The Sure Thing: The Greatest Coup in Horse Racing History - Softcover
A compelling insight into how legendary gambler Barney Curley pulled off the greatest horse betting scams in history.
THE BOOKIES ALWAYS WIN.
Yet, for over four decades Barney Curley has proved himself a rare exception. The country's most renowned and fearless gambler, a man who will back his judgement to win £100,000 and more on a single day, has consistently emerged triumphant from bloody skirmishes with the old enemy.
In the summer of 1975 Curley masterminded one of the most spectacular gambles of all time, with a racehorse named Yellow Sam, costing Irish bookmakers around £300,000; the equivalent of some £2m today.
No-one believed anything similar could be staged again this century. Bookmakers now have communications and technology in place to thwart any renewed attempts. But challenges inspire Curley and he was determined to beat the system -- again.
Thirty-five years later from his first coup, Curley set about staging an ambitious sequel to his Yellow Sam scheme. Curley has never divulged the full details of what happened. Now, for the first time, The Sure Thing reveals the complete story of the months of planning and preparation, with all the trials and tribulations, that went into the biggest organised gamble in racing history.
THE BOOKIES ALWAYS WIN.
Yet, for over four decades Barney Curley has proved himself a rare exception. The country's most renowned and fearless gambler, a man who will back his judgement to win £100,000 and more on a single day, has consistently emerged triumphant from bloody skirmishes with the old enemy.
In the summer of 1975 Curley masterminded one of the most spectacular gambles of all time, with a racehorse named Yellow Sam, costing Irish bookmakers around £300,000; the equivalent of some £2m today.
No-one believed anything similar could be staged again this century. Bookmakers now have communications and technology in place to thwart any renewed attempts. But challenges inspire Curley and he was determined to beat the system -- again.
Thirty-five years later from his first coup, Curley set about staging an ambitious sequel to his Yellow Sam scheme. Curley has never divulged the full details of what happened. Now, for the first time, The Sure Thing reveals the complete story of the months of planning and preparation, with all the trials and tribulations, that went into the biggest organised gamble in racing history.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
NICK TOWNSEND was, for many years, a sports feature writer on the Daily Mail before joining the Independent on Sunday, initially as football correspondent and later chief sports writer. He is currently a freelance writer, predominantly for the Sunday Times. He collaborated with Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Ben Ainslie on their autobiographies. He is a long-time confidant of Barney Curley and assisted him with his acclaimed life story Giving a Little Back. He lives with his wife Louise in Oxfordshire.
Review:
· "Nick Townsend tells the story with panache, helped by a close acquaintance with the Irish mastermind of the scheme, Barney Curley, a name which bookmakers have had reason to curse on several occasions... It gets properly into its stride when it focuses on the coup, which in its innovative daring calls to mind The Italian Job." --Independent on Sunday
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherCentury
- Publication date2014
- ISBN 10 1780891962
- ISBN 13 9781780891965
- BindingPaperback
- Edition number1
- Number of pages416
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fair. THE BOOKIES ALWAYS WIN. Yet, for over four decades Barney Curley has proved himself a rare exception. The countrys most renowned and fearless gambler, a man who will back his judgement to win 100,000 and more on a single day, has consistently emerged triumphant from bloody skirmishes with the old enemy. In the summer of 1975 Curley masterminded one of the most spectacular gambles of all time, with a racehorse named Yellow Sam, costing Irish bookmakers around 300,000; the equivalent of some 2m today. No-one believed anything similar could be staged again this century. Bookmakers now have communications and technology in place to thwart any renewed attempts. But challenges inspire Curley and he was determined to beat the system again. Thirty-five years later from his first coup, Curley set about staging an ambitious sequel to his Yellow Sam scheme. Curley has never divulged the full details of what happened. Now, for the first time, The Sure Thing reveals the complete story of the months of planning and preparation, with all the trials and tribulations, that went into the biggest organised gamble in racing history. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR009641229
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