Boring Bookmakers

We have so many external races going on, breeders championships, will snaith get to 200, and til Saturday, trainers champs, and our band of brothers over at the bookmakers association couldnt see fit to price up on any of these events.

I think you may well find that the answer to your very valid observation lies in the target market. South African punters comprise mainly the so-called 'R20 punters' as identified by the operator.

These punters could be described as 'lottery type' punters seeking large returns from very small (or limited ) outlays. Hence they will be primarily attracted to 'same day' bet types with huge upside potential such as the Pick 6, quartets etc.. They possibly do not have the 'banks' to fund long term events where the outcomes lie many months down the road.

Most bookmakers will confirm that our 'on the nose' market is amazingly thin. Which is why 'getting on' is relatively difficult unless you have a long and well established relationship.

Fact is - we actually do not have a particularly big horse betting market in the sense that the UK or other overseas markets have.

Garrick your last point is interesting.
Those type of players want to see real good horses at least once every three weeks.
Generally we are being bombarded with mediocrity.
At the end of the day they want horses that can win.
I am not too sure the situation here suits that type of play.Just my opinion though.