Eddie “The Shoe” Fremantle is a name synonymous with British horse racing, known both for his sharp insights as a professional punter and his articulate analysis as a TV pundit. Fremantle’s journey through the world of horse racing is marked by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the sport. His story is one of a deep love for racing, an ability to read the formbook like few others, and a career that has seen him become a respected figure in the betting community.
Early Life and Passion for Racing:
Eddie Fremantle’s interest in horse racing began at an early age. As a teenager, he found himself captivated by the thrill of the races. His earliest racing memory is from 1973 when he backed Balliol in the King’s Stand Stakes and Lassalle in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Although his memories of the day are hazy, this early foray into betting laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion.
Fremantle’s introduction to the professional world of racing came about somewhat serendipitously. During a train journey to Ludlow, he struck up a conversation with Ian Davies, who was then the deputy editor of the Racing & Football Outlook. This chance encounter led to his first job in journalism as a sports tipster when Davies, who had by then become the editor, offered him a position. Fremantle’s career in journalism began in earnest, and he spent the next few years as a youthful “Man on the Spot” for the now-defunct Sporting Life newspaper.
Transition to Professional Gambling:
Despite his early success in journalism, Fremantle’s passion for racing and betting led him to try his hand at professional punting. For several years, he dedicated himself exclusively to betting, honing his skills and developing a reputation as a shrewd and knowledgeable punter. However, after eight years of full-time gambling, Fremantle returned to journalism, becoming the racing correspondent for The Observer. This role provided him with access to press facilities at racecourses, allowing him to stay close to the action while continuing to bet professionally.
The Professional Punter’s Approach:
Eddie Fremantle is one of the few remaining professional punters who still attends race meetings in person four or five days a week. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Fremantle prefers to place modest bets with high turnover rather than staking large amounts on individual bets. He believes this approach reduces the impact of losing streaks and keeps the betting process consistent and sustainable. In his own words, “If you only bet rarely, but have a big bet when you do, you really have to get it right.”
Fremantle also has a unique take on the often-dreaded concept of chasing losses. While he does not advocate reckless betting driven by emotion, he does believe that judiciously chasing losses is sometimes necessary. “If you never chase your losses, you’ll never get them back,” he says, highlighting a pragmatic approach that underscores his broader philosophy.
Hard Work and Unconventional Wisdom:
Fremantle’s approach to betting is rooted in hard work and detailed analysis. He spends countless hours studying form, watching race replays, and meticulously preparing his own betting forecasts, or “tissues,” for each race. By comparing his tissue prices with the odds available in the market, Fremantle identifies value bets—those horses that he believes are mispriced by the bookmakers.
Rather than simply trying to pick winners, Fremantle advises aspiring punters to do something “different.” This could mean focusing on overlooked aspects of form or adopting unconventional strategies to gain an edge over the market. His success as a professional punter is a testament to this philosophy, which emphasizes diligent study, a deep understanding of the sport, and a willingness to think outside the box.
Legacy in Horse Racing:
Eddie Fremantle’s career as a professional gambler, freelance journalist, and horse racing pundit has spanned several decades. His expertise and insights have made him a respected figure in the racing community, while his work on Racing TV has introduced him to a broader audience. As one of the last remaining old-school punters who still frequents racecourses regularly, Fremantle represents a dying breed in the world of horse racing. His story is one of dedication, skill, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge in the ever-evolving world of betting.
Photo: Freepik (doesn’t depict Eddie Fremantle)
