Aah yes, I too remember the very public demise of "The Fireman" and I also remember the name(s) of the hoop(s) and I ahem am still of the opinion they had more to do with it than simple bad luck........hmmmmm, yes, I remember those times well.......!
Having said that I am also of the opinion that he was doomed to inevitable fail as he would take the odds the bookies dictated to him(imo breaking one of the cardinal rules of smart, professional punting)!
I noted this in my younger, learning days until the inimitable Don Scott came along and showed punters/form students to calculate their own markets and only bet when they secured "value/overs."

Cheers.