Punter Bags £1M After 50p Stake

Feb 24 2008 By Billy Paterson

A MYSTERY punter has become an overnight millionaire for a 50p stake.

His first and last winners could not have been more aptly named - Isn't That Lucky and A Dream Come True.

He scooped his fortune by placing a 50p eight-horse accumulator at William Hill's in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

The gambler had no idea he had won until he went to place a bet at another branch in nearby Bedale yesterday.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: "When he was in the other shop he asked staff to check his betting slip from yesterday.

"When they told him he had £1million to come but would have to collect it from the Thirsk shop, he went visibly pale before saying he would have to go and tell his wife."

The punter, who is believed to be in his late 50s, warned staff two weeks ago that he was due a big win.

Mr Sharpe said: "The staff said he is a quiet guy and they don't know his name. But he did tell them a couple of weeks ago he was due a really big win and that they wouldn't have enough money in the shop to pay him out. And he duly delivered.

"This is the most incredible betting shop payout ever."

The eight-horse accumulator should have won the punter nearly £1.4million, but William Hill have a £1million payout limit on horse racing.

Mr Sharpe added: "I don't think he will be complaining."

HOW HE WON HIS FORTUNE

HERE are the bets that scooped him £1m:

50p on Isn't That Lucky (2.55 Sandown) at 8/1, wins £4.50p

£4.50p on Muttamarres (3.05 Nad Al Sheba) at 7/2, wins £20.25p

£20.25p on Mutasallil (3.40 Nad Al Sheba) at 11/2, wins £131.62.5p

£131.62.5p on Racer Forever (4.15 Nad Al Sheba) at 4/1, wins £658.12.5p

£658.12.5p on Ede's (4.50 Warwick) at 10/1, wins £7,239.37.5p

£7239.37.5 on Rio L'Oren (7.50 Wolverhampton) at 15/2, wins £61,534.69p

£61,534.69 on Guadaloup (8.20 Wolverhampton) at 11/2, wins £399,975.47p

£399,975.47p on A Dream Come True (9.20 Wolverhampton) at 5/2, wins £1,399,914.14p