Confessions of an On-Course Bookie: Gary Wiltshire on Losing Millions, Media Attacks and Finding Redemption

“I lost over a million quid on Frankie Dettori… and I wouldn’t change a thing.” In this explosive Final Furlong Podcast special, legendary bookmaker, BBC pundit, and racing lifer Gary Wiltshire joins Emmet Kennedy to reflect on 50 Years in the Betting Jungle — from laying the Magnificent Seven to rebuilding his life after public betrayal, tabloid lies, and financial ruin. With trademark honesty, Wiltshire opens up on: 💥 Losing £1.4m on Frankie Dettori and paying back every penny 🎙️ Life in the betting ring & behind the mic at the BBC 🇮🇪 The Irish angle — teaming up with Johnny Dineen at Cheltenham 📉 How the industry is losing fans & the soul of the sport 💊 Addiction issues in racing — and the silence around it 💡 Why York is the model — and what Irish courses must learn 🍽️ Why he’d love to break bread with Kia Joorabchian at Roly’s to fix the game 🕯️ Surviving depression and finding out who your true friends are This isn’t just a career retrospective — it’s a no-holds-barred account from a man who’s been to the top, hit rock bottom, and lived to tell the tale. Also in this episode: Rupert Fowler on bringing fans closer to the sport We’re joined by Rupert Fowler — lifelong racing fan, syndicate trailblazer, and founder of Sports4Causes, a breakthrough initiative that's redefining ownership for racing fans across Britain. From owners’ badges and paddock access, to pre-race briefings with the trainer and jockey and lunch in the owners’ enclosure, Sports4Causes gives everyday fans a taste of the VIP experience — all while donating 40% of revenue to Racing Welfare. Rupert shares the story of how it all began in the pubs of Lambourn with the likes of Emma Lavelle and Richard Hannon, and how Sports4Causes is turning racegoers into racehorse owners — one syndicate at a time. A brilliant example of how to grow the game from the grassroots up. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple & all podcast platforms📺 Watch on YouTube Form Tools: Proform is the essential tool for punters looking to make money from betting on Horse Racing. Our form book covers Jumps and Flat racing in the UK and Ireland. ⁠https://www.proformracing.com/⁠ Twitter: @FinalFurlongPod Email: [email protected] In association with Adelicious Podcast Network. Hosted on Megaphone.  Follow us for free on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3e6NnBkr7MBstVx5U7lpld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices