If that title rings a bell, you’ve got a sharp memory—or maybe, like me, you’ve got an old copy tucked away somewhere, a relic from another time.
The Sporting Life – Weekender (1994)
Just saying it makes me feel my age. I doubt it’s top of your mind—unless you were there, in the thick of it, like we were. Back in those golden days of horse racing journalism, there was nothing quite like it. Especially if you were a fan of Nick Mordin and his legendary systems.
His insights were something else. Stuff you wouldn’t think to ask, let alone answer. Like: “Does backing the outsider of three actually make money?” That kind of outside-the-box thinking drew people in. You couldn’t help but read.
I remember his take on Denman and the Gold Cup—he wasn’t convinced. And then there was Harry Findlay on The Morning Line snapping back with: “And that Nick Mordin…” It made for great telly.
Around the same time, my brother Tony had a full-page feature in The Weekender. Years of research on Group-entered two-year-olds—five years’ worth, to be exact. At the time, it was the largest study of its kind in the world. And to this day, that work still informs what we do. Tony hasn’t been that excited since discovering casinocorner.ca and going on a bit of a winning streak. He’s 55 now, and it’s been a road full of highs, lows, and unwavering passion.
We’re twins, Tony and I. We’ve walked the same path, from those early betting days to now—still learning, still adapting. These days, we’re prepping for the 2025 Flat turf season. I’m deep into updating my 2YO trainer stats, which, to be honest, feel every bit as insightful as the old Mordin reads.
Back then, The Weekender was plastered with tipster ads. I remember Patrick Veitch even had one on the front page. Tipsters, free bets, systems—it was a punter’s paradise.
But here’s the thing about gambling: to do it well, you have to live it. You have to go the extra mile. Obsession isn’t a bad word in this game—it’s a necessity. And while you’re trying to beat the bookies, really, you’re trying to be better than you were yesterday.
It’s been 31 years since that iconic article: In a class of their own: How to spot and back potential top-notch two-year-olds. Feels like a lifetime. But it’s also felt like one long continuation, a story still being written, with more than a few incredible wins along the way.
This is more than a hobby. It’s who we are.
You’ll often find us at Great Yarmouth races, pint in hand, catching up with our good mate and fellow pro gambler, Jerry Banks. Afterwards, it’s tradition—a curry at the Savoy Tandoori, maybe a nightcap at the Grosvenor Casino on Marine Parade. Some things don’t change. Nor would we want them to.
Looking back, I’m proud Tony let Mordin publish his work. He said at the time, “Most people would want to keep it secret.” And he was right. But most people don’t want to put in the work to make their betting actually pay. Even when you hand them gold, most won’t dig.
It’s a shame Nick Mordin faded from the spotlight. He was one of the best minds in the game. If you happen to be reading this, Nick—I hope life’s treating you kindly. Your words sparked a fire that still burns.
Photo: JC 2025
