Findlay quits racing
Horse racing has always attracted plenty of characters but in recent years we seem to have had a drought of interesting professional gamblers to follow.
This makes it all the more disappointing that the larger-than-life Harry Findlay has decided to end his connection with the game. Love him or loathe him, you certainly could not ignore him.
As the owner of a number of fine race horses including a joint ownership of Denman with Paul Barber, cheltenham festival betting pundits note how Findlay became a regular in the racing media.
Unfortunately, following a dispute with the BHA with regard to laying his horses on the betting exchanges in order to balance his betting book, Findlay has decided to sell all of his horses and is understood to be looking to relocate to Australia.
Findlay backed heavily on the betting exchanges and is believed to have made as much money backing short-priced tennis fancies as finding horse racing winners and was always an outspoken supporter of the rights of the average punter.
Much of his criticism of the industry has been directed at both the racing establishment and the levels of commission charged by the betting exchanges.
Findlay is expected to have his last runner in the Grand National where his horse, Big Fella Thanks, is expected to put in a solid challenge.
It may be some time until we see another flamboyant and successful large stakes gambler and the hope is that Findlay returns to the game at some point in the near future.
