'Andy keeps Desert Crown short, but I suddenly have £200 thrust into my hand'

Paul Kealy and Mark Maidment on the Festival betting pitch in the Jubilee Family enclosure at EpsomCredit: Edward Whitaker

I ache from head to toe, have a sore throat and can barely speak. Covid, you may ask.

No, I've just done the first day's real work of my life and I'm completely bushed.

"Come and help me on my pitch on the hill on Derby day," said West Country bookmaker Andy Smith over a few jars at Punchestown in April. "It would be good for you to see how it works on the other side for once and we'll have a great laugh."

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Published on 5 June 2022inFeatures

Last updated 14:53, 5 June 2022

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