The Highs & Lows Of Punting In South Africa

Garrick wrote: Bob,

As I access the feed via Interbet I cannot re-connect using your method unless I have struck a bet in the previous 25 minutes.

Hi will Zanadu win on Sat? 3-1 a good price

Muhtiman - Just in case you didn't know :

Garrick is actually the English translation of 'Leervis'; by which name the fish is better known in South Africa.

I started off in the 'public enclosure' and left it quite reluctantly way back when. As did, I suspect, most of us. I have always wanted (and attempted ) to stay in touch with 'Joe Ordinary' ; whom I respect, cherish and value as the lifeblood of this or any business. I despair at the suited shysters who have hijacked SA racing.

Even worse - I have always advocated honest behaviour and full transparency. Which is why I always post whatever I know when a horse of mine runs so that everyone who can read can share in its prospects and structure their play accordingly. Why wouldn't I want to? - they fund my stakes cheque. Sooner or later that may go terribly wrong but that will always be the risk in disclosing what I know. Did I ever stumble into the wrong sport given my approach to the game? Lol.

Have never expected or asked for special treatment or consideration but have never forgotten to thank anyone kind enough to offer an occasional 'VIP ride' to me; provided it was not an inducement to buy my silence.

Most importantly - have never been bothered if you hold me in low regard. Opinions are like a*******s; everyone has one. Mine may not even be entirely correct but it's mine.........

Happy for anyone who might spot me on a racecourse to buttonhole me. Would be delighted to make your acquaintance face to face & exchange 'war stories'.

Ironically - the operator treatment of me and other punters has been a bonus to me. It has stopped me punting on SA racing almost entirely. I occasionally dabble in the vastly superior and more entertaining UK product when the urge (read : addiction) takes me. For the rest it has released me & my bank account to participate in other activities; like enjoying my (used) Porsche & the (used) Audi RS5 that arrives from the 'big smoke' next week. Not for me any longer an over hyped nag costing R1 million + that loiters for its entire career in a MR66 handicap.

So they eventually got the game but lost me and thousands of other departees.

.....thought I was a real smarticus ......when I found out that I could stream the free TT audio through my car sound system via blue tooth....did not mind then that it was slightly delayed....as I would place all my upcoming bets online before leaving home or the office....and listen to TT in the car or while walking the dog..... .....however this delayed buffering that you speak about is becoming a big problem and I have no way of resetting it through the audio TT portal....I just give up and switch back to the radio....find some heavy traffic....and then whip out the phone and check results online..... :S

You really are 'sick for the game' Muhti!

You do realize that there is only one known cure : Lose so much that you are forced to leave. Lol.

It's an unforgettable ride even if you have never ridden a horse.

Garrick wrote: You really are 'sick for the game' Muhti!

You do realize that there is only one known cure : Lose so much that you are forced to leave. Lol.

It's an unforgettable ride even if you have never ridden a horse.

.....born in a horse barn
....rode these dumb creatures in my youth and had no inkling to teach them how to run faster or even run straight.....the punting bug only bit me late in life.....a better hobby than chasing a white ball on manicured lawn....yes my problem is I do not lose enough....but the operator with all it's snags will eventually drive me to punting the bad nags....

.....know that elusive to catch "leervis".....the family had a holiday bungalow in Sedgefield (in fact was one of the 1st 3 structures on the lagoon built in the late 50's).....some holidays went hunting that fast hard mouthed fish under the railway bridge where the Swartvlei meets the lagoon....the smaller young Garrick chase the small bait fry....seen many chase a lure or spoon but are too sharp to actually bite....

You've just explained to yourself why this leervis never backs an odds on horse! You can tempt me but I won't bite. It's the sole reason I was never stuck out.

Garrick - I stood next to you when El Picha was given the nod in the July photo finish against Young Rake. It was the cruelest and biggest swing against a punter I've ever seen. Yet, despite that, you remained calm.
That unflappable nature is probably another reason you've survived

Ruffian - This is going to sound sick but looking back today that was a happy memory from a different era when I think we all had a hell of a lot of fun!

I still miss the camaraderie and bullshit amongst all of us when the bookmakers were housed in that downstairs area at Kenilworth. It was my home from home. I remember riding my red Honda VFR 800i at breakneck speed to that venue.........and back home late at night at twice the speed.

Garrick wrote: Ruffian - This is going to sound sick but looking back today that was a happy memory from a different era when I think we all had a hell of a lot of fun!

I still miss the camaraderie and bullshit amongst all of us when the bookmakers were housed in that downstairs area at Kenilworth. It was my home from home. I remember riding my red Honda VFR 800i at breakneck speed to that venue.........and back home late at night at twice the speed.

Yip it was a great time. A lot more personality in the game then.

Garrick wrote: Ruffian - This is going to sound sick but looking back today that was a happy memory from a different era when I think we all had a hell of a lot of fun!

I still miss the camaraderie and bullshit amongst all of us when the bookmakers were housed in that downstairs area at Kenilworth. It was my home from home. I remember riding my red Honda VFR 800i at breakneck speed to that venue.........and back home late at night at twice the speed.

and the Porsche? The one that does what the tin says it can do