Merv Cooper, one of Brisbane's best-known bookmakers and racing radio personalities from a golden era of racing, has died aged 89.

The son of a Gallipoli veteran, Cooper played rugby league for Brisbane's Western Suburbs but made his name as a big betting and opinionated bookmaker from the 1960s.

He was one of the first to keep form cards and he would bet punters just about any price on a horse he thought couldn't win.

However, if the horse won his performances were legendary and he would often refuse to pay until the punter explained why he backed the winner.

Cooper was also a regular on radio in Brisbane for many years with form and racing shows.