A COLLEGE student is set to win £3,000 in today’s Grand National from a bet made before he was even born.
Isaac Whitcombe discovered the £5 bet slip in a time capsule given to him for his 18th birthday.
As well as a copy of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and rom-com Love Actually, the haul also included an each-way bet at 50-1 on Horse Number 3 for the 2022 Grand National.
The wager was placed for him by his uncle Daniel, 42, just days before the student from Guildford, Surrey was born in 2004.
Isaac was finally given the ticket last month after turning 18 and stands to win over £3,000 from his first-ever legal bet if Delta Work romps home this afternoon.
If the horse – which has now moved to number 2 in the race – places, Isaac could cash £500 on the each way ticket after bookies increased its value from £5 to £50.
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The family will be huddled around the TV today – along with half a billion others – to see how Delta Work fairs.
Isaac told SE: “I’ve only just turned 18 and if this works out it will be a great present, but either way, it’s good fun.
“I don’t know what to expect but I can wait to watch the race, we’ll all be cheering for Delta Work.”
Isaac’s dad Andrew, 46, added: “My brother did it for a bit of fun 18-years ago when we had our first child.
“But as soon as we realised Delta Work had a chance, we’ve all started really looking forward to the Grand National and getting pretty excited.
“We had the bet slip framed, but I did have to check back with JenningsBet to see if they would honour it, considering it was placed so long ago.
“When they said they would, and they would increase the bet, we were delighted and Isaac started getting really excited.
“He’s a very keen drummer, he’s already thinking about whether he could get some new kit if the horse comes in.”
The IT consultant added: “It’s certainly going to make the Grand National more exciting – it’s a long time to wait for a gift to come around.”
The bet was placed in a “time capsule” gift box for baby Isaac by his uncle in 2004 who now lives in Africa where he runs a charity.
Vicky Knight, Compliance Manager at JenningsBet, said: “We couldn’t believe it when we heard about this birthday bet. We loved the story so much, we were more than happy to increase it to £50.
“Luckily Isaac’s uncle had the foresight to pick a strong favourite, and we’re all hoping that luck holds out on Saturday and Isaac can get a good winning for his 18th birthday present.
“He’s certainly had to wait a while for it. We’re sending the very best of luck to him and all our customers for this Saturday’s Grand National.”
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Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher, said: “This is a wonderful story and typical of the enduring love affair this nation has with the Grand National.
“Betting shops are a huge employer and do so much to support hard-pressed high streets and local economies, it’s great to see them back open this Saturday. Good luck to Isaac and everyone else backing their horse this Saturday.”
