There are intrepid gamblers and then there is Benny Bufanda, the horse racing enthusiast who has developed a cult following on Instagram in recent months by placing bets that have to be seen to be believed.
Bufanda, 23, based in Sydney, is the son of a former professional bettor, with the sport of kings in his blood.
His rapid rise from relative online newbie to Must-Have Instagram Expert for Race Day was inspired by New Zealand dairy farmer Tim Myers, better known as Tim Naki on social media.
At first, Bufanda watched in fascination as the New Zealander bet 10 cents for each Instagram follower he had.
At one point, Myers, who quickly went viral, was betting nearly $200,000 on a single hand of blackjack, and Bufanda saw an opportunity.
“If my content is even a fraction as good as Tim’s, I think it’s pretty good,” Bufanda told Daily Mail Australia.
“My plan was to revitalize racing and bring younger people into the sport and based on the feedback I’ve received, I’m having an impact.”
You are not wrong.
Bufanda began betting 50 cents per Instagram follower on the favorite in the last race at a chosen meeting, but as his influence rapidly increased, he wisely reduced that number to five cents.
Given that Bufanda now has more than 197,000 followers on Instagram, it was a shrewd decision, but it means he’s still risking almost $10,000 with each bet.
Some of her big wins in recent months include Tavros at Gunnedah in May, In Flight at Rosehill in June and Fangirl at Royal Randwick last month.
Fangirl’s triumph was made even more memorable after Scarf told her legion of followers that if the mare said hello, she would generously put $5,000 behind the bar for thirsty drinkers at the Doncaster Hotel in the Sydney suburb of Kensington.
Incredibly, not everyone was impressed by Scarf’s shout.
“There was a guy who complained that (advertising guru) John Singleton had put $100,000 behind the bar and that I was being cheap,” he said.
“You could save the world and someone will still complain, so you might as well accept it.”
Bufanda went on to confirm what many bettors and fans want to know: Did the online sportsbook Dabble give him his bet money because he has a relationship with the company?
There are fearless gamblers, and then there’s Benny Bufanda (pictured), the horse racing enthusiast who has developed a cult following with his crazy bets on Instagram.
Bufanda bets five cents on a horse for every Instagram follower he has, meaning he’s risking nearly $10,000 with each punt (pictured)
“100 percent it’s my money,” he said. ‘If you ever think otherwise, go look at the veins in my neck.
‘I love controversy though. Mystery adds to the theatre.’
The punter with nerves of steel confirmed he has the support of his girlfriend and parents despite his reckless habit, but they are happy to “keep their heads in the sand”.
Supporters love Bufanda’s many catchphrases, particularly “be brave” as his horse looks to gallop home and “one for the good guys” after a victory.
Naturally, when your chosen nuisance doesn’t cross the winning post first, it’s a “victory for the bad guys”, i.e. the TAB.
Bufanda also has a notable ‘enemy’ on Instagram: a supposed fan who took the time to create his own Instagram page called Benny Bufanda Punt History, where he aims to ‘keep track’ of his successes and failures.
‘I find it hilarious. Good for him,” Bufanda said when asked if the man who calls himself ‘Dave’ was being petulant in his eyes.
“He should sell an accounting service or something; he’s built up a following and might as well make some money.”
Scarf is shown placing a bet at his local TAB in Sydney, and says his girlfriend and family would rather “keep their heads in the sand” than his wild bets.
As Bufanda approaches Day 100 of betting on his Instagram page, which will be the Melbourne Cup on November 5, he revealed the maximum amount of money he is willing to risk on a single race, whether Group One or of Maiden.
“I think about $11,000, I would have to say, guys, I have to lower it, this is crazy,” said the real estate economics graduate.
“Maybe I’ll win the lottery and start betting $100,000 a race, who knows?”
When it comes to her future, Bufanda is undecided.
“I can’t reveal much, but I have big plans,” he said.
‘I’ve really enjoyed the journey from social media… (for me) it’s the best vehicle these days to get attention and get in front of people’s eyes.
“It’s so dynamic.”
