Betfair punter lands incredible £1 million six-fold accumulator from £11.50 bet
Our Best of 2021 series, featuring our most popular interviews, features and news stories, runs until the end of the year on Racing Post digital platforms, and readers can expect big names, punchy views and great stories every day.
This piece was originally published in June and you can read more from our award-winning team of journalists in full via Members' Club Ultimate. Find out more about our special offer here.
A London-based Betfair punter is now a millionaire after landing a staggering 90,396-1 six-fold golf and football accumulator.
The punter, who staked £11.50 on the accumulator, entered Sunday evening with five winning selections but was made to endure an eight-hole playoff in the final round of the Travelers Championship before Harris English sank a 20-foot putt to secure victory.
The five winning selections leading up to English's PGA Tour success included two bets in the Euro 2020 group stages: England to beat the Czech Republic and Croatia to beat Scotland.
Along with those football selections, the punter also correctly picked Steve Stricker to win the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, Nelly Korda to win the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and Viktor Hovland to win the BMW International Open.
The winning accumulator
- Croatia to beat Scotland 7-5
- England to beat the Czech Republic 11-20
- Steve Striker to win Bridgestone Senior Players Championship 5-1
- Nelly Korda to win KPMG Women's PGA Championship 14-1
- Viktor Hovland to win BMW International Open 13-2
- Harris English to win Travelers Championship 35-1
Combined odds: 90,396-1
Stake: £11.50
Winnings: £1,039,554
The punter, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I thought I was going to have a heart attack when the winning putt went in – I couldn't believe it.
"I've enjoyed watching the football, so I included a couple of Euros matches and I watch quite a lot of golf. I was sure that Hovland, Korda and Steve Stricker were good bets, but I was a little unsure on Harris English.
"When he won the play-off I was very relieved. I thought he had lost it after some wayward tee shots on the 18th hole."
Asked about what he plans to do with his winnings, he said: "I think I'm going to take a couple of months off work to take my partner travelling.
"I like playing golf too and I'd like to take some friends to the USA to play TPC Sawgrass. Hopefully I'll be able to celebrate even more if England beat Germany. I think it will be a great game and I believe England will put the demons to bed and win 2-1."
Betfair spokesperson Barry Orr offered his congratulations to the punter and confirmed the firm was offering support to help him handle his big win.
Orr said: "We've been in touch to help with his withdrawal and to deliver his big-win education, where we discuss the importance of controlling play, applying safer gambling tools, and coming to terms with a sum like £1 million.
"We share his optimism for the England match and hope the rest of the nation will be able to celebrate a win for Gareth Southgate's side."
Read more from our Best of 2021 series:
The jumps season is broken - so how would some of racing's deep thinkers fix it? (Members' Club)
Rachael Blackmore makes history on 11-1 Minella Times in 2021 Grand National
McCoy v Ruby - the punditry mismatch between ITV's two star signings (Members' Club)
'These horses don't come around often' - Derby hero Adayar emulates Galileo
'Wish you break your neck and never ride again' - social media abuse laid bare
The best try at a coup in ten years: bookie reveals secret to 'quick hit' gamble (Members' Club)
Bookies spared massive payout as third leg of gamble is beaten at Musselburgh
Matt Chapman: 'I'm a very proud public schoolboy – but probably not a typical one' (Members' Club)
'I backed him at 66-1, 100-1 and 150-1' – owner confident bookies had it wrong
Aidan O'Brien: 'Drug talk must stop – don't tear apart the sport with no facts' (Members' Club)
Patrick Mullins: I thought I could win the National – but in five strides it all went up in smoke
FESTIVE OFFER: Racing Post Members' Club 50% off for three months!
'Tis the season to be jolly, and the perfect time to celebrate with a subscription to Racing Post Members' Club!
Featuring award-winning journalism, expert tips and renowned form study tools, this is the only racing subscription you need to stay ahead of the field.
Throughout the festive season you can get 50% off your first THREE months of Members' Club Ultimate. That's just £17.48 per month* to unlock all premium features.
Head to the offer page here to find out more!
*T&Cs apply
Published on inSeries
Last updated
- We believed Dancing Brave could fly - and then he took off to prove it
- 'Don't wind up bookmakers - you might feel clever but your accounts won't last'
- 'There wouldn't be a day I don't think about those boys and their families'
- 'You want a bit of noise, a bit of life - and you have to be fair to punters'
- 'I take flak and it frustrates me - but I'm not going to wreck another horse'
- We believed Dancing Brave could fly - and then he took off to prove it
- 'Don't wind up bookmakers - you might feel clever but your accounts won't last'
- 'There wouldn't be a day I don't think about those boys and their families'
- 'You want a bit of noise, a bit of life - and you have to be fair to punters'
- 'I take flak and it frustrates me - but I'm not going to wreck another horse'