An insight roughly about what you asked-----
Hello Mr Charts ( Richard )
My first response was not to answer.
One of the a few reasons is, what will it make or do for
me, im being honest with this statement frank too, but
not rude or trying to impress etc etc.
Firstly, i have been in the racing world for just over 40 years now
but it does not make me to be a 100% expert, not even a full time
pro whos income is solely based on hes gambling or in real terms
an investment in the racing world of horse racing.
But the important factor is, at the end of both codes of racing, Turf
Flat and National Hunt, one is in the black with a nice profit.
Every pro, semi pros, serious minded punters do have losing days
weeks and even a couple of months during a 12 month period, but
after the 12 month period one is in the black.
One has to have a good understanding of form and how to use it
to full advantage, a staking plan is very important, so is a system
based on facts and figures, i hope im making sense as you well
know that i have the flu, but i choose to answer you as best as i
can, and i do hope that you are one of the good guys, pardon my
frankness, as im being honest in what i say.
You asked me if i bet professionally, for fun, or a hobby.
Some years ago, i did and was a semi pro, this is true as i know
you and many others will find it hard to believe, that is up to
you or anyone else as i knew what i was.
Why one may ask do i call myself a semi pro, its simple, one,
i never did bet in large figures like the true pros do, second, i
had an income from my own tipping service in which i had over
134 members, yes we all made money, my service was a success
but sadly my health took a turn for the worse.
My health problem was not related to stress or over working, i was
an unfortunate victim or call it bad luck.
So under the advice of my consultant and Dr, i was to take things
easy, in which i did ( im now retired for quite a while )
I will come to your questions,
The bets i post on the forum are purely for fun and thats the truth.
The truth now about my personal bets are as follows, i have approx
15-20 bets on each code, there are times i have no bet/s for a month
but at the end of the season i am in the black ( i don't bet in big figures )
The reason i keep this to myself is simple, i do feel under pressure
if i were to give the bets out, and there is no way i intend to have any
form of stress put on me.
I sincerely hope that you and those who read this can understand
the reasons i gave---------stress and pressure, no way.
I specialize in Handicap Races most of the time, but there are certain
months in the year i do the none handicap races, but still carrying on
with my handicap races, i do have quite a deep understanding of
handicapping hence handicap races.
In the olden days, the framing of handicap bands ( offical ratings )
were much wider hence it was easier as there were many horses
that could be deleted quite easily, this was on both codes.
But now, on the Flat and as for the jumps, handicap hurdles, they
are very much harder, the gap between the top rated ( offical rating )
and right down to the bottom horse is much closer, hence there
are and will be more horses in with winning chances.
The olden days, you would find quite a few horses running out of
the handicap proper, you still have them now, but it was easier in
the old days.
The sport has become more business minded now and its a fact,
sad but true, just like football in a manner of speaking as i used to
be one many moons ago, in the far east where i was born.
But thats a different issue.
As for it being a hobby, it has also become one besides being
a bit more serious on days when a serious bet/s does come along.
So you can sort of put me in two classes so to speak.
You mentioned why do i not give some sort of explanation, its simple
once again not only time but work load hence the pressure and stress
so once again im sure you can understand this.
But when it comes to my personal bet, it all falls into my head
as there is nothing like having years of experience, so its second
nature to me as to why i have chosen my selections.
Yes, of course i had losing weeks and even a couple of losing
months, but in the end i win, simple as that.
No, im not trying to impress you or anyone, a honest question was
asked so an honest answer is given.
As for the amount of effort i put in you asked, well not really much
as you can see that my number of bets over both codes of racing
is not many bets, and as i said, its second nature to me
You stated about performance is improved, not really, if anything its
taken a drop due to the new framing of the Handicaps ( Offical Ratings Bands )
As for improving the performance, well, personally, i have reached
a level that is good enough in anyones standard, in fact i can
out point a pro in any handicap race, thats a fact and its offical
loud words you may say or is ken blowing hes own bugle,
do you think i am ? say no as i have taken on a few, thats offical.
I have been around far to long Richard for all that, i only believe
in truth and facts.
Some important things i have learned in life is, give respect to earn
respect, be honest to yourself, treat others kindly as they treat you
kindly, give and you will receive, im sure you know this, so why do
i say it, simple, so you can get a rough insight of me.
Theres a lot more that i can say and share, but i have reached a
point where in todays world people are not the same, is it for the
better or worse, personally its not fot the better, thats my opinion
as i have seen great changes just like you and everyone else.
If you don't mind Richard, i am tired and i need to relax and listen
to my favourit songs, Country, Blues, Soul, and some old time greats.
Im sure you understand.
Finally, you asked me if i will conyinue, i honestly don't know yet.
But if i ever come back, i would appreciate that they keep the thread
clean and if there is any differences of opinions, by all means put
ones thoughts and opinions foreward, but please no criticism, but a
little rub in a broad sense is fine, for those who can't hold their tongue
please stay away then, this is how strongly i feel about it, may it be
a right one or a wrong one in any ones opinion, i then can't help them
this is an honest feeling and an honest answer.
I thank you for your most honest and extremely valid questions that
you have put foreward, i applaud you for that.
I sincerely hope that my feed back has been helpful in more then one
way or another.
Its been a pleasure to have answered your questions, i only wished
that i could have done better, i think i could have, but its quite hard to
put pen to paper so to speak, you just can't beat have a one to one
personal chat. But who knows, may be one day we may or can chat.
I wish you all the best in your field of work and i sincertely hope that
life treats you and your family most kindly.
Take care
Sincerely
Ken
P.S. Do pardon me if i have left anything out and do pardon any
mistakes there may be.
P.S. Richard, i almost forgot, just for the record, but not really an important one
just thought i must say it.
There was a point when the winnings rose to £583 if my memory serves
me right. Then it dropped to £446, then it rose again to £533
and now it stands as the last day i posted, friday i think
30-09-05.
Please correct me if im wrong.
Why may one ask do i say this, ask yourself and you will know
Finally, i do not underestimate any ones intelligentence
all i have said is well meant with good intentions.
