I’m a Man Utd fan who’s never been to Old Trafford – but after winning £64,000 from £20 bet my dream’s coming true
ONE lucky Manchester United fan’s dream trip to Old Trafford is coming true – after he won £64,000 on a bet.
Derek Jones put the £20 six-fold accumulator on the horses – including betting against the big favourite Baaeed at Ascot’s Champions Day.
And with all six coming in, he pocketed a staggering £64,420.
Dad-of-two Jones, 66, is working out how to spend the cash – but is being treated to a VIP trip to the Theatre of Dreams to watch his beloved Red Devils against Aston Villa in the EFL Cup on November 10 by BetFred boss Fred Done.
The electrician from Southampton said: “I am a big Manchester United supporter, but I’ve only seen them once in the flesh – that was when I was a young lad and George Best was playing for them at Southampton.
“My brother took me, but made me take my United badge off before we went into The Dell.
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“I used to work in Manchester, at Trafford Park, and the closest I ever got to going inside Old Trafford was Lou Macari’s chip shop outside the ground.”
Derek was presented with a bottle of champagne after the life-changing, big-money win.
And now he is hoping to treat himself and his wife after some initial low-key celebrations.
Jones added: “There were two big favourites, including Baaeed, who I didn’t go for, instead option for second and third favourites.
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“I had two winners, while the rest of my selections came in second or third.
“I knew all about Baaeed, of course, but I didn’t think the conditions were right for him so I didn’t pick him.
“This is the second time I’ve won on the Placepot, although I only picked up £100 last time… about five years ago!
“I celebrated with the missus over an Indian meal and a few drinks. It was my 66th birthday a few days later, so it was a double celebration.
“I will be paying off a large amount of my mortgage, then go on a cruise with the missus, probably in the Caribbean.
“Some people think I should get a new car, but I’m quite happy with my Ford Focus which is reliable and has a low mileage.”
Fellow United fan Fred, who arranged for Derek to be presented with a bottle of champagne, said: “I’m chuffed to bits for Derek, who is a regular visitor to one of our shops in Southampton.
“He can have my tickets for the Villa match. I know they are good ‘uns. We haven’t got anyone quite so good as Georgie Best playing at the moment but we are doing quite a bit better this season. I don’t mind doing a favour for another United supporter…especially such a good customer.”
Bookmakers Tote have a guaranteed £100,000 Placepot every day.