It feels appropriate on Grand National day to tell the story about the first time I ever received any ‘information’. I was at university at the time. I was just starting out and spending a lot of time betting on golf.
I was also incredibly naïve. My friend who has subsequently made a living from betting was massively into it from a young age. He was like I have this horse (I remember the name but wont mention on here). It is going to win next time out. He was like ‘son, this will not get beat’.
Have what you want on it’. I ended up having about £1k on it at the time that I couldn’t really afford. I remember having to phone up a commentary line to listen to the race. Loses and never looked like winning. I just remember feeling utterly numb. Lesson learnt.
He was like don’t worry we will get it back next time out. Another £2k and multiple losses later and any profits I had made previously were unceremoniously wiped out. I was just glad it was another two years until that donkey won without my money on it.
Soon after from the same friend there was an unraced horse (Franklins Gardens) who he said was very special. Was flying at home. First time out at Yarmouth the money was down. The horse ran so green it was untrue and finished 2nd. Another expensive lesson.
Got some of the money back next time out when it won but it was barely even money at the time. The horse ended up running in the Derby! It was clearly a very good horse and the information per se wasn’t bad. It just didn’t happen for whatever reason.
The problem with information is that it often has no context and you only learn this with experience. Yes the horse maybe flying at home but who knows how everything else has been training. Who knows about how the race will be run or others intentions.
It shows that there is no such thing as easy money in this game. There are no certainties. Like everything else you have to quantify/qualify any ‘information’ you maybe privy to.
ProPunting 