--- title: General Musings description: Odds thoughts not to do with racing or music. --- # General Musings Select Category 1960's Nostalgia AK and the self-published Skint Mob! Tales from the B Angina BEATING THE BOOKIES Ben Keith Best Odds Bookmakers Best UK Bookmakers Bet Goodwin #BettingPeople Bookmakers Butlins Butlins Minehead Cheltenham Festival Church Bells Corn Fed Cornwall Costa Coffee Dave Pipe Dean Valentine Devon Echocariogram Edward Chanin Epsom Fat Shame Free Bets Free Money Grand National Greyhound Derby Heart Bypass Holidays Horseracing hUMUNGOUS Introductory Offers Jeff Laughton Jerry White King Charles III Lambourn Martin Pipe Matched Betting Mick Fitzgerald Music Naked Cyclist Newbury Racecourse Newquay Nigel Hawke Obese Octopus Energy Philip Hobbs Plum Plumbing Professional Punter psychobilly Punchestown Raceshare Racing Ahead Redcoats Rockabilly Rupert Mackeson Safer Gambling Simon Nott Simon Nott Blog Simon Nott Diary Simon Nott Music Simon Nott Racing Star Sports Steve Lewis Hamilton Tales From The Betting Ring The Derby The Oaks Thorne Farm Vive Le Rock Witheridge ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.webp) [#BettingPeople,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bettingpeople) [Music,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/music) [Devon,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/devon) [Simon Nott Diary,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-diary) [Witheridge,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/witheridge) [Rockabilly,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/rockabilly) [Church Bells,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/church-bells) [Steve Lewis Hamilton,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/steve-lewis-hamilton) [hUMUNGOUS,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/humungous) [psychobilly,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/psychobilly) [Cheltenham Festival,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/cheltenham-festival) [Simon Nott Racing,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-racing) [Simon Nott Music](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-music) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Diary #10](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-10) Feb 26, 2025 9:51:06 AM [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-10) ![As 2025 dawns we won't miss 2024 too much. #Devon ](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/image0%20-%202024-04-19T163627.985.jpeg) [#BettingPeople,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bettingpeople) [BEATING THE BOOKIES,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/beating-the-bookies) [Simon Nott Blog,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-blog) [Devon,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/devon) [Horseracing,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/horseracing) [AK,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/ak) [Tales From The Betting Ring,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/tales-from-the-betting-ring) [Star Sports,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/star-sports) [Free Money,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/free-money) [Free Bets,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/free-bets) [Dean Valentine,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/dean-valentine) [Jeff Laughton,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/jeff-laughton) [Safer Gambling,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/safer-gambling) [Best Odds Bookmakers,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/best-odds-bookmakers) [Jerry White,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/jerry-white) [Professional Punter,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/professional-punter) [Best UK Bookmakers](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/best-uk-bookmakers) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Diary #9 Welcome 2025](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-9-welcome-2025) Jan 3, 2025 8:40:34 AM To say that my blogging under this title has been a little tardy would be quite an understatement, it's been almost a year, I only wrote one in 2024. Mind you, I haven't had anyone notice so I'm guessing it doesn't matter that much.   [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-9-welcome-2025) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/%E2%80%98FREE%20MONEY%E2%80%99%20Introductory%20Offers.png) [Free Money,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/free-money) [Octopus Energy,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/octopus-energy) [Plum,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/plum) [Matched Betting,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/matched-betting) [Free Bets,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/free-bets) [Introductory Offers](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/introductory-offers) ### ['Free Money' Introductory Offers.](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/free-money-introductory-offers) Dec 12, 2024 6:46:58 AM We have recently moved home, we were recommended signing up with Octopus and have found them and their customer service to be exceptional, I've no qualms whatsoever recommending them. Especially more now that who ever signs up via this link gets to split £100 as a welcome with them with me, £50 each. Make sure that you are getting a better deal than you already have before you sign though. Use this link to sign up to Octopus - [https://share.octopus.energy/new-robin-655](https://share.octopus.energy/new-robin-655) [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/free-money-introductory-offers) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Naked%202.jpeg) [Ben Keith,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/ben-keith) [Horseracing,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/horseracing) [Star Sports,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/star-sports) [Bet Goodwin,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bet-goodwin) [Greyhound Derby,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/greyhound-derby) [Heart Bypass,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/heart-bypass) [Plumbing,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/plumbing) [Newquay,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/newquay) [Cornwall,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/cornwall) [Naked Cyclist](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/naked-cyclist) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Diary #7](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-7) Aug 20, 2023 11:26:58 AM   [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-7) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.jpg) [#BettingPeople,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bettingpeople) [Bookmakers,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bookmakers) [Simon Nott Diary,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-diary) [Nigel Hawke,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/nigel-hawke) [Echocariogram,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/echocariogram) [Heart Bypass,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/heart-bypass) [Newbury Racecourse,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/newbury-racecourse) [Raceshare](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/raceshare) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Life Diary #6](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-6) Jun 18, 2023 4:38:10 PM It's been a couple of weeks since my last diary but it's flown, a busy time, I mentioned in my previous blog that I had to go for an angiogram, to see if I have angina or heartburn. I had the procedure, on the morning of The Oaks. An angiogram is where they inject you with dye, put a camera up your artery to see if there are any blockages in the blood flow to your heart. Let's just say that it wasn't too much red wine and pickled onions that caused my chest pain, which was a bit of a shock, but at least I know. The doctor told me I need and an echocardiogram before the surgeons would make their decision as to what to do next. Yes, surgeons, I probably should have cut down on the crisps and pasties, An echocardiogram is a little like what pregnant ladies have to scan their unborn babies and not invasive. The angiogram was a different matter altogether, so no driving for 48 hours after having it which scuppered any plans to drive to Epsom, so I missed the Derby meeting which was a bugger. On the plus side, I have managed to interview Tony Calvin and Johnny Dineen for #BettingPeople since so watch out for them after Royal Ascot. [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-6) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.jpg) [#BettingPeople,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bettingpeople) [Devon,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/devon) [Star Sports,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/star-sports) [Nigel Hawke,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/nigel-hawke) [Thorne Farm,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/thorne-farm) [The Derby,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/the-derby) [Bet Goodwin,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bet-goodwin) [Edward Chanin,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/edward-chanin) [Philip Hobbs,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/philip-hobbs) [Greyhound Derby,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/greyhound-derby) [Angina,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/angina) [The Oaks,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/the-oaks) [Epsom](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/epsom) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Life Diary #5](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-5) May 29, 2023 4:15:01 PM This week was all about the dogs as far as going racing goes. I was at Towcester on Thursday and Friday for the heats of the Star Sports Greyhound Derby. The weather was lovely, it's the start of the biggest greyhound competition of the sport in the UK and it was great fun. Mind you, you wouldn't want to be a bookmaker at the heats. There were plenty of people there but very few of them were betting. There were some lumpy, £1000 and £2000 bets but very little else. There were a couple of races, even with the sponsors where it looked as if they might not take a bet at all. I'm sure it will pick up a bit and I'll be there apart from the meetings that clash with the Derby at Epsom and Royal Ascot.  [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-5) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.jpg) [Devon,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/devon) [Simon Nott Diary,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-diary) [Horseracing,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/horseracing) [Witheridge,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/witheridge) [Nigel Hawke,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/nigel-hawke) [Rupert Mackeson](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/rupert-mackeson) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Life Diary #4](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-4) May 22, 2023 4:26:42 PM   I was up at York on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I had an excellent Dante Meeting up there with Star Sports but must admit my heart, as it often is, was at Newton Abbot. Nigel Hawke's Inferno Sacree won again down there. What a superstar he's been for the yard. It was excellent for Nigel that he was winning for the second time in as many runs on ITV and that his training skills had another well-deserved nationwide audience. York also meant that on Thursday I missed the official launch of Hawke Barn,  Katherine and Nigel Hawke's wedding and special event venue. It's a wonderful space, here's their website for more details. [HAWKE BARN](https://hawkebarnvenue.co.uk/) [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-4) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.jpg) [#BettingPeople,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bettingpeople) [Simon Nott Blog,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-blog) [Devon,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/devon) [Simon Nott Diary,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-diary) [Witheridge,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/witheridge) [Rockabilly,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/rockabilly) [Mick Fitzgerald,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/mick-fitzgerald) [King Charles III,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/king-charles-iii) [Corn Fed,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/corn-fed) [Lambourn,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/lambourn) [Nigel Hawke,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/nigel-hawke) [Vive Le Rock](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/vive-le-rock) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Diary #3](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-3) May 15, 2023 5:07:19 AM   It's been a fairly exciting week, I went to Lambourn to visit Mick Fitzgerald to interview him for the Star Sports [#BettingPeople ](https://www.starsportsbet.co.uk/betting-people/)series. This one is out now, it was a very frank and at times emotional interview, don't miss it. Last week's was with Irish betting industry character of the highest order Dave O'Reilly who was top class with some tremendous stories.  [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-diary-3) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.jpg) [and the self-published Skint Mob! Tales from the B,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/and-the-self-published-skint-mob-tales-from-the-be) [Bookmakers,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/bookmakers) [Simon Nott Blog,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-blog) [Simon Nott Diary,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-diary) [Witheridge,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/witheridge) [Tales From The Betting Ring,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/tales-from-the-betting-ring) [Punchestown,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/punchestown) [Racing Ahead](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/racing-ahead) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Life Diary #2](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-2) May 4, 2023 9:00:28 AM   [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-diary-2) ![](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/hubfs/Birdie.jpg) [Simon Nott,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott) [Devon,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/devon) [Simon Nott Diary,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/simon-nott-diary) [Horseracing,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/horseracing) [Witheridge,](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/witheridge) [Grand National](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/tag/grand-national) ### [Simon's Racing & Devon Life Diary #1](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-dairy-1) Apr 19, 2023 7:22:56 AM   My first diary entry, just an idea I had. Is there any interest in a diary of a Devon based racing man? Who, knows but here goes, I'm about to find out.  [Simon Nott](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/author/simon-nott) [Read More](https://www.simonnott.co.uk/general-musings/simons-racing-devon-life-dairy-1)