#BettingPeople

Interview: MIKE SPENCE Mike Spence spurned a lucrative career in the city to pursue the life of a professional gambler. Much to the horror of his parents who had put him through an education that led to gilt edge job offers in the square mile. Meeting Mike Spence.

Interview: JOHNNO SPENCE Johnno set up JSC in January 2004 and remains its Managing Director. JSC has quickly established a reputation as one of the most creative and reputable agencies in the sports and consumer PR industry with a wide variety of clients. Johnno specialises in working with major brands to develop their reputation amongst high-end clients. Meeting Johnno Spence. (interview by Simon Nott)

Interview: BECKY SMITH Becky Smith – Champion Amateur Lady Flat jockey and runner-up over jumps talks to Simon Nott about the challenge of riding under both codes, dedication, learning the ropes in the Irish Point to Point scene, training a point to point winner, charity boxing, being ambassador for Racing Welfare, riding in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies series Texas, Denmark and Abu Dhabi, riding for the love of the game, the lady jockey’s allowance debate and whip issue. Meeting Becky Smith.

Interview: GRAHAM SHARPE Simon Nott from Star Sports catches up with PR maestro and author Graham Sharpe who headed up William Hill’s PR for many years. Graham was seen as a pioneer of novelty bets from the weather to who shot JR? Meeting Graham Sharpe.

Interview: JEREMY SCOTT Somerset dual purpose trainer Jeremy started successfully training point-to-pointers with his wife Camilla on their dairy farm back in the early 1990’s. They started training professionally in 2007, the cows were sold a year later. In this interview with Simon Nott, Jeremy talks about his career and goals for the future. Meeting Jeremy Scott.

Interview: NICK RUST Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority talks to Simon Nott of his early love of horseracing and betting and his rise from a humble Ladbrokes board-marker. He covers conscientious issues such as bookmaker account restrictions, FOBT’s and the betting exchanges as well as the joys of being active in the sport as an owner. Meeting Nick Rust.

Interview: ROCKY ROBERTO Rocky Roberto was born into Racing. His great grandfather was Italian. When his dad was born in 1921 he was named Dante Roberto though everyone knew him as Bob. Through his life Dante won the Derby in 1945 and Roberto in 72 so two Derby winners were named after his Dad! Rocky tells his fascinating story of work with bookmakers on the dog tracks and racecourses in and around London and beyond. He then went on to earn his living as a tic-tac man, on busy days £1000’s of pounds would be traded over sometimes vast distances with just a twist card, tic-tac and white gloves. Relive those fascinating days with Rocky Roberto when a contract was open and closed in the wave of a hand. Meeting Rocky Roberto. (interview by Joe Citrone)

Interview: JAMIE REID Jamie Reid is an award-winning author and freelance writer who has a passion for horseracing. Anyone who has read his 2003 ‘Days Like These – The Education Of A Racing Lover’ will be in no doubt of his love of the game. His book ‘Doped’ the real-life account of a notorious 1960’s doping gang won William Hill Sports Book Of The Year. He’s followed up with ‘Blown’ & ‘Monsieur X’ both to high acclaim. In this interview with Simon Nott, Jamie talks about horseracing and his fascination with the shady side of life. Meeting Jamie Reid.

Interview: MARTIN RAYMOND Newmarket based Martin has been a jockey’s agent, in-running punter and commission agent to sharp money. He now makes his living as a professional punter in his own right. In this three part interview he talks about backing maidens, information, speed figures, spread sheets, staking, getting on, chasing, getting out and living the the life. Meeting Martin Raymond.

Interview: TOM POWER Tom cut his teeth working with his bookmaking uncle and father before taking on all comers in the main rings at the top dog tracks in London. He soon amassed betting shops home and abroad. Literally overnight things started to come crashing down around the Tom Power empire. Here’s his story, with Simon Nott. Meeting Tom Power.