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Bookmaker: Inspired by the memoirs of L.G. Burke
This is the story of the rise of one of the biggest bookmakers in Australia during the mid 20th century.
It was a time when record crowds, big money and even bigger characters flowed through the gates of Sydney tracks. Burke started as a kid and worked his up, learning the bookmaker trade on dog tracks, with pub SPs and on small country race meetings but always with an eye on getting to the Rails at Randwick. In the 1950s, '60s and '70s, Burke carved out a name for himself, standing toe to toe with gamblers, politicians and the rest of the racing elite.
This riveting book unveils the life of a man who played the odds, living in a world where intuition, quick thinking and iron will made the difference between riches and ruin. L.G. Burke's turnover in 1962 was more than £3 million at a time when the basic wage was less than £15 a week. Nevertheless, Burke always remained legendary amongst his staff and inner circle for his humility and generosity.
A warm and funny first person account of the racing world in its golden age. This true biography is based on the memoirs of a man who made himself an expert in the field and the stories are told as if you are standing next to Burke as he takes bets, sizes up the odds and outsmarts the competition.
It was a time when record crowds, big money and even bigger characters flowed through the gates of Sydney tracks. Burke started as a kid and worked his up, learning the bookmaker trade on dog tracks, with pub SPs and on small country race meetings but always with an eye on getting to the Rails at Randwick. In the 1950s, '60s and '70s, Burke carved out a name for himself, standing toe to toe with gamblers, politicians and the rest of the racing elite.
This riveting book unveils the life of a man who played the odds, living in a world where intuition, quick thinking and iron will made the difference between riches and ruin. L.G. Burke's turnover in 1962 was more than £3 million at a time when the basic wage was less than £15 a week. Nevertheless, Burke always remained legendary amongst his staff and inner circle for his humility and generosity.
A warm and funny first person account of the racing world in its golden age. This true biography is based on the memoirs of a man who made himself an expert in the field and the stories are told as if you are standing next to Burke as he takes bets, sizes up the odds and outsmarts the competition.
160 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2025
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