Mug Punting: Short tales about long odds

by David Atkinson

This collection of real-life racing stories is told through the eyes of mug punter David Atkinson as he embarks on a roller-coaster journey of discovery to the heart, soul and nether regions of horse racing. Along the way there is time to revel in the maelstrom of meetings at Cheltenham, Ascot and.....Towcester; and by turns be intoxicated by thrilling winners, spellbound by staying chasers and lubricated by real ale. The true spirit of racing is captured here in healthy dollops: sublime talent, Corinthian competition and touching naivety, as well as good humour, bad punting and worse hangovers all wrapped up in a parcel of rich history and friendship.

228 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2012

Reviews

[Ben Adams]

As an armchair sports fan who likes an occasional flutter I thoroughly enjoyed this down-to-earth account of one man's attempt to beat the bookies. This book contains some hilarious tales of days at the races and nights down the pub. The characters are real - the sort of people you can imagine yourself having a few beers with. And the whole thing is well written too. I took a punt on this book but on this occasion my punt came off.