I think it so much easier to make a quid now than it was in the old days. Best tote, top fluc, betting exchange were not available then. Gifts from bookies to bet with them were unheard off. Bookies odds available in your own home - no way.
Seriously, if you can't make a go of it now you would have been chewed up and spat out in the "good old days".

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Dear Lord
Please let me break even. I need the money.