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Over the last week or two I've introduced you to a few regulars of the betting shop. There's another 50 fellas who pop in daily. Old Pat and Jerry are in at 8:30 sharp. They're regimentally at the newsagents for 6:30, home for breakfast, bookies at 8:30 for their multiples.
Stevie the Postie arrives as soon as his round is finished, he'll usually do a Lucky 15 after the 2:30 race.
The office fellas get in at midday exactly. There's a big house build going on around the corner meaning an increased attendance of tradesmen throughout the day too.
The office fellas get in at midday exactly. There's a big house build going on around the corner meaning an increased attendance of tradesmen throughout the day too.
As these regulars come and go throughout the day there's a hearty core of fellas who are in for more than racing. The social and 'networking' sides are equally as important. They'll spend up to five hours picking horses and talking about everything from Bangor to Brexit!
Every shop has it's leader and I've been at the top of the tree since Chrissy Chopper stepped down after Punchestown '17.
Congratulating winners, having a word when betting gets out of hand and being the link between punter and staff are the main responsibilities of a leader.
Congratulating winners, having a word when betting gets out of hand and being the link between punter and staff are the main responsibilities of a leader.
Another six fellas make up the core. Joey 'Jigger' Royle, a 30 year veteran of the shop, never off his phone, always wheeling and dealing. Specialises in distance betting at meetings (this gives him time to make calls and still have an interest in racing all day.) Smart fella! 
Peter (Pee)- Jigger's right hand man for 15 years. The pair of them are inseparable and perch on stools like Ant & Dec whispering about business activities in between races. Pee is a twist forecast man. Hasn't had a single punt since Dylan Thomas got turned over in the Derby.
Davey Flip Flop is a relative novice in the field, he's only been a regular since Annie Power fell in the Mares. He has his own right hand man but he only stays long enough to put a Lucky 63 on for his grandad. Davey only owns one type of footwear. Knows less than he thinks.
Geoff the Cabbie spends more time in the shop than the staff. Moaning everyday that 'the job is on it's arse, too many foreigners on the rank,' usually as he sips his third free coffee!
Geoff is a jogging bottoms connoisseur who tells more tales than Jackanory. 35 year veteran.
Geoff is a jogging bottoms connoisseur who tells more tales than Jackanory. 35 year veteran.
Big Ian spends the least time in the shop out of the regulars but easily the most time thinking about racing. Often in the shop at the start of every important race and back home in between. Pops over an hour before closing to get tomorrows early prices. Used to work on course.
Pat the Butcher makes up The Magnificent Seven. His shop is three doors down from the bookies and he knows everyone and everything that is going on by ours. Pat pops in throughout the day and often has customers chasing him to get back to the shop for their pound of mince!
There's so many more fringe regulars you'll come to know and love over the years.
The girls behind the counter play a big part in our days, despite their lack of racing knowledge!
Everyday is a story with the Betting Shop Hero.
-BSH
The girls behind the counter play a big part in our days, despite their lack of racing knowledge!
Everyday is a story with the Betting Shop Hero.
-BSH
