Bored shopper scoops £400k winning bet

9:47pm Tuesday 17th July 2007

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A canteen worker has scooped more than £400,000 after placing a bet during a shopping trip with his wife.

Adam Phillips, from Littlehampton, became bored while touring the shops with his wife and son so stepped into a bookies he spotted.

But his moment of gambling relief paid off - when his £2 six-horse accumulator rolled in later that afternoon.

The family's dreams of moving to Spain could come true after the lucky break last Saturday.

And the lucky punter could become even richer if his last horse comes in to make it seven out of seven this weekend.

Mr Phillips won £427,000 after placing a Scoop Six wager while his wife Sue and their young son Charlie enjoyed the carnival in Littlehampton's High Street.

With an eye for the races he popped into the nearby William Hill shop, unaware he was on the verge of picking six winners.

And while his £427,434 windfall may be the stuff of dreams, he stands to net another £183,186 if he can select the winner of the Scoop Six Bonus Race at Newbury on Saturday.

Mr Phillips said his dream of a life in Spain was already one step closer.

The family first moved out there last year but a lack of funds forced them to return after just a few months.

Since then he has been working in the canteen at the local supermarket, struggling to find work as an electrician and renting as they couldn't afford to buy another property.

Mr Phillips said "We're off to sunny Spain. Viva Espana! Assuming Sue agrees.

"That dream was out with the washing last Saturday morning, that's for sure, but now winning the Scoop Six has given us the opportunity to consider it again.

"I was watching racing on Channel 4 and I realised I had the first five horses up, then I was on a horse called Countdown in the sixth leg of the bet.

"I really couldn't believe it. I was hoarse shouting it home.

"When Countdown won I couldn't take it in and just had to get it confirmed there and then, so I ran down to my local Hills shop in Wick and got them to check it for me.

"Paul the manager confirmed it and I was left shaking. I honestly can't believe I've finally won.

"The bonus race is the icing on the cake and obviously I'll be trying to win the additional £183,186 but I'm not going to beat myself up about it.

"I'm going to Newbury with Sue, Charlie and my mum, Pat, to enjoy the day."

Mr Phillips was the sole winner of the Scoop Six game last Saturday so wins the whole jackpot.

He said he has been playing the game since it started but his only previous win was about £6.