Category Archives: News

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 12^th – Monday 7^th October. Seven fixtures dedicated to the National Hunt including Ladies Day on Friday 19^th 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.

I’m pretty sure Nick Mordin has always been a punctual kind of man.

When he phoned my brother he was both punctual and courteous. That was a long time ago back in 1994 when he called about using some data my brother had gathered about two-year-old horse racing, specifically group-entered juveniles. Mordin was fascinated by the five year study which was the largest in the world. They chatted about the research which concluded with him asking for permission to write an article or two. I think Mordin was excited but surprised that my brother allowed him to use the information as most people would keep it close to their chest.

A month later, an article appeared in the Sporting Life’s Weekender, which came out every Wednesday, a double-page spread titled: In A Class of their Own: How to Spot Top-Notch Two-year-olds. I am sure the article was well received, and Mordin followed up a week later with another article how to improve the use of this groundbreaking data. People still remember the article and I like to think it was one of the best articles he ever produced.

Nick Mordin was always a consummate professional. He wrote four publication full of wisdom.

My brother and I purchased three of the four.

The only one I haven’t purchased (which I intend to) is Winning Without Thinking: A Guide to Horse Racing Betting Systems, published by Aesculus Press Limited 2003.

At this time, I’m reading Mordin On Time was published by Aesculus Press Limited 1996.

The blurb says: ‘I have made thousands of pounds from betting on horses. And most of that money has come from using the speed ratings you’ll find explained in this book.’

The book has 18 chapters and 128 pages.

The basis of the book follows the maxim: ‘Why time is the best measure of a horse, and how to use it.’

I will be reading this book in the next few days and looking forward to it.

I noticed the book is something of a rarity for horse racing fans and I have seen it on sale for £80.

My brother had been writing notes all over the pages so I think any value has disappeared. But, thankfully, the words are still as insightful as ever.

Always a good read.