Simon's Racing & Devon Life Diary #5

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. 

While I'm at it. if you don't have an account with Star Sports, you might considering opening one. They are known for taking huge bets, so if you like half a million on, they are for you. They might also be for you if you have been closed down by other bookmakers, they'll give you a go, I don't really want shrewdies signing up via my link though because it's an affiliate deal so if you like to blow your trumpet on twitter saying you can't get on, please don't ruin my commission. For everyone else, here's one of their click through adverts. 

Talking of Star Sports, they also pay me to make #BettingPeople interviews on a freelance basis. This week's was a real pleasure to do. I spoke to Edward Chanin and his wife Marie. For people that aren't aware of Edward, he was a promising jockey before he suffered a near fatal fall. He fought his way back to health and was back on a horse before he could even walk again. Edward is an amazing chap, really inspirational, if you are ever bemoaning your lot and lacking drive or zest for life. Watch Edward's interview, the link is here. Edward and Marie Chanin

In other news, I have become a school governor for Witheridge Academy, I'm very chuffed to have been deemed a suitable chap for that sort of role. I have to take a course, and that's not until the end of June, but I look forward to my new found responsibility. 

Something I'm not so much looking forward to having done, but am looking forward to it having been done if you know what I mean is Friday's angiogram. I kicked in my medical insurance in after waiting since December having been told that I have might have Angina for any sort of scan or test. The Doctor said that I'll know on Friday the extend of any blockage and we'll go from there. Fingers crossed it's not too bad. When I was told that my appointment was on the 2nd of June, more importantly Oaks Day at Epsom I did protest that it could not be so. Sadly, despite being done privately, apparently angiograms are not postponed for classic horse races, I hope to still make it to the Derby this year, and for many more years come to that!

On the bright side, I have the highlight of a visit to Nigel Hawke at Thorne Farm to look forward to before getting prodded about in hospital. Nigel has been up at Doncaster sales this week and come back with a couple of new horses, one of which I'm told is for sale, I look forward to meeting them. Anyone that has been watching the winners rolling in from Thorne Farm and would like to get involved with the yard, there's a toe in the door with Nigel's syndicate horses. Of course, he'd be delighted to train your horse if you're in the position to send him one or indeed ask for help with his expert eye to source one for you. For more info on Thorne Farm and indeed Hawke Barn or their holiday lets, here's the link. Nigel Hawke Thorne Farm Racing

The final plugs of the blog, Bet Goodwin are another bookmaker for whom I have an affiliate deal. Now if you are a professional punter, you won't last long with them. I recorded an interview with my great mate and shrewd punter Andrew Mount for Goodwin a while back. Their owner Julian Head wouldn't use it because he said he'd feel a hypocrite because Andrew isn't the sort of punter whose business he'd want. That's honest, but if you're the sort of person that likes a multiple on a Saturday or has a regular recreational punt Bet Goodwin could be for you. They offer BOG and all sorts of concessions to ease your pain if you suffer an unlucky loss, give them a go and get the warm glow of knowing that if you lose a few bob, I'm copping! Julian also puts a fair bit back into racing having a couple or three horses in training with Chris Gordon. 

Finally, the latest Racing Ahead magazine is out now. I have written a column in the magazine since issue two back in 2005. The latest features a 'Tales From The Betting Ring' from Punchestown Festival. Here's the link to the magazine if you know not of it. Racing Ahead Magazine

I'm back next week, Nuffield Health willing! 

Simon Nott