Former high-stakes gambler Graham Bruton has returned to Christchurch, keen to get on with his new life.
"The media have had a field day over my demise. It's now time to move on," said Mr Bruton, known as "Steel Balls".
Mr Bruton left Christchurch last month after defaulting on a $20,000 cricket
bet placed on credit with the Red and Black Tavern TAB. He vowed he would pay his debt as soon as possible.
"Inky Stove [the tavern manager] has been tremendous about the whole issue and he's a gem of a man," he said.
Mr Stove said he always knew Mr Bruton would repay the debt, probably from the winnings of star trotter Lyell Creek, now campaigning in the United States.
Mr Bruton, boarding with a friend, has been booked for a public speaking engagement at a new Rolleston bar, The Rock, tomorrow week. He plans to donate his fee to Gamblers Anonymous. "If I can do something like this for the benefit of problem gamblers like myself, then I am only too happy to do it."
Lyell Creek has his second American start of the year today in a $US50,000 ($119,700) heat of the Su Mac Lad Series in New Jersey.
Mr Bruton is the principal owner of Lyell Creek.
- NZPA
