While I’ve read many books about professional gamblers, I’ve come across fewer that focus on bookmakers. One I particularly enjoyed was Odds & Sods by Ron Pollard. This book detailed Pollard’s career with both Ladbrokes and William Hill, culminating in his role as the head PR man for Ladbrokes. It was a fascinating read, and I’d highly recommend it.
The latest addition to my collection is From Bicycle to Bentley by Stephen Little, published by White Owl, a new imprint from Pen & Sword Books based in Barnsley, North Yorkshire. Released on August 15, 2023, the book spans 121 pages. I purchased it from Amazon for £16.73 (including postage), a small bargain considering its listed price of £20.
The book features an attractive dust jacket and a foreword by Sir Mark Prescott, adding a touch of prestige.
Having followed horse racing for over 40 years, I recalled Stephen Little from my past impressions. I vaguely remembered him as a fair-haired chap in a fur coat, a rails bookmaker I either saw on TV or read about in The Racing Post, perhaps mentioned by John McCririck. To be honest, I hadn’t realized Little had published a book until I stumbled upon it while browsing Amazon for professional gambling titles. I immediately thought, This should be a good read. It’s always intriguing to learn from someone on the other side of the betting fence.
When I enjoy a book, I devour it like a piranha attacking a juicy steak. I finished this one in just two days.
The book is insightful from the outset, with much to admire about Stephen Little. His good character shines through, and it’s clear he is a man of his word—arguably the highest praise for a bookmaker. Despite the image of a man driving a Bentley, draped in a lavish fur coat, and taking bets with liabilities reaching up to £320,000, Little was far from being born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The son of a vicar, he defied expectations and became one of the most respected bookmakers in the country.
Little’s journey is captivating. As a young man uninterested in university—despite an interview at Cambridge—he spent his gap year cycling to racecourses across the UK. Often traveling over 100 miles a day and staying at hostels, he pursued his dream of becoming a bookmaker with unwavering determination.
His early career was far from easy. He began at coursing events and gradually built his reputation, meeting notable figures like Sir Mark Prescott, Harry Findlay, and John McCrirrick along the way. Before McCrirrick became a Channel 4 personality, Little would even give him rides to remote racecourses. These formative years laid the groundwork for his rise as one of the country’s most renowned rails bookmakers.
The book offers a wealth of anecdotes and insights. Little's reputation grew as a fearless bookmaker willing to take substantial bets, often hedging heavily to balance risk. He was pragmatic, basing his books on odds rather than personal opinion—a strategy that set him apart from many peers who overestimated their judgment, often to their detriment.
What stands out is Little’s tireless work ethic. He frequently attended two race meetings in a day to maximize opportunities. From taking bets from legendary punters like J.P. McManus to sparring with Patrick Veitch and challenging the betting intelligence of Phil Bull, his career was a whirlwind of action and resilience.
Interestingly, Little also relied on gambling to sustain himself during tough times. Like Alex Bird, he bet on photo finishes to make ends meet. His persistence eventually enabled him to acquire coveted bookmaker pitches on the rails, though this required immense patience, as many were passed down within families.
The book also touches on the challenges of the industry, including declining on-course betting. Little was instrumental in launching a bookmaker-funded betting exchange to rival Betfair, but the venture ultimately failed due to a lack of support. He eventually sold his pitches to the Tote after the restrictions they imposed made continuing untenable.
In conclusion, From Bicycle to Bentley is a captivating read filled with gems of wisdom and fascinating anecdotes. Little’s story is one of grit, determination, and passion for his craft. His journey from cycling to racecourses to driving a Bentley is nothing short of remarkable.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a bet or enjoys the behind-the-scenes stories of bookmakers and racing legends. Stephen Little’s legacy is one of fearless ambition and integrity—a fitting tribute to a life well-lived in the world of betting.
Photo: JC 2024 (All Rights Reserved)
Decent read.
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