Harry Findlay, a legendary figure in the world of professional gambling, is renowned for his audacious betting strategies and his deep association with the illustrious racehorse, Denman. Their partnership not only led to remarkable victories but also produced a series of memorable quotes that encapsulate Findlay’s passion and confidence in Denman’s abilities. Here are five notable quotes from Harry Findlay about Denman, including his reflections on a significant bet:
1. The Easiest £33,000 Ever Won
Reflecting on a substantial wager placed on Denman, Findlay recounted:
“I was so cold I marched straight into the restaurant and devoured two of the racecourse’s biggest beef pies. I needed heat. When we arrived, Denman was 1-9. He started the race 1-12. Nowadays, that would be 1-25 in the same race.”
He continued:
“Paul Barber and I were in the paddock before the race and Denman looked magnificent. Paul Barber didn’t look quite so well. He heard me having £360,000 on Denman to win £33,000 and thought I was stark-raving mad. He couldn’t get his head around it and kept saying: ‘Harry, Harry, slow down, slow down’.”
Findlay’s unwavering confidence was evident as he responded:
“I said: ‘Leave me out, Paul. This is the greatest gift of all time’. So it proved, Denman won by 17 lengths, and if Christian Williams had pushed him out, it would have been 70. It was, and always will be, the easiest £33,000 I’ve ever won.”
2. Comparing Denman to Arkle
In a conversation with the legendary jockey Lester Piggott, Findlay shared an intriguing comparison:
“So there I was, sitting next to Lester Piggott at the dinner table and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. William Haggas is walking round serving the sausages and Lester 100 per cent guarantees me that Denman was better than Arkle. I say to him, ‘How can you say that?’ and he looks at me and says: ‘I’ve seen Arkle and you haven’t. I’ve seen them all and I’m telling you Denman was better than Arkle, faster than Arkle’.”
3. The ‘Tank’ Moniker
Findlay often referred to Denman as “The Tank,” a nickname that reflected the horse’s immense power and dominance on the racecourse. This moniker became synonymous with Denman’s racing style and was a testament to the horse’s formidable presence.
4. The Impact of the 2008 Gold Cup Victory
Denman’s triumph in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup was a pinnacle moment for Findlay. He described the aftermath of this victory as a significant turning point in his life, even attributing subsequent health issues to the immense emotional investment in that race.
5. A Tribute to Denman’s Toughness
Following Denman’s passing, Findlay paid homage to the horse’s resilience and character:
“He was tough, hardy and willing, wasn’t the easiest to train and would bite your hand off in his box given half a chance. He came along at the right time and was one of our superstars during a golden era for Team Ditcheat.”
These quotes not only highlight Harry Findlay’s profound admiration for Denman but also offer insight into the unique bond between a gambler and his champion racehorse. Their journey together remains a significant chapter in the annals of horse racing history.
Photo: Freepik
