ONE racing punter was left devastated after missing out on £50,000 when the final horse in their seven-runner accumulator got pipped at the post.
The unnamed bettor was taking part in the ITV7 competition, which is free to enter and gives punters the chance of a huge payday.
After picking the first six winners in the chosen races on Saturday, all they needed was hot 2-1 favourite Sibaaq to triumph in the 3.45pm at Beverley.
And with just one furlong left of the 7½f race, it looked as if the punt was going to come in.
But unfortunately for them, 7-1 shot Byron’s Choice had not read the script.
Jockey James Sullivan timed his later charge on the Michael Dod-trained runner to perfection.
Inch by inch the six-year-old gelding gained ground on Sibaaq, eventually seeing him off by around half a length.
ITV racing host Oli Bell said: “Heartbreak for the ITV7 player who had Sibaaq.
“He looked home and hosed at the furlong pole but was reeled in by Byron’s Choice.
“Sibaaq hit 1.13 in-running [on the exchange]. He looked home but Byron’s Choice, the 7-1 winner, had other ideas.”
In fairness to the punter they had done magnificently just to get it down to the final race.
Starting with the 1.45 at Haydock, they plucked out 18-1 shock upset winner Punchbowl Flyer.
Next up was 11-2 Lady Ayrseome at Beverley before 3-1 shot King’s Lynn at Haydock 20 minutes later in the 2.20.
Boardman obliged at 5-2 in the 2.40 at CHester before Tipperary Sunset won the 3.10 at Beverley.
Frankie Dettori struck on 5-1 shot Kinross 20 minutes later at Haydock – only for Sibaaq to ruin it all by coming second.
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