I’ve always said: ‘You can only take people as you find them.’
I have never met Harry Findlay in person. My only understanding of the man was via the media, perhaps the odds interview on Racing UK, as it was known back in the day. Not being much of a fan of National Hunt racing, I wasn’t into the whole story of Denman winning the Gold Cup. I remember him having a go at Nick Mordin, who I always liked, after he questioned the hopes of ‘The Tank’ winning the greatest race in the World.
As it turned out, Harry Findlay was correct.
Perhaps he was correct about a lot of things and I got him wrong. To be fair, I didn’t have any real opinion about the larger than life gambler.
People either love or hate Marmite, hey.
I had Harry’s book sitting in the bookcase for years. I think it was a Christmas from my brother, Tony.
I picked it up and put it back down.
Harry Findlay: Gambling For Life – The Man Who Won Millions And Spent Every Penny, published by Trinity Mirror Sports Media (2017) if a worthy read.
I say that after reading all but the last few pages. In fact, I stormed through pages like Denman winning the Gold Cup.
I’ve never met Harry Findlay but I would like to. In fact, I’m pretty sure we would get on well. The media perception compared to the book reveals a very different man. True, perhaps I have made a mistake but I learned enough about the big man to appreciate someone who loves his sport and went out of his way, travelling the world, to get closer to the action and live every moment. That is a far cry from most of us coach potatoes who don’t literally go the extra mile.
In truth, I feel Harry Findlay was set up to fail by so many within the horse racing world. For too many in the highest echelons of horse racing thought the man with the big mouth had too much to say and the media loved him. He wore his heart on his sleeve and spoke with passion and told his truth even if they meant cursing the life out of someone who could only be politically correct. It was more than their jobs worth to have an objective opinion.
I’m sure if we knew the truth, there were plenty of people looking to set him up, pull the rug from under his feet, and put barriers in his way.
There’s little doubt in my mind.
Harry Findlay put his money where his mouth for the love of sport, by having an opinion and backing it with cold, hard cash, and lots of it. His efforts to revive greyhound racing noble at a substantial cost to himself. A gambling man who has known the great and good, he was to fall at the final hurdle with his ‘retirement bet’ when New Zealand failed to win the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
A killer blow if there ever was one.
The thing what I like about Mr. Findlay is that all the highs and lows were the journey of his own creation. I’m sure he wouldn’t have changed a thing because it was part of his story. His passion, knowledge, plastered on the tabloids told a story he was proud to stand up for.
I’ve always said only a loser wants someone to lose.
Harry bet like no other. Fearless with a conviction where his opinion was king.
He backed himself to win. There can be no worthier test of character.
I’m not sure if Harry Findlay is betting like the good, old days but I hope his finances are back in the black and life is good. I’m pretty sure such a resourceful man will never be down for long and I for one would like to meet him one day and shake his hand.
His book helped me realise I do like Marmite after all.
Good luck, Big Fella, Thanks.