Pro punter Q&A: 'Discipline is an essential ingredient to being a winner'

Over the next few weeks we will bring you a series of app-exclusive Q&As with pro punters, trainers and jockeys which will offer unrivalled insight to our sport. This series kicks off this week focused on pro punters. Today: Steve Lewis Hamilton

What was your biggest ever win?

A Jackpot success on the Saturday of Royal Ascot many years ago, when the Saturday wasn't part of the royal meeting and was called Ascot Heath. My dividend paid out at around £21,000, but the fact is that I'd borrowed £20,000 from the bank to start my career as a full-time punter a few years previously. The reason they gave me the loan was that I told them it was for a new kitchen! Well, the Jackpot win did allow us to build that kitchen, albeit a few years down the line.

What was your most painful ever defeat?

I haven't a single most painful one, but back in the early days I was sometimes tempted to back horses at shorter odds than I should have and I found it hard to take when they lost, simply because it was my mistake and discipline is an essential ingredient to being a winner. Backing losers is part of the game, and for many years now I would describe defeats as frustrating – sometimes very frustrating – rather than painful.

Which winner has given you the most satisfaction?

Back in the day I remember betting a horse at Towcester at 33-1. It was a big-field handicap hurdle in which I had this horse as 5-1 favourite on my own tissue, but I managed to get on £1000-£30 five times, totalling £5000-£150. I can't remember the name of the horse but I can still remember the bookmakers who laid me. It was a strong market at Towcester back then.

Much more recently, I bet a winner at Newbury in a novice hurdle at 4-1 and 7-2, when I had it at 2-1 on my tissue. Although it's harder to get on at those prices in today's environment, I managed it, and the satisfaction, as ever, came from knowing that my analysis and pricing was correct.

How does your Flat betting differ from your jumps betting?

I cover all jump racing throughout the year, but I deal only with higher grade Flat racing – Listed class and above – during the turf season. This is the balance that I feel most comfortable with and able to manage.

Betting on the Flat and over jumps is exactly the same. I'm always looking for value and every race of possible interest is analysed thoroughly. I need to be able to price a race with total confidence, and having done that, I will only bet when the percentages are in my favour.

What's the best bit of advice you've ever received?

In the very early days, I was told to record every bet I had. It was a very simple but crucial piece of advice back then, and still applies today. The brain can sometimes 'forget' those small losses that all add up.

What's the greatest misconception most punters have about racing?

I think there are still lots of punters out there who still believe that the trainer or the jockey knows who's going to win any particular race. They would much rather take note of a 'stable whisper' than listen to a thorough analytical appraisal of a race.

Which horse are you most looking forward to running again?

Simply as a racing fan, Constitution Hill could be one of the very best.

Read more pro punter Q&As:

Mark Holder: 'The bookmakers messed up and priced him at 25-1 - I got on what I could'