June 5, 1976 - a memorable day for Malcom Blight and a young boy at Sandown races

My eldest brother Gordon has been the most influential figures in my life, in fact it is he that i have to thank for my introduction and love of horse racing.

I can always remember being taken to the greyhounds or the trots, however it was my emotional attachment that grew to the racehorse through my brother Gordon.

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From those early days, I recall that he liked to bet on the favourites and fair dinkum he stopped more favourites from winning then any weigh carrying impost the horses endured.

It's not that he could not punt, in fact his knowledge of all codes was outstanding and i would drive him crazy with many questions - as he was my racing historic almanac.

Even to this day, i call him to ask how he went on the punt and i almost know the answer before he responds.... chasing short priced favourites has kept his betting balance alive, however he has never really experienced a memorable win on the punt.

So on that famous day - June 5, 1976.... the entire football world still refer to the amazing 75mtr goal after the siren by Malcolm Blight as the greatest goal in VFL/AFL history.

Those scenes of him being carried off as the champion and orchestrator of a memorable victory could have been mine on this same day.

"Don't take the quinella - I will back them both for you each way"

It was my 12th birthday and i was so thrilled when my brother Gordon surprised me by taking me to Sandown races [which was a long drive from Greensborough].

I was so confident of two horses - Bold Star and Neat and Fast and i truly thought that i could pick that quinella in one hit.

My selections were victorious and the quinella paid $26.70 - for a 12yo in 1976, this was a small fortune..... however the joy of victory soon turned to a sobering gesture of safety when i witnessed my brother was shaking his head and was that he elected to back them each way as I assume his safe nature suggested a better chance of a collect.

This might sound like a grudge, nothing could be further than the truth - it was a life lesson in taking the road less travelled and not to be shy of taking a risk.

I will always thank my brother Gordon for sharing with enthusiasm the love of racing and we laugh about this story each year.... June 5, 1976.