My professional background is hospitality. Having owned and operated successful cafe's with my wife for the last ten years I have decided to sell up and concentrate on my real passion ie horse racing.
I have been following horse racing since I could read, pinching dad's form guide and offering him advice or asking for a couple of bucks to bet on the tote around the back of the course where the ladies thought I was too cute to refuse. My grandad has been a keen punter his whole life and has an excellent eye for a good horse ready to fire. I was always and still am pestering him for pointers when examining them in the mounting yard or sales ring.
Horse racing around the world is known as the sport of kings. Today's fields are full of runner's from billion dollar global studs such as Godolphin and billionaire businessmen from Asia. Don't get me wrong without them the industry couldn't survive. They put a ridiculous amount of money into the sport that provides an income to breeders, trainers, jockeys and so much more. However, as a punter, I find it extremely difficult to bet confidently when these runners make up half the field. Which owner's turn is it or which horse needs to win for it's breeding career? Furthermore any talented 3yo colt is whisked off to stud which is great for the owner and big breeders (the horse probably doesn't mind either), but as an avid fan of watching the best there is in any sport I can't help feel today's group 1 races for older horses are missing the very best top end talent. I have created Lucky Duck Racing to try and bring a little bit of fun and adventure back to the “majority” of horse racing enthusiasts that don't own an oil rig or global corporation.
My favourite racing stories are when the battlers beat the odds. We all remember Joe the Taxi Driver and his punt on a broken down horse in a paddock that would turn out to be one of the greatest sprinters the world has seen. Bought for a bag of magic beans ($1250) compared to the average cost of a racehorse, Takeover Target would go on to earn over 6 million in prize money and take Joe on a fairytale ride around the world winning races in the UK, Japan and Singapore. One of WA's most memorable clashes was when he went stride for stride with Apache Cat another “people's horse” who won fans with his extravagant markings in the 2008 Winterbottom stakes, holding the cat by a head. Another fairytale result was last year's Melbourne Cup won by Prince of Penzance. For years now the biggest race on Australia's racing calendar has been deemed near impossible for locally bred horses. European bred and trained horses come from superior staying bloodlines and the only way seem to have a slim chance at keeping the cup in Australia was to import a proven stayer from overseas for a price way out of reach for most. Prince of Penzance was bred in NZ and started at odds of 100-1 behind favoured runners from racing powerhouses such as Japan's Fame Game and the UK's Trip to Paris. Ridden into the history books by Michelle Payne who become the first woman jockey to win the cup in its 155-year history. These are just two examples of stories I find inspiration and admiration from. Being from Wa I am always cheering on our champs when they travel, recent examples being Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast and of course the “Fighting Tiger” Northerly.
My aim with Lucky Duck Racing is to create a community of like minded racing enthusiasts who get a thrill out of the sport itself not just chasing the big win on the punt. I want to create a place where we can all swap stories, experiences good and bad and views on our beloved sport. Ever wondered why an online bookmaker offers you tips or “specials” involving boosted odds. Yes, it is a form of advertising in a very competitive market but I am pretty certain there isn't a bookmaker in the world that genuinely wants you to win his money. Most will even cut you off if you are one of a rare breed of punters who finish in front regularly. Have you ever paid for a tipping service? I personally won't pay for a service if I can't find out the true identity of the source. Some are paid by numerous radio and tv stations for their tips which are all available free to air or at least paid tv then offer a tipping service charging for virtually the same information. If punting is your thing then there are literally hundreds of services out there that can be helpful especially if you don't have the time to study trials, replays, speed maps etc however if you're a recreational punter who loves the social side of having a beer down the pub while pooling a couple of bucks together and seeing who can do the best victory dance then Lucky Duck Racing is here to help. We will never charge for tips or information and will happily share members views. Having said this we also will put effort and time into our information as we all still love keeping our money.
Is owning a racehorse a lifetime dream. Lucky Duck Racing can make it much more affordable than you might have realised. By creating a community of horse racing enthusiasts from all walks of life we strive to find people shares in yearlings to suit all budgets. Having owned shares in horses for ten years now I get a big thrill seeing my charge loom up to the leaders in the straight whether it's in a Bunbury maiden or Ascot open handicap. Especially pleasing is being able to share the joy and excitement with friends and family, many who we meet through the social environment of horse racing partnerships. Watching the replay over and over with friends at a winners party with a beer or bubbles in hand is our idea of a great night out.
Currently, in Australia, public promoters of horse syndicates need an AFSL from ASIC. We as the retail consumers are forced to pay for this very costly process as well as the promoter's advertising and associated business costs. By creating our own partnerships with fellow Lucky Ducks not only do we all get an equal say in our horse, (public promoted syndicate managers have day to day control of your horse) we save money by not having to pay the extra costs which can often be more than the actual share of the horse.
I warmly invite you to join us at Lucky Duck Racing by joining the mailing list and sharing in the fun and excitement our beloved sport brings. Spread the word with friends and family and have your say on all things racing.