Professional gamblers are often categorised under one heading. In truth, there are sub categories for each and every sport or game. I once remember hearing about a professional gambler who bet on the weather. I’m not sure if he specialised in betting on White Christmas’, Hurricanes or Tornados but he said he made a profit from his expertise. Personally, I can’t imagine he placed many bets.

To be a good gambler within skill-based sport (you can’t beat fixed odds) you need to be something of a chameleon.

What I mean by chameleon is someone who is in tune with their subject matter. A true reflection of the answer to the question. If the answer is fluorescent tangerine with green spots, guess what, the chameleon changes to match.

In fact, the chameleon can change to any colour.

The Chameleon Professional Gambler is successful because they don’t impose their thoughts, ideas or wishes on a given subject. They don’t bet because they like to bet. They bet because not only is it the right decision but they do so for all the right reasons. They also take advantage of opportunities that tip things in their favour such as a Betfred £50 free bet offer here, or a bet boost there.

A successful gambler watches, listens and learns from the results. The results of any given race are the truth of the matter. And it is your job as a professional gambler to appreciate this fact and understand how this should, and must, direct your efforts, assessment for today and future. The past also helps detail the truth and foretell the future.

The Chameleon changes.

It just turned bright blue.

Indigo.

For example, horse racing. Your opinions should be based on answers to questions. It has nothing to do with your personal preference. You answer to the question (finding winners) is based on previous results. If you try to impose your thoughts without any basis you will lose. It is a blatantly easy approach but at the same time inextricably difficult.

Why?

Because so often gamblers lose track of what is important. They fall into old habits which are destructive, their views without objectivity or sense. Ego gets in the way of seeing the truth which stands solemnly before them.

Each and every winner and loser is trying hard to teach you a valuable lesson, if only you listen.

So often gamblers fail to learn. They are steadfast in their life of hard knocks. But they are the creator of their own destiny and often demise.

Have you ever stopped for a moment and asked: ‘What is the answer to the question?’

The Chameleon Professional Gambler knows they are a reflection of the results.

It is the answer to finding winners.

I’ve just began reading Harry Findlay: Gambling For Life, written by Neil Harman, published in 2017 by Sport Media.

I purchased the book a long time ago, started to read it, and put it back on the bookshelf. It has nothing to do with the quality of the book but it wasn’t the right time. I guess those words would be familiar to Mr. Findlay – The Man Who Won Millions And Spent Every Penny.

So far I have read the acknowledgments and introduction: The Alchemist.

I have about 350 pages to go.

I’ve never met Harry Findlay in person. I used to question whether I would want to be in his company. That sounds critical but it’s not meant to be. He’s very much an alpha male and extrovert whereas I am an introvert.

They say oil and water don’t mix.

My impression of Harry Findlay was formed from watching him on TV. He has always been larger than life but in a gambling world of opinions perhaps the person with the loudest voice gets their views heard first and last. Since the publication of his book follows a devastating loss and almost financial ruin I wonder what man he is today. Perhaps he is a little quieter. I hope he hasn’t changed at all. If there’s one thing I like about a gambler, it’s someone who is confident in their opinions and worth. Most punters really don’t have much to say and what they do say doesn’t often make any sense or have substance.

Perhaps I would enjoy the company of Mr Findlay. I may need meet him in an Indian restaurant to keep him quiet as he goes through his chicken vindaloo, although he may well talk with his mouth full.

After reading many professional gambler books I am looking forward to reading the full warts and all version of Harry Findlay.

As Terry Ramsden once said: ‘There’s been plenty of people who have gone through their money.’

Dave Nevison wrote: No Easy Money: A Gambler’s Diary.

I’m noticing a theme here. I say that tongue-in-cheek because every gambler has good and bad times.

Harry Findlay said he has been skint many times. And the best judge for a gambler worth his salt is one who comes back from the brink.

I’m looking forward to finding out more.

It’s good to make plans to travel.

Living in England, you’d think I would be well travelled in the United Kingdom but sadly I haven’t ventured to Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

To be fair, I haven’t been to many racecourses but a trip to the Emerald Isle has been promised for far too long. In fact, I have plans to go to Killarney Racecourse which sits in the picturesque landscape of County Kerry.

It’s in the southern region and the province of Munster.

Horse racing is part of the Irish culture and the mountains of McGillycuddy’s Reeks have been whispering their name ever since I saw a photograph of the racecourse, nestled in the woodlands, a stones throw from Ross Castle and Loch Lien which is the largest of three lakes in Killarney.

Killarney Racecourse also known at ‘The Kingdom’ dates back to 1822. This left-handed oval course with a circuit of one mile two furlongs is one of the oldest racecourse in Ireland and hosts both National Hunt and Flat racing.

There are 13 meetings planned for 2024 from Sunday May 12th – Monday 7th October. Seven fixtures dedicated to the National Hunt including Ladies Day on Friday 19th July. Tickets for Lee Strand Best Dressed (a prize for best dressed man and woman) cost 25 Euros. This meeting starts at approximately 1:45pm.

In general, the cost of entry is 20 Euros.

Dining at Killarney Racecourse includes The Panoramic Restaurant with views of the Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, The Lakes of Killarney and McGillycuddy Reeks.

For a variety of hospitality packages contact the racecourse.

A sample menu includes:

Starters – Chicken Liver Pate, Fantail Of Galia Melon or Cream Of Leek & Potato Soup.

Main Course: Honey Roasted Loin Of Bacon, Fillet Of Hake, Oven Roasted Bell Peppers.

Dessert: Tiramisu, Chocolate Praline, Rhubarb & Strawberry Cheesecake.

In addition, there is a BBQ Package, Carvery and Refreshment Options.

Also, there’s the Jim Culloty Bar which offers live music and the best pint of Guinness you will ever drink.

For those who are interested in annual membership to the course it costs 180 Euros, while double membership costs 270 Euros. This includes:

  • 2 Tickets for every Killarney race day (13 fixtures)

  • 2 Complimentary tickets to selected race days at Mallow, Limerick and Punchestown

  • Entrance to bar/private members area at Killarney Racecourse

  • Horse racing enthusiast social meet and greet

  • Entry into several members draws

  • Entry into The Grand National draw

Annual membership to the Ross Golf Course (which is in the centre of the racecourse) costs 350 Euros for new members. This nine hole golf course was opened in 1995 and one of the most scenic in Ireland.

Travelling from London Stansted Airport to Kerry Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and a round trip with Ryanair and costs just £30 without luggage.

The splendid Lake Hotel on the shore of Loch Lein with mountain views cost from £101 – £180 per night.

You can get to the Killarney Racecourse in 15 minutes from Kerry Airport, while Shannon and Cork Airports are 90 minutes.

Sea Access to Killarney is via ferry from Rosslare, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Belfast and Larne.

A train and bus station are just half mile from Killarney Racecourse and 10 minutes walk from the town centre.

Why not add to the occasion travelling by horse and carriage (Jaunty car) to enjoy the fresh air and splendid views.

I can’t wait to get to Killarney and enjoy some of that famous Irish hospitality and more.