Interview: STEPHEN LITTLE
Interview: STEPHEN LITTLE Stephen Little was a giant of the betting ring in the 1980’s and 1990’s. The man who used to cycle to racecourses on the off chance of a day’s work with a bookie ended up one of the biggest of them all taking on anyone who wanted a bet, often no matter how large. In this series of four interviews recorded in his home in Bath Stephen tells of his unlikely bookmaking beginnings and his subsequent rise to the top of his game, and ultimately why he turned his back in the betting jungle.
STEPHEN LITTLE (part 1 of 4)
Legendary Rails Bookmaker Stephen Little talks about his early days as a school bookmaker, learning his trade with various layers, working at the dogs and coursing then jumping it at the deep end with rails pitches and taking on the big hitters.
STEPHEN LITTLE (part 2 of 4)
In part two, Stephen talks about working his ‘apprenticeship’ with various bookmakers, betting on photo finishes for a living. A memorable bike ride to watch Arkle, Betting on coursing and the Waterloo Cup, being daubed both the meanest bookie and the bookie to the stars and John McCririck’s wish that wasn’t exactly cricket on meeting Red Rum.
STEPHEN LITTLE (part 3 of 4)
In part 3 Stephen talks about a trip to the Melbourne Cup that sparked all sorts of rumours back home, greyhound racing, owning a winner of the Jersey Vase trained by Toby Balding and not having a shilling on, his role with the NAB in negotiations regrading boards on rails, modern joints and a very non-PC way of deciding how small a bet to lay a lady!
STEPHEN LITTLE (part 4 of 4)
In this final part Stephen talks of lessons that he has learned along the way and any advice he’d give to aspiring bookmakers. He also has some questions as to why some current bookmakers are preoccupied with what punters might do with potential winnings. He finishes up with what he used to tell people that asked him if he’d like to be the next William Hill.
STEPHEN LITTLE #BettingPeople PODCAST
Simon Nott is author of:
Skint Mob! Tales from the Betting Ring