We kicked off with Ayr on Saturday for the Scottish National meeting. The sun was shining for once and there was a sellout crowd expected.
We had Looby on the team and as we only have one pitch, I was largely redundant for the day – my main role was placing hedge bets for which I should’ve had my trainers on as we were betting in the Ayrshire suite and it was a bit of a dash outside to Tatts.
The results were mixed and we could’ve done with one of my favourite jockey’s Gavin Sheehan, hanging on in the last. We managed to get a good days pay and we headed off to Livingston where we were staying, ready for the Sunday series at Musselburgh, the next day.
This was to be our first venture to the Edinburgh course for several years, we haven’t bet on the jumps there for about ten years and on the flat a lot longer.
We ventured out and had a nice Mexican meal followed by the three S’s. Namely, Sauvignon Blanc, San Miguel and shots. On arriving back at the hotel, I called time but left Paul and Lou at the bar where they had a couple for the road.
Sunday evening’s seven race flat card looked competitive. After the first jolly won, we had three winning races and we were nicely in front. Unfortunately, it went a bit pear shaped and the last three jollies obliged which resulted in a small losing day after expenses.
The crowd was down on the previous year because of the continuing miserable weather and the fact that the Gers were playing the jam tarts in the Scottish cup semi.
We journeying home and prepared for Hexham’s Monday fixture. We have plenty of regulars at the Northumbrian venue but a very wet and cold day dampened everyone’s spirits and the business was desperate.
We were a bit up and down but got in front when local legend Victor Thompson’s Paramaribo, a winner at the Overton point to point won the handicap hurdle at 10/1.
Jerrysback the 11/10 favourite got up in the closing stages to win the Hunter Chase and deny the 25-1 shot and then in the bumper, Sheehan got Hollygrove Cha Cha the 5/6 jolly up in the shadows of the post to take all of our profit and a bit more.
A long miserable shift was made longer by having to drag everything in the house to get dried out. Yet again.
We were ready for a day off and although it was a school night, we went out for a couple to celebrate St George’s Day. 🏴 not enough fuss is made of it in our opinion.
We had made enquiries and Uttoxeter were expecting a crowd of 2000 for their midweek fixture. With it being Brewery Day at Ludlow we took a chance it could be workable.
The figure they had given must’ve had an extra nought added on. It was our second worst take in all the years Paul has been on track. We sold 275 slips on two pitches.
The good news was that we got some results and kept a third of what we took. The double bonus was staying dry.
When Lady Malarkey won, I had a chap that came in and had a decent bet on number three. At the price, I double checked it was the correct number but when he came for his winnings he admitted that he had meant to back Billam’s Legacy which at the time was 3/1.
A lucky mistake to make and it’s surprising how many times this happens. Not usually this way round though and shows that you should always check your ticket.
Also many thanks to one of our blog readers, the greyhound man who had a few bets with Paul & Lou.
We’ve another day off today before we head north tomorrow for the final day of Perth. Blog to follow. Watch this space.
Paul Garritty Bookmakers 