Was just getting into racing around January 2008 and thought I knew it all. Cheltenham came around and this was the first big test for me I was a complete and utter novice, 20 years old, would improve for the experience, a fence and a even step up in trip. I was still in college and my part time job on weekends paid about €100 to €140 a weekend depending on if i got the longer shift on the Sunday so i was betting small money.
Tuesday was great, started with an each way on Binocular (2nd), each way on Tidal Bay at 8s (1st), each way on Katchit at 10s (1st), had an each way on L'ami (3rd) and Garde Champetre to win at 4/1, I was up a weeks wages. The Wednesday was called off and I thought I was the best gambler in the world.
I'd a horrible Thursday with Inglis Drever my only winner and I had upped my stakes but Friday was another day. I was talking to a guy I knew who I thought knew everything about racing because basically I knew nothing, he'd 200 on ID, I had about €15 win. Friday the disaster continued Francheok was the good thing of the day and he was stuffed.. I was down about 200 for the week at this stage, your man kept talking about how Kauto Star was the best horse ever and Denman wouldn't get near him, Kauto would just burn him off too much pace. I proceed to hit the savings account throw about €425 on Kauto at 10/11. Some valuable lessons learned that day.