BEN’S BLOG: Dear Editor…….

Dear Editor,

I write in relation to Geoff Banks’ recent comments, regarding the SP system, and betting-percentage, of the 2015 Crabbies Grand National.

Mr Banks (pictured below) is treading on very thin ice here. Thin ice that everyone could fall through (not just him).

1) In any market, there will be anomalies, that will not suit certain parties. Yes, the percentage on this year’s National, might have been a bit high, but I don’t hear anyone moaning, on Boxing Day, when bookies are betting to 105%, on the small field races at Kempton.

2) Selfridges make an enormous profit at Christmas. As do ice-cream vans, on hot days. With the amount of different taxes, imposed on bookmakers, can we not do the same on National Day?

3) Our banks, and government, are welcome to buy or sell shares on the stock-exchange. The betting-ring is also a free-market that everyone (including The Punters) can play into.

4) It is a long-standing (forever) tradition, for the Firms to hedge into the ring. Should this end, an SP would be taken from the exchanges. Yet another victory, and knife in the heart, from them, and their unlicensed layers (who already have enough blood on their hands, thank you).

5) I am also miffed, as to why a man, with the bookmaking pedigree, that Mr Banks was born into, would start trying to play the Punters Pal? Isn’t all of this, sticking-up-for-punters nonsense, more than a little nauseating, Editor? They want the bookies money, and we want theirs. Let’s just leave all the ungenuine fawning, to the Corporate Wallies, shall we, Geoff?

I take this opportunity to thank the Firms for their hedging business. It has been a wonderful addition to Star’s on-course pitches and we are most grateful for their custom.

Kind regards,

Ben Keith
(Star Sports Owner)

Over and out, B x