GIVEN AWAY, DUMPED and FORGOTTEN

On my arrival 'down under' I was unceremoniously dumped and given away free of charge to a farming family best described as hillbilly. There was absolutely no consideration for my safety and well being. My living conditions were damp, dire and cold, with little to poor food, I lacked access to soap and hot water, receiving no compensation. The farm, located 10km from Mittagong, approximately 121km from Sydney, was not the place to learn Australian farming methods with a 'big brother' as had been promised. Aside from two individuals within the BBM hierarchy in Sydney, my whereabouts were unknown, and there was a complete lack of duty of care for a minor.

EXPERIENCE BORDERED on MADNESS

The whole experience at the farm bordered on madness. I was physically and mentally harmed, then in serious and impending danger from the owner, I had no choice but to flee! Unwashed, penniless and starving, I angrily confronted the BBM team back at their offices in Circular Quay, Sydney and threatened to expose their negligence and total disregard to the relevant authorities. 

RANDWICK RACECOURSE

None of the promises made by the BBM came to fruition, and I was never introduced to a big brother to guide me as I adjusted to my new life. The organisation secured me a position at Lowes Department Store in central Sydney, and I found accommodation on Alison Road, near Randwick Racecourse. It was there I first observed racehorses training in the early morning, a sight that was truly exhilarating. Witnessing such beauty during a low point in my life captured my heart and imagination, uplifting my spirits - I became enamored with the 'Sport of Kings.'

SPIRITUAL HOME

From that point forward, I seldom missed an event at Sydney's major racecourses including Randwick, Rosehill, Warwick Farm, and Canterbury, and took pleasure in visiting the provincial tracks as well. My discovery of Harness Racing at Harold Park broadened my horizons even further. Working frequently as a bookie's runner, I rapidly understood the significance of fractions and percentages in securing the best possible odds.

TRAINED by LADBROKES

Many years later back in England, I was trained by Ladbrokes in settling and betting management. They were once a great company and their teaching first class, and that is where I honed my numeric and settling skills. Since then my mind sees everything in terms of percentages and probability.

MATHEMATICS & EMOTIONS

Like many gamblers, I've experienced the highs and lows of betting. Over time, my approach to betting became more mathematical and systematic without my realising it. My success rate increased when I began adhering to set criteria before placing bets. Eventually, I managed to shackle the emotional and disciplinary aspect of betting. I chose the term 'shackle' deliberately, as these aspects are ever-present, always ready to surface. I then accepted the way one deals with the emotional aspect of betting, bridled with money-management, determines how successful one is at betting.

PREREQUISITES

Throughout my extensive apprenticeship at the school of hard knocks, I learned that alcohol, guesswork, and laziness have no place in a bet - they are saboteurs! Possessing the correct mindset is crucial. Even a mindset armed with accurate information, a positive attitude, determination, consistent mathematical processes, and an understanding of probability falls short without the foundational support of discipline, emotional intelligence, and financial management. The emotional aspect is something I continue to learn even now. These days I never place a random bet, I see it as a weakness and a disciplinary lapse.

THE MEANING of VALUE

Much later in life, I understood the true meaning of value. Value could be in a 4/5 favourite, a 7/2 or a 16/1 shot. It can exist in any price. I also learnt that whilst form is very important, the profile of a horse in a particular race, with optimum conditions at a specific time, more so. I only look for one result at a time and because of random factors beyond my control, my brain rarely accepts the concept of ante-post betting.

RECORDING BETS

Although focusing on the next winning bet is the primary concern, keeping honest and accurate records of past bets (win and lose) is an invaluable source of information and a road map of where you have been. Make no mistake, memory tells lies and the reason why all professionals keep records. Although I have confidence of winning over a period of time it does not mean losing bets will not hurt, but losing no longer damages me, my wife and family. Most importantly, it does not affect my next investment!

LAZY, CARELESS and the OVER-ROUND!

Working for bookmakers has shown me the careless, uninformed way punters place their bets. Most play the game without knowing the rules - for example most do not understand what an overround is? Furthermore, there are those who bet with bookmakers who do not give best prices guaranteed whilst others do not recognise the advantages of the Betfair Exchange!

PRIVILEGED to have WRITTEN for BETFAIR

For nearly five years I was privileged to have written for Betfair as one of their number one writers on many sporting subjects. The experience was very rewarding. It opened doors for me within the racing fraternity, whilst giving me the confidence needed to express myself. Thankfully, Betfair have revolutionised and changed the face of betting for good.

I have since written for many publications including Geegeez, False Favourites, Race Advisor, Betting Insiders and On Course Profits as well as the press and The Racing Horse.

Please contact me if I have said anything of interest or if you would like a FREE TRIAL so you can witness our work ethic. Many thanks...