpool in the Doom Bar Anniversary Grade 1 next time up. 

Winning at a Cheltenham Festival was inconceivable and marvellous at the same time, but not my greatest moment in racing, in fact not my second, third or fourth best time. How could that be?

Meeting and spending part of a Saturday night with the great Willie Mullins just three days before the Melbourne Cup in the Phar Lap Lounge on Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne was the most fantastic and gratifying experience I have ever had! There, he read and digested my piece titled "Draw Versus a Kind Trip - Melbourne Cup 2017" in special regard to his two runners, before saying he found me most perceptive and a validation I cherish to this day. This unforgettable encounter with one of the most respected trainers in the industry is hard for me to articulate. I remember every word spoken between us as well as his kindness. He totally agreed with my rationale saying some of the things discussed would be part of the saddling instructions to Zac Purton and Ben Allen, the two jockeys riding his two runners.

Just to repeat, Willie Mullins said some of things we discussed would be part of the saddling instructions? It might sound absurd, but he made me feel, albeit miniscule, a part of the 2017 Melbourne Cup

I did not need a bonus, but he quietly advised me to back Max Dynamite at 28/1 each way - he finished 3rd. His other runner Thomas Hobson finished 6th so the trainer collected £336,257.31 in prizemoney all told. Trainer Hugo Palmer kindly took a few photos of us both as a lovely reminder!

My extensive experience at the coal face of racing and betting has enabled me to distinguish between what is important and what I refer to as 'clutter-noise,' which we will discuss later. While I acknowledge that much of the content in the eBook may be clearly apparent to the seasoned bettor, there are aspects that may not be as obvious.

Like all professional bettors I experienced the ups and downs of betting. Over a very long period of time and without realising it, my betting evolved into something more mechanical and mathematical. My strike-rate improved further when I followed logical predetermined criteria before placing a bet. It improved again when I finally accepted that keeping honest betting records is an absolute prerequisite!

Finally I brought under control everybody's arch nemesis - I managed to shackle but not tame the emotional and disciplinary aspect of betting. I use the word 'shackle' because the emotional and disciplinary never goes away, it is always there lurking in the shadows! I then accepted the way one deals with the emotional aspect of betting, bridled with sound money-management, determines how successful one is at betting.

Racing revolves around differing opinions. The eBook presents a mix of clear-cut statements and more contentious ones, anticipating disagreement among bettors. The aim is to highlight the significance of aspects often overlooked. If nothing else, it should provide an engaging read.

I would like to express my gratitude to my wife, Pam, for her invaluable help, contribution, and encouragement. Additionally, I extend my thanks to Jamie Pacheco, Matt Bisogno, Vernon Allen, and Wendy Carter for their generous assistance and time.

On Course Profits and Paul Moon (The Racing Horse)