Usually, a £4000 windfall would be considered fantastic for a racing fan, but for one unlucky punter at Royal Ascot it was peanuts compared to what he should have won.
Michael Lightfoot, a former journalism student, parted with a £1 as he chanced his arm on a six-way accumulator on Wednesday. And suddenly, things started looking good when Dramatised, Eldar Eldarov, State of Rest, and Saffron Beach all came in.
At that point, he needed Dark Shift and Little Big Bear to prevail in the last two races, having placed each-way bets on both. It meant he stood on the brink of a £13,000 return.
But rather than take the risk, the Newcastle United fan opted to cash out, initially taking back £354, To his horror, he then watched his two horses be first past the winning post.
Lightfoot then took to Twitter to explain his mishap, saying: "My a**e fell out and I cashed out because with covid, I needed the money. I'm devastated but it is what it is. £10 e/w double as a cover. But I am in the ITV 7 still."
He added: "A 29-horse race and I picked the winner out when I didn't want it to. You can't make it up. But hey ho I'll take the adulation for picking 6 winners at Royal Ascot in one day though!"
The 'ITV 7' relates to a competition where by punters can select seven winners to be in with a chance of winning the jackpot every race weekend. And Lightfoot's devastation was soon eased when he realised there was another bet which mercifully, he didn't cash out on.
He posted a Twitter grab with another betting slip, with the same selections, saying: "I did win £4000 on a 20p alphabet." Fellow Twitter uses were split on his decision to cash out, but Lightfoot retained his sense of humour, responding to one jibe with: "Mate. I won £4000 all in. I'll live."
And on Thursday, he embraced his new status as an expert tipster, posting: "Morning to my many new followers. Here’s my picks. Frankie’s on the Queen’s horse I’ve added for the ITV 7.
"It’s not everyday you get the first 6 at Royal Ascot, so it was a close one yesterday. Please bet within your means and have a great day."
And his followers appreciated the advice, with @TomJerv replying: "I hadn’t heard of an alphabet bet until your post, but I think it’s a cracking way to bet! Good luck today mate."
However, lightning didn't strike twice for Lightfoot. He failed to pick the winner in the first two races, with The Ridler and Secret State beating his respective picks of Walbank and Post Impressionist.
