Bob Jones has been a member of the Canberra Racing Club for almost 40 years and when his health allows, he’s at every race meeting, on his regular table in the Black Opal Room.

A loyal member but also an eagle-eyed punter it seems, Bob tipped the first five winners in  the Canberra Racing Club Members Tipping Competition on Saturday, 27 January, meaning  he only needed his selection in the last to win and the $96,000 prize was all his.  

“It would have paid for my birthday dinner a couple of nights before.” Bob laughed.

“I was nervous. Excited. I’ve never been that close before.” 

Canberra Racing Club Members have free & exclusive access to the competition that is held  on every Canberra racing meeting. To win, an entrant must pick the last six winners on the  card. 

Bob who has dialysis on Friday, but sometimes is given a reprieve by doctors and nurses so  he cant attend the races, and his wife Gloria enter the competition every race day. 

Their hopes rested on that of Tim Martin’s Taxpayer, a $2.10 favourite, to get the job done in  the last race on the day. 

“He was in front, and then skipped a couple lengths clear.” Jones said. “I was definitely  nervous then.” 

Unfortunately for Bob and Gloria, Taxpayer was to find the speed a little too much,  relinquishing the lead and finishing in fourth.  

The Members Tipping Competition jackpot now sits at $98,000, free to enter and exclusive to  members of the Canberra Racing Club. 

“I’ll be entering again next week.” Jones said.