OT The Bookies are so smart-Melb Cup

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 21:37

ThreadID: 39233 Views:2046 Replies:5 FollowUps:5

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Jimbo

Every year the British send Horses to contest the Melbourne Cup with outstanding form.

The bookies immediately install them as favourite and the average dopey punter believes the bookies.

In the last 20 years, only Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle have actually won. That is to say, 18 of 20 years the British horses have not performed. Despite that they have held favouritism. How did Yeats go today? Vinnie Row came hear for four years as favourite and never won.

Any wonder the Bookies live in Toorak and the punters hope to live somewhere?

Any wonder I gave up gambling at 19. It's a mug's game.

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Reply By: Member - Brian (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:22

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:22

I won. Kept my money in my pocket

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Follow Up By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:40

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:40

I broke even for the same reason.....

FollowupID: 463221

Reply By: Member - Hugh (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 01:25

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 01:25

"That is to say, 18 of 20 years the British##### have not performed."

Jimbo - there I was thinking you were writing about the cricket. 16d to the Ashes - Go Aussies!

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Reply By: Brew69(SA) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 06:18

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 06:18

Yesterday was the first winning Melb Cup day in 6 years for the bookies. Go figure??

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Reply By: Member - vivien C (VIC) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 08:37

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 08:37

The bookies put up prices going on the form of the horses in the quality of the races in which they have been running and the weight they have been given in the race. The punters make the favourites by the amount of money they put on the horses.

B'ware is right this is the first Melbourne Cup for many years where the bookies have actually won on the race. I think you're underestimating the intelligence of the average punter.

Also not all Bookies live in Toorak...some eke out a living in the bush and they battle. My Dad is almost 80 and has been a bookie for over 50 years. My mum and I are his clerks and my brother is also a bookie and his wife works for him. I guarantee you, we don't live in Toorak or drive expensive cars!! As well as being bookies my father ran the local grain silos for thirty years and my brother works nine to five week days.

For people who love horses, love racing it's been a good life but it's been a battle too. Bookies are really a dying breed...sort of like the drovers...they are being replaced by machines and big screens and tabarets. People are learning to bet on numbers not names..

I sound like I'm on a soap box, but then...it's been my life.

Viv

AnswerID: 203656

Follow Up By: Jimbo - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 19:12

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 19:12

Sorry Viv,

No offence was ever intended.

Jim.

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Follow Up By: Member - vivien C (VIC) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 19:20

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 19:20

Hello Jim,

I think I just jumped on my soap box and ranted a bit. Thanks for the reply though. I really didn't take offence just wanted to say my bit for the bookies.

My dad is a wonder, still going at 80 and mum 75. He's like an old warhorse that just loves the battle..he'd be lost without it but that time is coming quickly.

It really is a tough game and the number of bookies is decreasing. At some country harness meetings Dad is the only bookie there. No one else will go because it's too hard. Dad won't see them without a bookie so he goes along.

Anyway, I really appreciate you replying.

All the best

Viv

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Follow Up By: Jimbo - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 20:18

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 20:18

Viv,

I rarely get to the track these days. But when I do, part of the track experience is betting with the bookies.

The binoculars, the crayon on the ticket, the constant adjusting of the dials to advise the odds. Those were the days, when 13-8 meant you had to work out what your return would be rather than putting up a set dollar return.

I'm getting old.

ATB,

Jim.

FollowupID: 463428

Reply By: Redback - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 12:59

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 12:59

Eeeer Yeats is an Irish horse and as far as i know Ireland is not British, never was and never will be !!!!!!!!

Baz.

Oh and, i won and lost in the cup, so i'm in front, unlike the suckers that actually bet on the cup.

AnswerID: 203693