A punter turned just £1 into £20,000 when he picked seven winners from his morning paper.
Dennis Waldron predicted the result of every race at Nottingham correctly to earn him a huge payout. The pensioner, from Birmingham, called it a "bet of a lifetime," as he stunned bookmakers Betfred with the selections.
The incredible run at the Saturday meeting began with Elixsoft (9-2), who comfortably held her rivals at bay in the opening apprentice handicap. Next to strike was the 11-8 favourite Hebrides, who edged ahead by a neck, while Tees Spirit (2-1f) made all the running in the third contest of the day.
Grand Scheme (4-1) and Pledge Of Honour (6-1) continued Waldron's epic run of form at the Colwick Park venue. Then, to his amazement, Ermin Street (13-2) was winner number six and Midnight Train (3-1) held on by a short-head in the May 7 finale.
Waldron told the Daily Star: “For 17 years I’ve been with Betfred, putting on a bet most days – but only a small amount, usually a pound or so. I usually spend a couple of hours studying the form in the Daily Star, but for whatever reason this day it just took me 20 minutes.
The retired labourer has his paper delivered to him each morning and he makes his selections. His carer then picks up his slip and takes it to the local betting shop. Overall his total winning sum amounted to £20,598.
Betfred boss Fred Done said: “Dennis has well and truly picked my pocket with this one. He’s been with us many years, and I’m chuffed to bits that he’s won such a large amount from such a tiny stake.”
