#BettingPeople

Interview: ALASTAIR DOWN The five times HWPA Racing Writer Of The Year and Channel 4 presenter talks about his life in racing, his early days on Fleet Street, working on course, TV presenting, his love of Cheltenham and in particular the Festival. He has tales to tell on owning legs in horses and opinions on several aspects of horse racing. All in his own inimitable style. (interview by Simon Nott)

Interview: MARCELLA McCOY Marcella talks about her love for her job and how she manages being a mother of two children and working all over the country being a bookmaker. She talks about what it’s like being a woman in a man’s world and how she always gives everything in life 200%. Marcella is from Dundalk, Co Louth and is a very bubbly and glamourous woman with a huge passion for life. (interview by Sarah Kinsella)

Interview: ANDY MARGETT Andy found himself going from a small-staking horse racing punter and recreational on-line poker player to a self-confessed ‘compulsive gambler’ who could lose £1000 on a FOBT in one session. These losses were funded by credit cards and loans. On the precipice of financial and family ruin he sought help and pulled himself from the brink. In this brutally honest interview he tells his story and offers advice to people who may find themselves in a similar position. He concludes talking about the work he now does in that sphere and facing up to having a problem. (interview by Simon Nott)

Interview: JOSH APIAFI Josh Apiafi left school at 16 and started his career working for the legendary Martin Pipe. He soon turned his mind to business, involved early in the fledgling Betfair betting exchange and became CEO of the PJA then ultimately founded the hugely successful ‘Rewards4Racing’. Never one to sit on his laurels (though is more than happy to sit on horses in all weathers) he’s now setting his sights on racing media. (interview by Simon Nott)