A punter stands to collect more than £500,000 from a £5 bet if hot favourite Envoi Allen wins at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.
Paul Dean has seen four legs of his five-horse accumulator triumph.
Now he has been offered the chance to cash out for £275,000 regardless of the final result.
“He told me he won’t be able to sleep tonight. I’d say that’s a massive understatement,” said Betfair spokesman Barry Orr on Wednesday.
Dean’s winning run began with two winners at Royal Ascot nine months ago, and two more have followed at Cheltenham this week as he closes on a potential payday of £511,225.
”He could take the cash out offer and sit back safe in the knowledge that regardless of what happens in the race he is £275,000 better off,” said Orr.
“Alternatively, he can reject the offer and hope Envoi Allen beats his seven opponents and also safely negotiates the 16 fences to land his incredible bet.
”Envoi Allen is 4-9 favourite so he may well stick and let the bet run.”
The winners so far:
Golden Horde (12-1) – Won Commonwealth Cup, Ascot, 19 June 2020
Hello Youmzain (10-1) – Won Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Ascot, 20 June 2020
Shishkin (4-1) Won Arkle Chase, Cheltenham, 16 March 2021
Bob Olinger (25-1) Won Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, Cheltenham, 17 March 2021
Waiting on:
Envoi Allen (4-1) – ??? Marsh Novices’ Chase, Cheltenham, 18 March
