Episode 396: Glenn Munsie

Sky Racing presenters do a great job in trying to identify winners for the army of punters who subscribe to the service around Australia. One of them is affable Glenn Munsie who is a regular on Sky Thoroughbred Central programmes like News Central and Formline. His up to the minute race day market moves are greatly appreciated by punters. We begin by talking to Glenn about his early life as the son of respected jockey Norm Munsie. He talks of his late father’s association with Sir Frank Packer whose horses were trained by Norm’s master Bill Childs at Moorefield. Glenn recalls his dad’s decision to base himself at Canterbury after completing his apprenticeship. Norm’s association with the smaller trainers became one of racing’s most endearing stories. The Sky Racing presenter remembers some of the battling Canterbury trainers who relied heavily on Norm’s assessment of their horses. He talks about a couple of successful betting plunges on horses which had been readied by the talented Norm Munsie- one of them was Airfield who won 11 races for Norm and trainer Ron McDonald. Glenn says his father’s dedication to country and provincial trainers kept him out of the city and precluded him from Gr 1 opportunities. He reflects on his University Business Studies Course and the part time job as a bookie’s clerk which helped him to cover expenses. Glenn talks of that first job with bookmaker Kevin Leighton. He went on to work for some of Sydney’s most high profile bookies. The popular presenter has always enjoyed a flutter, and like all punters delights in finding a longshot. He looks back on a modest investment on a 200/1 winner at Randwick in 1994. His boss accepted the bet. Glenn worked hard to establish his own little business in the pre-post markets field. He quickly gained support from bookies around Australia and in PNG. He says the business introduced him to radio. He says his life changed in 1999 when he was lucky enough to land the job as media manager for the NSW TAB. Before accepting the role he consulted a great friend. Glenn talks of his professional association and friendship with some of his Sky colleagues. He says his wife Denise has given up trying to get him to switch off during down time. Glenn talks of his own family and those of sisters Michelle and Justine. He looks at the massive growth of sports betting since its inception in the late 90’s. Glenn looks back on the fateful day in 2004 when Norm Munsie lost his life in a freak rock fishing accident at La Perouse. Glenn was at the centre of police investigations. He pays tribute to his mother Anne who hasn’t wasted a minute since Norm’s passing in 2004. Glenn talks of his love of golf. It’s a friendly chat with a very friendly bloke.