I'm Russ, aged 34 (& a half). I've been gambling since the age of 16 and basically got into it because my Dad is a keen gambler too.
Before PL, I used to have a Lucky 15/31 every weekend but now I am much more focused, mainly EW singles. I specialise on handicap races as that is where I have the most success, and I generally back EW at bigger prices. I use a set staking plan now, which has enabled me to make a decent profit this year (that has not always been the case, let me tell you!).
Memories that stick out for me include:-
a) an incredible summer this year where winner after winner was going in
b) winning £100 when I was young as my Nan & I went halves on a placepot. She took my advice on the first 5 legs but disagreed in the 6th. She said "I like that name, Niche". Bloody hell, it was something like 25/1 but where did it finish....yep, you've guessed it...2nd
c) backing Lammtarra for the Derby after it had won its maiden. Took 33's and it won at 14's. Didn't have enough on it though.
d) backing Arcangues for the Breeders Cup and it returned something like 120/1. Again very small stakes.
e) Red Rita for the Lincoln, asked my Grandad to take the price. He didn't! It opened at 40's, won at 16's
Biggest disappointment:-
a) having a Goodwood placepot up (paying around £500) except for one leg. I had Grand Lodge in it but it got withdrawn, putting it on the fav. The fav being Turtle Island from Chapple Hyams yard, unbeaten on soft ground but terrible on good ground. Yep, going was firm and it finished down the field.
Favourite horses of all time are Istabraq, Arazi and Lyric Fantasy, the pocket rocket. My local track is Haydock Park, a cracking course.