Post Great Yarmouth - Jolly Boys & Girls Outing

Well, the jolly boys outing has come and gone. 

My brother booked a caravan on Haven campsite. It's as cheap as chips when booked up early and a place to rest your head from Monday to Friday. I would have stayed there myself but I had my other half with me, who had travelled back with me from West Palm Beach, Florida. We booked three nights at Andover House Hotel down Camperdown Road, not far from the Grosvenor Casino. 

I can't fault the hotel. A neat, presentable room and the staff are friendly. One of the better hotels in Great Yarmouth. I wanted to book the attic room but sadly it was taken. 

There never seems enough time with going to the Eastern Festival at Great Yarmouth horse races. We travelled down by train, changing at Ely and Norwich. Got a taxi from the station to the hotel, arriving about 5pm Tuesday. Missed that day's racing. 

I heard that cousin Paul won £700 at the Grosvenor Casino. I don't think him and Danny won at the races. They both play 3-card poker and Paul hit on a great hand betting £20 on pair plus, and turned over a running flush or something in that order. 

The casino is a beautiful setting compared with some of the modern venues we have visited such as Nottingham and Luton. This listed building used to be frequented by Edward VII, the future king of England, son of Queen Victoria, if you like your history. Obviously, it wasn't a casino in his day but a private house - Shadingfield Lodge. If you want a cheap three-course meal in a regal setting then here's what you do. Take your ticket from the racecourse and you get a free alcoholic drink and free £5 match bet. Considering the three-course meal cost about £13 mid-week, it is a superb night. 

My two brothers, Marlene, Paul, Danny and Sue went to the casino that evening. 

We heard there was a problem with the electrics at the casino and as it had just gone 9pm all the pubs seemed to stop serving food. You wouldn't believe it at a coastal town, but it shows how there is a lack of footfall come mid-September. Marlene and I had to settle for a KFC. It was disgusting. Limp chips, and the bucket of chicken wasn't much better. I can normally eat anything - I did to a point - but it wasn't good at all. 

The casino betting went a little better. Just small bets for me as I am not keen on fixed odds. The only way you can win at the casino is to win early and go home. I think if you are going to be lucky you need it to be with decent odds so I bet a single number and corner [lucky 33]. It came up time after time and I won £90. The roulette is the best of all games to play in UK casinos. The house edge is less than the states without the double zero. 

Marlene watched. 

Paul won, Danny lost and Tony & Gareth won a few bob. Sue sat next to some drunk bloke at the poker table who won and he kept giving he £25 chips. Wisely, she bet with her 50p chips and cashed in the £25s later that evening. 

I went to the races with Tony and Gareth the next day. The ladies stayed at home, resting. I didn't bet. Couldn't see much at all in the two-year-old races, in which I specialise. Tony & Gareth bet on Luca Cumani's 11/1 winner. Tony went for a big win in the next race - betting William Jarvis' Lady Bowthorpe, but she was no competition for the impressive Hidden Message, who is clearly a Group Horse. 

Went to the casino that evening after a great meal at Pamela's restaurant. If you are going to Great Yarmouth you really need to go there because it is run exceptionally well - a blend of good food, bling and professionalism. They had a rowdy group of blokes, one who had a bizarre-sounding laugh, who seemed arrogant if not laddish. I'm not keen on loud people. I noticed them in the casino later. 

On Thursday, we went to the races and enjoyed ladies day. Always a good crowd. Marlene got in the last ten of the Best Dressed Ladies Competition. Interviewed by Thommo. Marlene's American accent catching the attention of racegoers. As my friend said: ''Let me think, where would I like to go, Great Yarmouth or West Palm Beach?'' Marlene loved the day, so on this occasion, the Norfolk coast got the nod. 

We met a lot of lovely people over the days and Marlene got many compliments.

We travelled back Friday morning, returning to the Fens just after noon. 

A great time had by all.

Jolly Boys Outing at Great Yarmouth

It's funny what comes to mind. 

Watching Only Fools & Horses was a family tradition in our house. So many funny moments that make me smile to this day. I loved the specials including The Jolly Boys Outing. The moment the bus blew up and they had to find somewhere to stay in Margate on a busy bank holiday. 

It reminds me of a few holidays at Great Yarmouth. Our merry pilgrimage in memory of my late father, Colin, and so many relatives who used to enjoy Great Yarmouth's Eastern Festival. The three-day meeting is a must-go every September. It holds so many special memories and I always imagine that somewhere in the bustling crowd my dad awaits. 

As children, we stopped at the caravan park at Caister-on-sea. Even as a child I had gambling in my blood. Playing the slot machines. The sounds, smell and fun of being somewhere we really shouldn't. It led to a life of gambling, which morphed into a business. 

Well, this story goes back a few years and another family holiday.  I went to the casino with my two brothers, Tony & Gareth, and cousins Danny & Paul. They all love a bet. We went to Great Yarmouth horse races and won decent money. 

Whether it's a good or bad news, Yarmouth has a casino, run by Grosvenor, down Marine Parade, a stone's throw from the seafront. The old listed building is a real gem. It has a royal heritage as it used to be a private house frequented by Edward VII, the king of England when his mother Queen Victoria died on the 6th May 1910. It is a beautiful building with majestic stairways, high ceilings, chandeliers and ornate fixtures. If you have never been there it is worth a visit. 

Better, still, if you go to the races and bring your racing badge, you get a free alcoholic drink and free bet. I know a lot of bookmakers give incentives, which basically, give something for nothing. Not exactly bad news. It sure beats the disappointment of hearing Towcester racecourse has closed down. A familiar scenario to Folkstone a few years back although this time it went into administration.

I witnessed a lady, who clearly had no idea what she was doing, place her free bet on a single number on the roulette table. It came up and she won £10. Not realising she had won, the chips were left on the same number which came in next spin to £350 (£360 considering it was a free bet). You should have seen the look on her face. A day to remember.  

Anyway, we left Dandy and Paul at the casino. It must have been 1am. It had been a decent night and won a small amount of money. We said goodnight and went back to the caravan.

The next day we were at the racecourse and noticed Danny and Paul in the grandstand. As we walked towards them, I could see a smile on Danny's face. I said what time did you get back? By all accounts, they had lost track of time. 

Paul had been losing money hand over fist. They both play 3-card poker. They called for a taxi and played until it arrived. On the very last hand - he turned over a prial. Won about £600 in one hand. 

Just like an episode of Only Fools & Horses. They left the casino. They were met by daylight!

In fact, it was 6am. 

I joked, they should have stayed a little longer and gone straight to the course. 

Girl Steals Horse On Ladies Day

Funny Horse Racing Cartoon

Potentially Smart Court Poet Makes Debut for Charlie Appleby

6:15 Chelmsford - 

1m Betsi Golden Mile Novice Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 4) (2yo)

Seven two-year-olds take part on standard going. Interesting to note that Court Poet is held in high regard by Charlie Appleby. Godolphin is no strangers to top-notched horses and this son of Dubawi has been steaming up the gallops. This home-bred bay colt is out of a once-raced mare who was trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni. Court Poet has a prime draw in stall one and over this mile should have ample ability to make himself a winning debut even if showing inexperience. A horse who holds a number of significant entries [as detailed on Group Horse Daily] and could well be racing at pattern class if taking this Class 4 race in his stride.  

What's The Betting Yarmouth Racecourse Catches on Fire?

A Costly Purchase For King Power Racing Co Ltd?

As Harry Enfield's character used to say: ''Loadsamoney''.

Most people who love their horse racing & football know about King Power Racing Co Ltd. Self-made businessman Vichai Srivaddhanapradha owns Leicester City FC. He purchased the club in 2010. The Thai billionaire runs King Power Duty Free.

Well, readers will probably know he loves his horse racing, which is good news for British racing and trainers alike. He has spent millions of pounds this season and has a number of horses in training with Andrew Balding, Richard Hannon & Ralph Beckett to name a few. He even owns a few Frankel offspring. 

One of his recent purchases is Over The Guns, who is trained by Paul Cole. This bay colt is a son of Garswood and a very cheap yearling purchase at just 15,000 guineas. Paul Cole made the wise investment. You can bet it was a very, very good deal. 

This March foal wasn't fancied on debut at Leicester when starting at odds of 40/1. To be fair, he looked to have literally no chance of winning when a ''country mile'' behind the leaders - but ran on like a train to collar Indian Viceroy, who has won well since. 

Paul Cole sold Over The Guns to King Power Racing Co Ltd for an undisclosed sum. I imagine it was a few hundred thousand. 

Over The Guns had to run under a winning penalty, which is no easy task. He finished fourth beaten two-and-a-quarter lengths behind Silkstone, trained by Pam Sly. 

Connections must have been disappointed by the 6/5f. However, he is likely to improve for stepping up in distance and perhaps on better going.

1:30 Nottingham Racing Tips (17th August)

6f (6f18y) myracing.com For Free Nottingham Tips EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 5) (2yo)

Eleven two-year-olds take part on good to soft going. 

One horse with a big reputation is Charlie Hills' Qutob. This bay colt is a son of Acclamation. A pretty expensive purchase at £160,000 for Hamdan Al Maktoum. This March foal was a warm favourite over course and distance. He had a stiff rival in James Street. Punters thought Qutob had victory in the bag, but a combination of Qutob wandering off a straight line and a determined challenge from Hugo Palmer's James Street saw a short-head defeat. Both horses hold a host of Group entries, so it was a very satisfactory debut although all who bet must have felt frustrated. From a statistical point of view, this horse has strong clues. 

I'm interested to see how Mick Channon's Converter goes. The betting suggests this son of Swiss Spirit needs the run or not expected. However, he is well regarded by owner Abdullateef Al Zeer. This breeze-up purchase cost 52,000 guineas. If backed, there could be some hope although very few of Channon's debutantes win when priced over 8/1. He may well be backed into that price guide. 

Other horses of interest include Camber who finished a respectable fourth on racecourse bow. Debutantes Make A Wish & With Envy both hail from trainers who can win at the first time of asking. 

Conclusion: In truth, Qutob looks a very tough horse to beat. He is akin to a winner without a penalty. Group Horse details this colt as one of the best in Hills' stable. The debutantes will need to be primed and talents to lower the colours of the jolly although a few are considered fair types. Converter is best judged by the betting. Best watched if weak in the market. I can see this going the way of Qutob.
  
Related stories: Converter Shows Class to Win on Debut for Mick Channon

Racing Investment Fund Phoenix Thoroughbreds to Excel With Karl Burke

As they say, money talks. Exciting times for prestigious racing investment fund Phoenix Thoroughbreds Limited. 

Race fans have seen a number of their exciting race horses in the last couple of years including Jeremy Noseda's Gronkowski, who went close to landing a big pot when runner-up in the Belmont Stakes  Grade 1 back in June. 

Recent purchase, Advertise, trained by Martyn Meade, formerly in the ownership of Manton Estate Racing, proved a wise acquisition when taking the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) on Sunday in a small field populated by Aiden O'Brien. He beat So Perfect by half a length. Advertise has proven to be a great investment for his original owners who paid just £60,000 at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale 2017. He is earmarked for the Dewhurst Stake (Group 1) at Newmarket later this year. 

Formed in 2017, Phoenix Thoroughbred Racing has invested more than $25 million while establishing stables in United States, Australia, Europe & United Arab Emirates. The investment fund was founded by Dubai-based businessman and racing fan Amer Abdulaziz. 

In the UK we are beginning to witness the influence of this powerful owner but in the United States a number of exceptional talents have hit the headlines including the Bob Baffert-trained Dream Tree, who won at Grade 1. 

This season, Karl Burke, among other trainers, has received a number of potentially smart two-year-olds. Mistress Of Love makes her debut today (1:35 Ayr) in the British Stallions EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (Plus 10) (Class 4) (2yo) over 7f (50y) on good going. This daughter of Scat Daddy cost $1000,000 when purchased at the Keeneland 2017 September Yearling Sale by Kerri Radcliffe Bloodstock. The mare, Beloved, raced three times but her offspring fetch good money at the sales. A couple sired by Tapit (USA) have sales tags of ($420,000 & $500,000). Mistress Of Love has an entry for the Debutante Stakes (Group 2) in the Curragh (26th August). She is priced 1/2f to taste success today at Ayr. 

Note: Disappointed in 5th place. 

Interesting to note that Burke has another two-year-old in the same ownership called Kadar who cost 700,000 euros at the breeze-up sales. He was entered to run at the weekend but withdrawn with a vet's certificate. This son of Scat Daddy is highly regarded and holds a few lofty entries including the Futurity Stakes (Group 2) at the Curragh, Champagne Stakes (Group 2) & National Stakes (Group 1). By all accounts a smart colt who should go well on debut. 

Advertise Wins The Phoenix Stakes  (Group 1)

Advertise wins the G1 @keeneland Phoenix Stakes for @MMeadeRacing & @FrankieDettori. A first Bristish trained winner of this Group 1 contest since 1997! pic.twitter.com/Ok9sJIsNWh

— Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) August 12, 2018

Related stories: Advertise Confirms For The Curragh after Meade Organises A Plane
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It's Not Easy Being A Trainer

It isn't just racing tipsters who receive online abuse - but trainers, too. I noticed a few weeks ago Bryan Smart mentioned on his Facebook page that he had received negative comments when a favourite had been beaten. 

Well, the abuse has continued. 

Smart said:  ''To those people who think that it's ok to post negative/threatening comments as soon as one of my horses gets beat - usually when it has been favourite - please consider your actions carefully in future. I don't run my horses to get beat on purpose, they are there to run as well as they can but they are living, breathing animals, young athletes not machines and anything can happen during a race. No-one forces you to back our horses you make that decision yourself. Don't back my horses if you think that I am such a 'shit trainer' and my jockey is 'shit' too. Your other comments are disgusting and I may decide to copy and paste them on here so that the rest of the world can see how sick you are.

Armageddon is currently being examined by the racecourse vet at Mussleburgh. She is distressed and not herself. I will make sure that she is well enough to travel before she sets off for home and she will have further post race tests tomorrow. The police are in possession of the hate mail and threats that have already been sent to me and my family and will be able to trace you whoever you are. My advice to you would be to follow a different trainer so that you can waste more money backing horses that may not win. Funnily enough I didn't receive any hate mail or threats at all when my horses were all winning a few weeks ago!!''

Chin up, Bryan. The majority of people are normal. 

Neville Bycroft Could Have Trained Godolphin Winner!

One of the reasons why people love horse racing is that you get a mix of horse trainers, abilities and success. 

Very few trainers find themselves at the top of the tree without success. Even a wealth of money doesn't guarantee they will be flavour of the month - for long. 

I remember Olly Stevens made a positive impression when starting his training career in 2013. I followed a number of his two-year-olds who set a fair standard.  A few winning on debut, while one or two - if memory calls - raced at pattern class. 

I also remember, the stark realisation of being that unless he remained successful in the next couple of years the finance would vanish along with his dreams. Sadly, in 2015, the end came and the opportunity to achieve more was taken away. Money rules, as harsh as it seems. 

I must admit I have a love for the under dog. Smaller trainers hoping to find that wonder horse which hits the headline and they gain the chance to impress new owners. It can happen. 

Remember Pam Sly and her exceptional filly Specioas. To win the 1000 Guineas. Such a dream fulfilled. Speciosa strikes major blow for ''little people''. 

Julia Feilden must have felt the same when Spirit Of Sharjah won easily on debut at Newmarket before being placed in the Norfolk Stakes back in 2005. 

Sadly, those successes really didn't change the status of the stable's quality of horse or string. It must make these professional handlers wonder what they have to do to justify their talents. 

It is funny but I always had this ''crazy'' idea of a powerful owner such as Godolphin giving a million pound two-year-old to a small trainer. Just imagine back in the day if Neville Bycroft had been given a beautifully-bred horse. Yes, it may seem a crazy idea when they have their own trainers. But think of the story in helping promote horse racing. A story that would hit the headlines. So many trainers prove they can train as well as anyone else. They can, and do, prove more resolve that many established trainers. A passion that keeps them going on cold, winter days. Where would racing be without such hope, dreams and love for every success. 

I remember seeing one small trainer overjoyed with a success but disappointed that the Racing Post didn't give no more than a passing mention. It must be crushing in ways. So when you see a small trainer win a race sing their praises. 

You never know who is listening!

Related stories: Olly Stevens Calls Time On Training Career After Only Three Years
Related stories: Julia Enters Into The Spirit With Sharjah 
Related stories: Speciosa Strikes Major Blow For ''Little People''

Horse Racing Tipster X-Rated Abuse

Oh the joy of being a horse racing tipster. 

The saying: ''You're damned if you do and damned if you don't'' comes to mind. We run a lot of sports/gambling websites. Basically, all are free. That doesn't mean the standards are not high. In fact, many detailed information that you cannot be found elsewhere and I can tell you take hundreds of hours to update throughout the year. Imagine doing that for little credit and the odd tirade. 

Thankfully, most people who read the websites, follow the tips or favour the insight are decent, balanced, logical people. Yeah, I know they are a dying breed in a world that seems to be full of people who have little gratitude for anything much. To be honest, I don't ever worry about such people who make comments on my information. However, it is sad to read an abusive anonymous email. At least put your name to paper if you have a comment to make. 

I had one person tar me with the brush of trying to take money off people for racing tips when they were actually free! I actually, counted to ten and replied in a human form with reason and respect. The ''person'' did come round in the end but what possesses someone to rant and rave when they can't even get the facts right. It doesn't say much when the whole point of their argument is built upon sand. 

In truth, I should have come out with sentences full of f's and c's and questioned their sanity. I'm sure if they had forwarded a letter it would have been written in green ink. 

The other day one of our contributors received a foulmouthed outburst because the analysis sways this ''person'' to miss a winner! So much for your own judgment. If you have an opinion take f *****g responsibly for it and be a man. Another one from Mr Anonymous. Go and do Dear John...

The strange point is that our tipster gave two out of three winners that day. 

In many respects giving tips or information is a waste of time. You are far better off just pleasing yourself and following your own info and smile when you have a winning day. 

After working a few decades in my specialism of two-year-old horse racing I don't care what anyone thinks...especially if they imagine they know better. I've never met anyone who knows more than me about two-year-old racing. If the few talents want to come along I would love to chat. Why? Because you find that people with ability are actually logical, sensible and wise people who can put a sentence together. 

I laugh when I meet idiots because their vengeance to irritate long term will do them much more harm than it could ever do me. Keep talking...your last sentence is getting closer. 

Winner Takes All Horse Racing Tipping Competition

Do you fancy yourself as a horse racing tipster?

After being in the racing game for a few decades, I know there are many good judges and make your betting pay. We, this post is worthy of your time. It could well put money in your pocket! I thought that would catch your attention. 

We run a monthly tipping competition where you pick one horse every Saturday for the month. Take your mythical 2 points and you can go for a straight win or 1 point each-way. 

The rules are very simple:

Take a look at this video which explains it in 1 minute. 

The competition has been running for a number of years. We have paid out several thousands of pounds. Individual players have won getting on for £500. It costs just £10 to enter. Winner takes all! The more players to get the better. Why? Because imagine if we have 30 players every month. 

You could win £300. 

The maximum number of players we allow is 40 so get your place. You need one win annually to cover your costs. 

Not only can you win good money, it is great fun. Players have been coming back for years. We haven't really promoted the competition but it's time Bloody Good Winner hit the headlines. If you know someone who would like to play then share this post with them. 

Take a look at the prize money of regular players:

Winter £460

Eric Winner £300

Longbow £430

HCE £120

Dan The Man £240

Betmanmike £340

Rawnsley £445

Jodonovan £300

Shukman £360

Mark J £200

Mixerman £210

Over £3000 given in prize money. 

For more information about playing contact jason@professionalgamblers.co.uk 

Why Did Sir Mark Prescott Stop Smoking Cigars?

Famous people who smoke cigars?

I don't suppose they come any more well known than Sir Winston Churchill. He started smoking cigars around 1895, in his early 20s. This was the time he garrisoned in Havana, Cuba. He was there to observe and write about the conflict for the Daily Graphic newspaper. 

As it happened, Sir Winston enjoyed a variety of cigars. He was said to smoke 10 cigars a day. Approximately 250,000 in a lifetime! 

However, he was fond of large maduro cigars. Strangely, he was observed never to smoke more than halfway down.  

So what about another Sir... 

Sir Mark Prescott. 

He is actually a Baronet, which he inherited from his father. Educated at Harrow. He gained his trainers licence in 1970. Heath House Stables, in Newmarket, is a hugely respected trainer. Major winners include: The Nunthorpe Stakes: Marsha (2017), Pivotal (1996). 

Prescott's interests include: Hare coursing, cock fighting and bull fighting. 

And cigars...

Personally, I don't know why he gave up smoking. I guess it was health issues. 

   

Sir Mark Prescott - off the cigars?! @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/gKh2GOJmMU

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 25, 2017

Related stories: Sir Mark Prescott - A Life Less Ordinary 
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A Smoking Woman

Eric Winner Hits A Big Winner

Readers may have heard of Eric Winner Racing Tips. His popular website has been running for a number of years and he has often been the talk of gambling forums. Why? Well, unlike most tipsters he isn't a favourite backer. I personally find he is better at picking big priced winners than favourites. Strange but true. He has tipped a 100/1 winner. Numerous 33/1 shots. A bucket full of 25/1 winners. No wonder they call him Eric Winner. 

He is a great talent. Also, his tips are free. 

Yesterday, he gave a couple of tips. The first, Blackheath, disappointed in 8th. Not so good. However, two hours later, wham bam thank you, Mr Winner: Look Surprised won at 6/1. His analysis details second, third, four tips in the race. Guess what? He only gave the F/C paying £48.53 and Trifecta £291. 24. 

See the result here

You know, it's a great deal. Eric Winner used to charge £20 a month for his tips. Not anymore, he gives them for free. 

Like most tipsters they have their ups and downs. Eric does seem to have most success on the all-weather so take a look at his tips for a month and see if they are for you. He is as dedicated as they come.