Scoop Six: Punter could guarantee charity six-figure sum, win or lose

General / Editor / 20 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

£2.7m credit could be arranged for mystery punter's charity pledge if safeguards are met.

Last week's mystery £669,000 Scoop 6 winner has reportedly committed to giving the £2,755,923 bonus to the Royal British Legion Charity should he pick the winner of tomorrow's 20-runner Racing Post Chase.

But all media attempts to contact the Suffolk punter, who has insisted on anonymity, have failed this week, which is disappointing - because he may not be aware that he can guarantee the charity a hefty six-figure sum before the race gets under way - win or lose.

With over a £2.75m bonus available and Big Fella Thanks currently available at [4.8] to back on Betfair and [4.9] to lay, there clearly is a gilt-edged opportunity for both punter and charity.

Because if he were to select the favourite for the bonus race and then lay Big Fella Thanks on Betfair, he could quite easily clear a guaranteed, significant no-lose six-figure sum for the Legion.

Of course, any layer would need the small matter of £2.7m in his account to do this, but Betfair's Head Of Media Tony Calvin declared: "Should we get certain guarantees in place, and in time, Betfair could arrange a £2.7m credit in a designated account.

"Obviously, some of these guarantees would be notification of his non-changeable selection in the bonus race, as soon as possible, and confirmation from the Tote exactly who this punter is and how much he stands to win.

"But if we were satisfied these safeguards were in place, we would offer a £2.7m credit in an account.

"And of course it makes complete sense for the punter then to select the 4.8 (just over 7-2) favourite Big Fella Thanks and lay it on Betfair.

"Clearly, such a sizeable sum looking to lay the favourite would ensure the price lengthens.

"But it could well be that a £500,000 lay at average odds of 9-2 might be attainable on Betfair - remember, you can lay off in-running too, as well as pre-race - and that could give the charity a guaranteed no-lose £500,000.

"And of course we would waive any commission due from the winnings.

"It is certainly something for him to consider - so if anyone knows him, let him know as soon as possible!"