THE GENIUS punter who stood to win more than £500,000 from just a £5 bet has partially cashed out his amazing acca.
Paul Dean is still guaranteed at least £250,000 regardless of what happens in the first race today at Cheltenham Festival.
Dean, 40, from Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, could have let the bet roll to collect £511,225 if unbeaten odds-on favourite Envoi Allen went onto win.
But after a restless night which included hardly any sleep, Dean took a partial cash-out offer from Betfair.
It means he still stands to win £322,000 if Envoi Allen – who is just 4-9 into the market – wins.
Dean tweeted this morning: “So after celebrations last night, four hours sleep, an hour’s walk at 5am, I’ve decided to take a partial cash out offer.
“With other bets my position on the race is £322,000 Envoi or £250,000 the field. Thanks to @BetfairBarry @Betfair #ComeOnEnvoi!”
It means the result of the race is a win either way for Dean, whose amazing five-fold acca went viral.
Asked what he will do with the cash, Dean said: “I’ll be going on a lot of holidays! It’s my mum and dad’s 70th this year so we’ll be going to New York and to some of the best golf courses in the world.
“I really want to play Bethpage and Sawgrass. And I think I’ll buy a horse.
“Speaking of cashing out rather than letting the bet roll, Dean added: “It’s a fantastic offer and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve definitely done the right thing.
“It’s all about Cheltenham for me and I love having small ante-post bets and the dream of a big win over the winter.
“I usually start placing my bets at the next best race meeting after Cheltenham, that’s Royal Ascot in June.”
He placed an acca taking in two races from Royal Ascot last year and three from this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Dean stood to win so much because he backed the horses at odds far above what they actually won at.
For example, Bob Olinger won the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at odds of 6-4.
But the punter backed the horse at a massive 25-1.
The same happened with Shishkin, who was backed to win the Arkle Chase at 4-1 before triumphing at a miniscule 4-9.
Golden Horde won the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot back in June last year at 5-1 – but was backed at 12-1 by Dean.
And Hello Youmzain was a 10-1 winner in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
On the day he was sent off at 4-1.
More to follow.
