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Letter of the Week

Duly noted

I have just finished reading Shane Templeton’s article (4/3) about his mate Bernie O’Brien putting bets on for other people (or in this case failing to do so).
It reminded me of a story from 1970. A very big Sydney bookmaker was asked by his wife to put a quid ($2) on Baghdad Note to win the Melbourne Cup. (The SP was 25/1.)
The bookmaker on this day held more money than the on-course tote apparently.
When he arrived home the question was asked, “How did you go?”
“I had a big day.”
“Well, I picked the winner — where are my winnings?”
The big bookie was forced to admit he had forgotten to place the bet, and his offer to return the two bucks didn’t go down well either.
Not sure if the good lady ended up sending him a bill, but it was water for dinner in the house that night.

Pittsburgh Phil
Coogee Beach (NSW)
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