Punter wins £250,000 after cashing out amazing £5 acca involving Envoi Allen

Punter Paul Dean collected £250,000 on Thursday after opting to partially cash out his remarkable £5 accumulator before Envoi Allen suffered a shock defeat when falling in the Marsh Novices' Chase.

The 40-year-old had the option of letting the bet roll and relying on odds-on favourite Envoi Allen to win him £511,225 in the Marsh Novices' Chase or to take a partial cash-out offer from Betfair.

Dean was offered a £275,000 cash-out from Betfair but following discussions with the bookmaker, he accepted a partial cash-out of £300,000 if Envoi Allen won and £250,0000 the field. His decision not to let the bet run paid off after the six-year-old fell at the fourth fence.

He said: "I was happy after a couple of furlongs and wanted him to win as a racing fan and looked away when he fell. It would have been better if he'd won but I can't complain and the most important thing is that Envoi Allen and Jack Kennedy walked away afterwards.

"I'm not annoyed I didn't take the original cash-out option of £275,000. I always put more money on the horse I fancy. That's the way I like to play. It's Cheltenham and everybody knows how competitive the racing is and how easily things like this can happen."

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"It's not so much the races that make me nervous, it's the months leading up to the festival when my selections shortened. You've seen how many drop out and you just hope yours doesn't get injured."

Dean, from Stockton-on-Tees, had not decided how he will spend the money, but has a few options, and added: "It's a life-changing sum. I might buy another house or perhaps invest in my own horse. I'll be going on plenty of holidays and would like to take my parents away."

Dean stuck the five-fold bet when the sport returned in June and got off to a flyer when Golden Horde (12-1) and Hello Youmzain (10-1) won the Commonwealth Cup and Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot.

He then watched Shishkin, who he had backed at 4-1, win the Arkle and Bob Olinger, who he had at 25-1, canter home in the Ballymore.

His selections were far from stabs in the dark, and Dean added: "I study form all the time and the festival is my big target every year. I always try to land a big one and I fancied the pair at Royal Ascot.

"I'm gutted I can't be there as it's the first festival my father Eric and I have missed in 19 years – we've made lots of friends."

Barry Orr said: "At Paul's request we gave him a partial cash-out offer, which reflected his desire to have a portion of his incredible bet still running on Envoi Allen, while ensuring a substantial profit."

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