Racing punter almost breaks maximum £1MILLION payout rule but still nets life-changing sum from ‘extraordinary’ bet

ONE genius racing punter came close to landing an epic £1MILLION punt – but still walked away with a life-changing sum after 80-1, 28-1 and 20-1 winners. The Coral customer needed one more horse to win to land the biggest payout a bookie has had in years – which would almost certainly have forced them to trigger their maximum £1m payout rule. This is the betslip that netted a punter a life-changing £200,000 win – and came agonisingly close to a mega £1million payout And though it wasn’t to be, they still made an incredible £208,480.80 from their three selections. The winning punt was struck at a shop in Scunthorpe and took in Sunday’s action. The man – who wishes to remain anonymous – placed a £2 win Lucky 15 and a £2 each-way Lucky 15 – totalling a £90 stake – on four horses at Uttoxeter and Pontefract. The first leg was Hello Garda at 80-1 in the 2.12 at Uttoxeter. Trained by Irish handler Shark Hanlon and ridden by his son Paddy, the three-year-old returned a 40-1 SP so the punter was already well in. Next was Hold Your Fort’s 20-1 success at the same track. Unfortunately Pike Road, an 11-1 shot and shortest of the lot, could manage only seventh in the 4.12. But incredibly there was to be one more win from Go Victor, who claimed Pontefract’s 5pm contest at odds of 28-1. Most read in Horse Racing The £2 win Lucky 15 returned £103,318. And the £2 each-way Lucky 15 returned £105,162.80. Had Pike Road succeeded then traders at the high street bookie would have been in deep, deep trouble and more than likely having to invoke their maximum £1m payout stipulation. So while in one way they dodged a huge bullet, the six-figure return still hit them where it hurts. Coral’s David Stevens said: “A low-key Sunday of racing turned into a life-changing day for this regular shop customer, and we can only congratulate him for finding winners at 80-1, 20-1 and 28-1. “Pike Road was actually the shortest priced of his four selections, but even though the 11-1 shot could finish only seventh – denying the customer a million-pound payout – the return thanks to the other three was a massive £208,000, with the aptly named Go Victor rounding off an extraordinary afternoon for this punter.” The win came on a dire weekend for the bookies – who were otherwise celebrating after big fav Calandagan was turned over in the King George. One punter turned £2 into £52,000 thanks to a massive multiple at York and Ascot. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now