Interview: DEAN VALENTINE Dean Valentine started in ‘The Game’ after a chance meeting on holiday when still a teenager. He started out giving change for a bookmaker at the dogs then swiftly rose through the ranks. He did this by keeping the best company, not only the bookmakers he was employed by but by listening to and befriending the really shrewd punters too. He eventually deserted working for the bookies in favour of taking them on full time. This he has done very successfully, once a familiar figure on course but now deep undercover off course. In this interview with Simon Nott is a fascinating insight in the life and workings of a real professional punter and his operation. Meeting Dean Valentine.