A GROOM-TO-BE struck lucky on his stag do when he correctly predicted the results of six consecutive horse races to pocket more than £5,000.

Tony Bazley won the bonanza at Brighton Racecourse last week when he staked £2 on the Tote Placepot.

The Placepot challenges punters to select horses they think will place, either finishing first, second or third, in individual races. To win, all of Mr Bazley’s six selections had to place. If just one failed to place, the whole bet would be lost.

As well as celebrating his stag do with friends, Mr Bazley, 58, from Littlehampton, was also having a knees-up for his birthday. It was his first ever visit to Brighton Racecourse.

Mr Bazley, who is tying the knot with wife-to-be Jackie Froomes in Cyprus on Friday, said: “I couldn’t believe it. It was the perfect birthday present and stag do. My mate helped me place the bet and I picked the horses based on names. After the first few went in I started to think about what I could win - the next thing I knew all six had either won or placed. It was brilliant.”

Mr Bazley’s selections included rank outsider Young Jackie, picked in tribute to the name of his wife-to-be, which romped home at a huge 14/1.

The chef added: “I’m not sure what we’ll do with the money yet but we’re going to have the a nice wedding this week and maybe spend a bit on the honeymoon.

“I’m not a big gambler, but after the win we finished with a flutter in the casino. I lost £20 so I called it a night after that.”

George Hill, marketing manager at Brighton Racecourse, said: “It was a brilliant result for one of our race-goers to win the Tote Placepot on Tuesday afternoon, especially on his birthday.

“The tote provides many opportunities for punters to enjoy big returns from a small stake, starting from just £2. “

Our next meeting is this Tuesday, July 7 for our final evening race meeting of the season and with seven races on offer, there will be plenty of chances for our racegoers to have a flutter.”