POV: The Ring is Alive! (Ben Keith)

“The ring is alive! (And I think I am too, just about!!)” writes BEN KEITH.

At Royal Ascot, I normally retire hurt come the Saturday, but this year, I was a total weakling, and missed the Friday too, in favour of doing the school run. The weather has been wonderful and the ice-cream delicious – it’s just a shame we can’t say the same about the results back on the track. We have only laid 1 horse to money this week that has been beaten. Still, it’s a long road, and I can’t moan about the banging results we’ve had at the last couple of Cheltenhams and last year’s Royal Ascot. To those counting their winnings – it’s lent – I’m coming for you next year!

Aussie bookie, Tom Waterhouse, said to me recently, that his grandad, also a bookie, taught him not to worry about bad days, as you’ve got to lose big sometimes, to win big others. I make Tom right.

The betting-ring is alive and I am so happy to see the area and community that has given me so much in my life, thriving once again. Different bookies have different styles of making their book. As long as they win, and it works for them, that’s all that counts. It is also their business and their business alone. There is too much judgment about who lays a bet and who doesn’t. I was lucky enough to have a photo with The Classic Bookmaker himself, Fred Done, this week (feature image above). I don’t think he’s got to where he’s got to in life, (and still kicking), by concerning himself as to what his colleagues are up to.

The betting-ring is busier than ever for a variety of reasons. And one dynamic that has re-emerged has been trade-hedging. There’s lots about. And it’s fun once again to see people scampering around the ring to get on. I am very grateful to those who have shared some of their liabilities with Star Sports this week.

We have been delighted with our new pitch, no 1, on the old fashioned top rail. Aside from being a magnet for simply endless fiver bets, and then the odd big lump on each race, that takes you by surprise, it has been networking gold for opening accounts, attention seeking, self promotion, and meeting new and interesting individuals to do business with. Another benefit of betting on-course.

I am delighted to see new firms betting in the ring and wish them all the very best of luck.

In other news:

A few shoutouts…

Andy “The Lodge” Henderson. Andy is a kind, fun and ever present face in the betting-ring, and ambassador who welcomes all. He, unasked, brought the Star Sports firm, a mountain of ice-creams one day. Top man! Thank you very much, Andy.

It has been a pleasure working with Pam “Chelmsford” Sharman this week. Pam has the most wonderful energy, work ethic and customer-service. I love to learn and I have watched few better people stand up and bet on a pitch.

Dan Dennis. Dan is a quite superb clerk. He never flusters. But Brian Gleeson, of ITV Racing, who is generous in pushing the betting-ring, caught him off guard. We challenged Dan to do the TV interview. He didn’t really want to. BUT HE SMASHED IT. And we had a nice moment afterwards where myself and Pam told Dan that his legendary dad, Barry, would have been so proud, looking down. A good clerk is gold. And Dan is right up there with the best, as well as always turning out immaculately to represent us.

Flynn Goward. Flynn makes for a brilliant managing-director. But the poor boy is in personal turmoil. Working in my shadow, in the ring, must be tough for him. But Flynn is yet to grasp that we all have levels. And he must know his. All day long, the most elegant young ladies on the racecourse, come and bet with Flynn. He has however, got infront of himself, and not yet realised, that this is a cynical, and I must say rather cruel and time honoured ploy, to work through him, to get to the friend (me). Acceptance is a beautiful place to get to. And let’s hope that for Flynn’s own well-being and peace of mind, that he reaches that place soon.

Over and out,
Ben x

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