Barney Curley is a name that evokes a mixture of respect and fear among bookmakers and is celebrated as one of the most skilled and influential punters in modern history. His reputation, both as a relentless gambler and a man of principle, can be traced back to a pivotal moment at a Belfast race track over forty years ago.
Curley’s journey into the world of gambling began under tragic circumstances. His father, a grocer by trade, placed a significant bet on one of his own dogs at a race. Tragically, the dog fell and broke its neck at the first bend. The sight of his father walking back up the track, cradling the dead dog, left an indelible mark on Barney, shaping his future in the world of betting. This event, while devastating, fueled Curley’s drive to become one of the most formidable punters in the industry.
Following the incident, Curley’s father took drastic measures. He pulled Barney, the eldest of six children, out of school and took him to Manchester, where they both worked double shifts in a plastics factory for 15 months to pay off the debts incurred from the lost bet. This experience instilled in Curley a deep understanding of honor and pride. “My father wouldn’t come back to Ireland until everyone was paid,” Barney recalled, a lesson that, despite its harshness, became a cornerstone of his betting philosophy. Every winning bet Curley made thereafter was, in a way, retribution for the suffering he and his family endured during those tough months.
Curley did not initially start his career as a professional punter. At the age of 24, he ventured into the entertainment industry, managing bands, and later expanded into owning pubs and betting shops. However, his true passion lay elsewhere, and he eventually moved south of the border to focus solely on his punting career. “I wanted to prove myself,” he said. “You have to be out of the ordinary to make money.” His first major win of about £80,000 vanished quickly due to excessive drinking, a lesson that taught him the incompatibility of alcohol and gambling.
One of Curley’s most famous exploits was the ‘Yellow Sam’ coup in Ireland. In this meticulously planned operation, he and his team managed to net nearly £300,000 from a single race at the Mount Hanover Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown on June 25, 1975. The small country track had only one phone line, and Curley’s team ensured it was occupied, preventing bookmakers from communicating with their on-course representatives. Yellow Sam, a horse that had shown little promise in previous races, started as a complete outsider at 20/1 and won by a full 2½ lengths, making Curley a fortune.
Curley’s success in racing allowed him to live comfortably. He owned a seven-bedroom mansion near Newmarket, complete with an indoor swimming pool, and his driveway is graced by a Mercedes with the number plate “I BET.”
When asked what advice he would give to the average punter, Curley was characteristically candid. “It’s very difficult to make racing pay in the bookmakers’ shops with their computerized tracking systems and expert analysts. Always go to the course if you can. You will invariably get better prices by shopping around. The important thing is to control your emotions and don’t chase your losses. There’s always another day. I know my judgment of form is sound enough to pay off in the end.” This pragmatic approach sets Curley apart from many of his peers, as he recognizes that even the most seasoned punter can never guarantee a win.
Barney Curley Epic Rant
In conclusion, Barney Curley is a man of remarkable skill and determination. He was brought up to value hard work and integrity, and he used these principles to carve out a successful career in the challenging world of professional gambling.
Barney Curley passed away on the 23rd May 2021 (aged 81)
Photo: Freepik
