The former high profile bookmaker remembers his grandfather Jim McHugh who rode the 1898 Epsom Hcp winner.

He pays tribute to his father Bill McHugh himself a popular bookie on Sydney tracks in the days of huge race crowds.

He talks of his maternal grandmother Hilda who also possessed a gambling streak. She gave Bruce his first business loan.

Bruce recalls his earliest days fielding at the trots at Bulli, Hawkesbury and Penrith.

He recalls his slow transition to the galloping tracks, and the bizarre circumstances under which he was promoted to the main interstate ring.