Bright spark Derek Jones ignored a wonder horse in his Tote Placepot – and landed £64,420 from his £20 bet.
The electrician, above, who works at an oil refinery, plans to use his winnings to pay off some of his mortgage and go on a Caribbean cruise with his wife.
Derek, a father-of-two, won big hours after placing his one-line £20 wager at the Betfred shop on Victoria Road, Woolston, Southampton.
He made his six selections, opting against the highly-fancied, unbeaten Baaeed – a huge favourite – on Champions Day at Ascot.
He said: “There were two big favourites, including Baaeed, who I didn’t go for, instead option for second and third favourites. I had two winners, while the rest of my selections came in second or third.
“I knew all about Baaeed, of course, but I didn’t think the conditions were right for him so I didn’t pick him.
“This is the second time I’ve won on the Placepot, although I only picked up £100 last time… about five years ago!
Derek with his complimentary bottle of champagne, courtesy of Betfred boss Fred Done
“I celebrated with the missus over an Indian meal and a few drinks. It was my 66th birthday a few days later, so it was a double celebration.
“I will be paying off a large amount of my mortgage, then go on a cruise with the missus, probably in the Caribbean. Some people think I should get a new car, but I’m quite happy with my Ford Focus which is reliable and has a low mileage.”
Derek went on: “Like the Betfred boss Fred Done, I am a big Manchester United supporter, but I’ve only seen them once in the flesh – that was when I was a young lad and George Best was playing for them at Southampton.
“My brother took me, but made me take my United badge off before we went into The Dell.
“I used to work in Manchester, at Trafford Park, and the closest I ever got to going inside Old Trafford was Lou Macari’s chip shop outside the ground.
“My aim now is to take some more money off Fred, even if he is a fellow Red!
Fred, who arranged for Derek to be presented with a bottle of champagne, had another big surprise for the lucky customer – two VIP tickets to watch United play Aston Villa at Old Trafford next month!
He said: “I’m chuffed to bits for Derek who is a regular visitor to one of our shops in Southampton. He can have my tickets for the Villa match. I know they are good ‘uns.
“We haven’t got anyone quite so good as Georgie Best playing at the moment, but we are doing quite a bit better this season. I don’t mind doing a favour for another United supporter… especially such a good customer.”
