BEN’S BLOG: ‘FEAR in the betting-ring’

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]log, I must say that; although the results may not have suited, it was a real pleasure to be an on-course bookmaker yesterday. It has long been said, and its true, that ‘the game has gone’ at the track, BUT, just once in a while, the ring, like a sleeping volcano, breathes again. And the Richter scale certainly registered HIGH for the first day’s action…

This is because there was FEAR in the betting-ring. The results were getting out of control. The Punters were suddenly holding more ammo, and confidence, than ever before. And the reps for the Firms, HAD to spring into action. If you wanted to be a layer, you could do your business, at the ‘right’ price, and for AS MUCH as you liked. ATTACK!!

Ladbrokes are still a firm, that use and support the ring, at the festivals. We passed on their offer, of laying 8/11 Un De Sceaux, but obliged them of a £35k – £42k (5/6) about Faugheen (booh!), and then a £40k – £70k (4/7) on Annie Power. Thank you very much for the business, Ladbrokes. Along with their play, we also saw, on-course, another firm have a £30,500 – £50k (8/13) Annie Power. So it was certainly, volume wise, the busiest I have ever been on a pitch. LOVING THE GAME.

In other news:

Blog, here’s a certainty for your note-book: ‘The Croft’ in Bourton-on-The-Water (http://www.chesterhousehotel.com/dining/) . This is a CRACKING little restaurant, with a great menu, that you can really get stuck into. We went last night, and 8 of us, all had a starter and a main, with a couple of extra starters chucked in for luck, plenty of sides, and the chaps also marched on, with 3 bottles of wine. The bill, including service?? £155. Yes!! Well, value like that has to be rewarded highly, don’t you think? The Croft. Don’t miss the Camembert starter. 1965 prices. No Portions Police call-outs either. 8.5.

Over and out, B x