October
FebruaryBad books
I have written to you before on the subject of Brisbane bookmakers’ percentages, and on more than one occasion my concerns have been echoed by Richard Callander.
In my letter I provided results of a long survey on starting price percentages of Brisbane bookmakers, which averaged out at a terrible 134 per cent. I notice Callander (7/1) obtained almost the same results, coming up with 135 per cent.
These percentages saw me give up punting on Brisbane races a long time ago, and as this results in me having no interest to watch Brisbane races or view the horses, it has followed that I now stay at home to bet with corporates on Sydney and Melbourne.
All sorts of incentives and bet types are offered, not available on course, and instant and updated information is provided on TVN/Sky — also not available to the on-course punter.
When I came to Brisbane 20 years ago there was a strong ring headed by Brian Ogilvie, Stan Tapsall, Chubby Holloway and Michael Sullivan to name a few. Percentages were fair, and the crowds reasonable. However, over the years those men have either passed away, retired or in Michael Sullivan’s case established a highly successful corporate operation.
Over that period there were several changes in the control of Queensland racing, which seemed to coincide with the decline in the quality of the Brisbane ring.
Brisbane