This edition of 'A punter of the week' features professional rugby league player, horse owner and Jacquinot Bay fan Jarrod Croker (he also seems like a good bloke!). Enjoy the Canberra Raider's thoughts on the great game below...





1.What got you into racing?



Basically, all my mates follow it and my old man has always loved it. I kind of grew up with it.



Jarrod Croker asked about his passion for horse racing: 'Yeah, I've got one running in about 10 minutes.' — Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1) February 26, 2016



2. Biggest and/or most memorable win?

3. What's the sickest beat you've ever copped?

Only the other week my dad and I had a nice little multi with a few Goulburn-trained horses (Jarrod is from Goulburn). Win, place, place. The third horse won at $35. The multi still paid $88 but what could have been!

A few months ago on a Saturday arvo, I had a $30, 10-leg multi on gallopers around the country. A few to win and a few to place. Got the first nine legs up - the last leg was a $2.50 favourite at Belmont. It got rolled! The return would've been almost $45,000! I rang one of my mates after and asked if I should have cashed out and he said "no mate, for $30 ya gotta let it ride." That’s punting.







4. Own any horses?



I own shares in three gallopers. Two (Napoli and Territorial) are based at Goulburn with mates of mine, Tash Burleigh and her partner Patty Murphy. I also have another galloper on the Gold Coast (Wrapped). I also have 10 pacers trained and driven by a good mate of mine, Brad Hewitt, out of Goulburn. They keep me busy!



5. Favourite bet type?



Win. If you're not first you're last! Also a big fan of multis.



6. Favourite horse?



Hard to narrow it down. Of the past, More Joyous and Chautauqua. Present? Besides the great Winx, an old horse that's been great to me is Jacquinot Bay. He's made me plenty of money and always tries his guts out.



7. Favourite punting location?



Can't beat a Saturday arvo at the local pub with the boys.



8. Favourite punting snack and beverage?



Chicken snitty and a cold beer.







Who doesn't love a chicken schnitzel?



9. Favourite punting attire?



Summer time, thongs and singlet. Unless you're heading to the track, then you have to suit up.



10. Favourite jockey?



Have to say Jamie Kah at the moment. She'd get a broomstick home! I also have a soft spot for Tommy Berry. Just love the bloke.







Jarrod has plenty of time for Jamie Kah. Image: Getty.



11. Least favourite jockey?



Not going to mention names, but the certain WA jockey that lost me my multi (see question 3) really stung me. To his defence, he's a good jockey, but he won't be getting my hard-earned again 😂.



12. Favourite trainer?



Tony McEvoy. He always seems to have his horses flying and in the right races.



13. Best punting advice you've ever received?



If you're not punting, you're losing.



14. Worst punting advice you've ever received?



Back it each-way.



15. Favourite track?



The Valley.







One of Jarrod's favourite horses, Jacquinot Bay, winning at his favourite track. Image: Getty.



16. Least favourite track?



The Sunshine Coast.



17. How do you celebrate a successful day of punting?



Probably shout the boys a round and kick on!







18. What do you do after a grim day of punting?



Probably the same as a good day.

