BLACK FLAME: An Old 'War Story'

I notice that the name Black Flame is being used again and has cropped up in conversation elsewhere on the site. I have an interesting story to tell about the 1980's version of the horse :

If my memory serves me correctly the year was 1989. Sports betting was very much in its infancy and was technically not even legal if I am not mistaken. At that point I punted with a ( now defunct ) bookmaker who circumvented this problem by having a 'branch' in Namibia or suchlike.

I had developed a technique of punting some quite obscure sports events and was making steady money. It all seemed so easy. The flaw in my strategy was that I was accepting some hair curling odds. I was soon to learn my lesson....................

Bangladesh had just entered the international cricket arena and were up against the West Indies in an ODI. At that time the Windies were very dominant in world cricket. 1/10 West Indies against a side who were often skittled out for scores of less than 100 seemed more of an investment than a punt. So I took R1,000/R10,000.

The match was played at a weird time and not televised. So I was brushing my teeth the following morning when the result was broadcast over the radio. I can tell you that I swallowed my toothpaste when I heard that Bangladesh had beaten the West Indies!

As often happens when one sustains a big loss my mind was sharply focused. It was already Thursday and settling the following monday was suddenly looking ugly.

It was then that I noticed that a horse that I had been following in PE was due to meet the highly regarded Black Flame in what was being touted as a match race. The horse's name was Jubilee Creek and was owned by no less than Mr R McCurdie!

I was expecting Jubilee Creek to be an odds on shot or, at best, evens. But apparently the market thought otherwise and had Black Flame priced up favourite with Jubilee Creek at 15/10.

It was a no brainer that I took R 15,000 - R10,000 and shouted home the horse to a comfortable victory over Black Flame.

I got out but it was a lesson well learned for future sports betting!

Cheers Garrick, sure u will be having a wee punt in the 4th today?

What a good suggestion Dave for old times sake. Black Flame burns again in the winners enclosure!

impressive win if u take he fly jumped at the gates still came from last and won going away over 1600metres WOW I'm tipping this horse as a future champion!! He sure is aptly named (tu) Admin dnt delete this thread!! its for archive purposes

Stats we don't delete posts only posters

one day at newmarket i back divine act for the fortune i get 1/3 against the shit horses i think he will win by 20 lengths. the fcuking horse break through the gates and is reloaded and now for sure i have lost i was praying they scratch but he run and get beaten, that day i never forget

Harry my best friends were the owners of Divine Act and we had many happy times

Hello scotia yes i now this was the top horse and i also now roy erenstein i wonder if he is still alive? Do you remember this race i talk about?

Sadly I remember it well, I think it was Knife Edge ? That beat it that day.

Hans Eerenstien passed away many years ago, his brother Louis is still a very close friend but never had a share in Divine Act, Roy Groendyk is ok but not in the best of health and the other owner was Alec Passmore his one and only horse and possibly still lives in Namibia?

Sorry I now roy groendyk he had the hole in the throat a very nice man. Because this race was so painful I never forget the winner it was called colour sensation and was trained by zaki who was warned off I think dom zakis brother or cousin I'm not sure