What was the best sporting bet you ever made?
Well this is in my opinion the story of the best bet ever. A decade ago Curtis Woodhouse was one of footballs emerging talents. At the age of 19 he was made Sheffield Uniteds youngest ever captain and was picked to play for England at under 21 level.
He was then sold to Birmingham for 1 million and it looked like he had the World at his feet. Unfortunately things did not work out as planned. In his first week at Birmingham he saw his side beaten by Liverpool in the League Cup Final and after the game he was arrested for a food fight in a local restaurant.
Our hero was always getting involved in street fights and as his career started to nose dive he slid down the slippery slope to non league football.
In 2006 he decided to give up soccer and take up his first love boxing. At this time his dad was very ill and he made him a death bed promise that one day he would be a British Champion.
The fact is he was so serious about this vow he went to a major bookmaker and asked the odds on this happening. He was quoted 50/1 and he decided to stake £5,000 at those odds.
Curtis found it tough going at first but gradually worked his way up the rankings until he was granted a crack at the British Light Welter Weight title last Saturday at the Ice Arena in Hull against the accomplished Darren Hamilton.
To cut a long story short Curtis was full of energy and commitment against the hot favourite and won on a split decision thereby realising his dream and promise to his dad.
When he was asked about the actual bet he said no comment but the drinks are on me.
Today’s racing does not excite and I wouldn’t touch the jump meetings with a barge pole in current ground conditions so for Howies Hottie we are off to Kempton for the 8.20 the lucky last. The tip is one of my old eyecatchers Xclusive.
The gelding is bred in the purple and was once trained by Sir Michael Stoute. He has been performing to a decent level on the all weather surfaces and I feel there could be further improvement to come. He will be ridden by Luke Morris so will get every assistance from the saddle. Last time out he didn’t quite get home and a return to the mile could help. So lets hope it’s an Xclusive tip in name and execution.
EYECATCHERS
JUMPERS
Spirit Of Shankley trainer C.Longsdon – Beaten into 2nd place at Huntingdon on glue pot ground. I feel when the ground dries this horse can show he is a top novice.
Captain Sharpe trainer B.Llewellyn – In the process of running a big race when pitched on landing in a seller last week. He can make amends in a similar grade.
Killshannon trainer D.Bridgwater – Bumper horse who ran too freely at Plumpton on Monday. The trainer says he is a good prospect so keep em peeled.
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Hoof It trainer M.Easterby – Finished strongly at Lingfield last week and with a better break would have won.
Tsar Paul trainer J.Nash – Runs mainly at Dundalk and has dropped to an attractive rating.
Meddling trainer Julia Fielding – Went close when stepped up to 10 furlongs. The trainer thinks the horse is well handicapped and another to watch out for.
Dividend Dan trainer M.Murphy – Considering it was his first run after a break it was a promising effort last week. This horse has scope for improvement and can prove ahead of the handicapper in the next month.
Back next Wednesday have a good week and be lucky.
Howard Davis.
Bankers Bonus
http://go.betfan.com/1000/15
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