A GENIUS racing punter landed one of the biggest wins ever after pocketing more than £440,000 from a 50p each way Lucky 31.
But they were unlucky it wasn't even more after a non-runner in the last meant the dreaded Rule 4 was invoked by bookies.
The punter staked £31 altogether on five races on Saturday and picked out winners at jaw-dropping odds.
The biggest of the lot was 40-1 Astral Beau in the 4.10 at Doncaster.
Incredibly, the Pam Sly-trained runner was sent off just 9-1 for the Listed contest over a mile.
But because Poker Face was withdrawn after the punter placed the bet, bookies used a 45p Rule 4.
That means for every pound a punter wins, they actually only get 55p – this is so it covers the cost of punters who backed the withdrawn horse getting their stake back.
Still, it's doubtful the William Hill bettor even cared after taking home the life-changing amount of money.
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Their incredible Lucky 31 was made up of five singles, ten doubles, ten trebles, five fourfolds and one fivefold.
The first horse to oblige was Andrew Balding's Foxes Tales in the 2.05 at Kempton.
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Oisin Murphy guided the 4-1 shot to victory before the punter saw Bear Force One land the next at Kempton at 20-1.
The punter showed great foresight by backing at bigger odds, with the horse returning a 16-1 SP.
Next in was Vadream in the 3.00 at Doncaster, taking the Listed contest over six furlongs at 10-1.
The second biggest winner of the bet was Migration, who landed the Lincoln, the big race of the day, in the next.
Astra Beau was the final part of the monumental punting puzzle, winning the 4.10 at Donny to land the colossal £441,913 winner.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “It’s certainly been a brilliant Saturday for one of our customers, whose 50p each-way Lucky 31 won them over £440,000.
“All five of the selections in the bet won, including Migration at 18-1 in the highlight of the day, the Lincoln at Doncaster, and after their final pick, Astral Beau, won well in the next race they were celebrating taking home £441,913.”
This was the second time in recent weeks Hills had been taken to the cleaners by punters.
Another pocketed £100,000 from two bets totalling just £30 after Constitution Hill and Galopin Des Champs both won at Cheltenham.
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