Cheltenham Tips Competition - proposals.

[Graham C]

I think you'd have to just run with the starting prices wouldn't you?  Can't be checking that I've managed 50/1 on Long Run at Honest Silo's bookie down the high street.

[MereNovice]

I think you'd have to just run with the starting prices wouldn't you?  Can't be checking that I've managed 50/1 on Long Run at Honest Silo's bookie down the high street.

That's what I thought although, obviously, I trust you all implicitly.

[bobby1]

So Tony, we are looking for someone that is good with spreadsheets and settling, loves the gambling game and has the eye for detail and might even be a nit for detail.


Does anyone spring to mind?

What might be a nice touch is that whoever puts their hat in the ring to run it gets their entry for free, that way they get the appreciation from us for taking the time.

I'm happy to do the above but beware that I know nothing about racing. Also, I won't be entering because I wouldn't want to embarrass you all by beating you.

I'm happy if everyone PMs me their selections prior to each days racing assuming that the Blonde PM system is reliable!
I don't care if that is the night before or some cut-off time on the day that is agreed by all or a large majority at least.

Does everyone just go with starting prices? If so, then I guess some tipsters lose the option of getting on a horse early at a good price. On the other hand, I don't think that it's possible to validate the prices that each competitor says are available if it is done any other way.

The 2 units for a winner, or 1pt each way bet for each race seems a reasonable (and simple!) way for this to be organised.
It would seem to reward overall tipping ability.
If anyone misses a race (or a days racing) then they are just unlucky.

I don't particularly want any responsibility for money if you're all going to pay an entry fee and winner takes all.
Not sure how the money would be handled generally. Presumably, if these competitions have been run regularly, you have some standard methodology.

Let me know if you want me to do it and please can a grown-up confirm the rules prior to the start.

sounds good mate but are you sure you want to do that if you aren't entering?

[MereNovice]

sounds good mate but are you sure you want to do that if you aren't entering?

Yes. I'll use it as a free tipping service.
I'll just wait until everyone picks the same horse and then lay it at every available price.

[bobby1]

sounds good mate but are you sure you want to do that if you aren't entering?

Yes. I'll use it as a free tipping service.
I'll just wait until everyone picks the same horse and then lay it at every available price.

lol.

[millidonk]

sounds good mate but are you sure you want to do that if you aren't entering?

Yes. I'll use it as a free tipping service.
I'll just wait until everyone picks the same horse and then lay it at every available price.

nice. wp.

In for whatever.

[bobby1]

So are we happy with £1 ew or £2 win on each race at SP and if you have a non runner it goes as £2 win on the Fav( lowest racecard number if joint/co favs)

Stakes to be decided, how about £25 quid?

[MereNovice]

I've got a few questions because I know nothing about racing but I have been doing some extensive research.

1. I've looked at a few sites and they seem to have (slightly) different rules for the place part of an each-way bet and presumably some bookies may be offering special deals. Can someone point me to the definite rules (or make some up).

2. Are the starting prices quoted in results universal (i.e is there some agreed source for them) or do different bookies quote different SPs? If so what site should I use for the official prices for this competition?

3. Are you going to take the "first past the post" as the winner or is it the result after any steward's enquiry (if required).

4. There is no 4 - yet.

Are you regretting let me score this yet?

[Simon Galloway]

1.  I will make some up.  1/4 the odds for a place for each horse officially returned on the results for each race on www.gg.com  (in reality the numbers will change depending on actual number of runners and the odds will change 1/4 hcap v  1/5 non handicap)  So even if it is a 9 runner non handicap, 1/4 odds the first 3.

2. Universal SPs

3.  Weighed in result  (i.e. amended if necessary)

4. £25 seems fair

[MereNovice]

Excellent.
That all seems very sensible to me.


Nothing to do with the competition but just my idle curiosity.
Who decides what the SPs are? Presumably different bookies could be offering significantly different odds at the start of the race. Is there one particular bookie who gets the honour?

[bobby1]

1.  I will make some up.  1/4 the odds for a place for each horse officially returned on the results for each race on www.gg.com  (in reality the numbers will change depending on actual number of runners and the odds will change 1/4 hcap v  1/5 non handicap)  So even if it is a 9 runner non handicap, 1/4 odds the first 3.

2. Universal SPs

3.  Weighed in result  (i.e. amended if necessary)

4. £25 seems fair

sounds spot on that.

The SP is returned on the track Novice, then every bet struck at SP off course is settled at those odds.

[Karabiner]

Rule 4 is rule 4.

Happy with £25 per man.

Thanks for availing your spreadsheeting skills mere.

[MereNovice]

You're all very welcome.
It's already been very educational.

[bobby1]

Yes, cheers Mere, I'm still in favour of the scorekeeper getting a free entry to compensate for the work

[MereNovice]

It's not work, it's fun.
I really know nothing about horse racing so I'd only embarrass myself.
Don't worry about it.