October
OctoberYou can't win
Regular small punters who have their bets with UNiTAB on short-priced favourites (either for a win or a place) must be wanting to take out accounts with the NSW or Victorian tote agencies.
The number of times that the return on a winning place bet is $1.00 — particularly midweek trots and dogs — surely must be deflating to those patrons who just bet for enjoyment.
This scenario was capped right off when Black Caviar last Saturday paid money back for the win. I know of two ladies who hardly bet but had $20 on the champion sprinter. When they went to the tote windows they were amazed to be handed back only their stake of $20.
At least the southern agencies play the game right by returning $1.04 most of the time.
Back in the 1980s the minimum dividend for a place bet was $1.10.
That was fine until a well orchestrated trotting group placed thousands on outstanding pacer Popular Alm (place only), who duly arrived.
This led to a bill being put through the Queensland parliament stating that where there is an overabundance of investments on any particular racehorse, pacer or dog, the administration has the right to declare no winning return and just hand your investment back.
I’m sure if this were taken to the High Court it would be overruled.
So come on, Mrs Premier, Mr Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing!
Let’s forget about your ramblings on investments held by the opposition leader’s family and give the small punters a go by having this ridiculous act repealed.
It’s only a matter of paying a return of $1.02 if necessary.
Tingoora (Qld)