Albion chairman Tony Bloom knows a good bet when he sees one.

So when he was given the chance to back himself to complete the Brighton Marathon in less than four hours he jumped at the chance The poker-playing football fan has placed an audacious £20,000 wager ahead of this Sunday’s 26-mile race around the streets of Brighton and Hove.

If successful, it will land him £50,000 to put towards his £100,000 target for Brighton-based charity Rockinghorse.

Mr Bloom said: “I placed the bet last year as I planned to do the London marathon.

“But when I found out that Brighton was to get its own event I immediately signed up and transferred the bet over.

“Obviously the first challenge is to complete it but then to do it in less than four hours is the next target.

“If I don’t then I will lose the money. But the opportunity to make a difference for a really important project for children in Brighton is a great incentive.”

The Seagulls supremo has been in training for the event since January.

Even Seagulls boss Gus Poyet has been drafted in to help Mr Bloom through his paces at the team’s Withdean ground.

The money raised will be used to build a new wing at the Tudor House respite care centre for youngsters with severe or life-threatening conditions.

Mr Bloom added: “I’ve got to thank everybody who has supported me so far.

“The centre is very close to the Withdean stadium and it will be a great legacy as the centre is due to leave just May next year – the same month we play our last game at the stadium.”

Gavin Fisher, chief executive of the charity, said: “We’re delighted he has chosen to raise money for Rockinghorse.

“He is well on the way to achieving his target and I’m sure it will give him added impetus to complete it within the four hour mark.”

The Rockinghorse is just one charity which is expected to benefit from a £3million windfall from the event.

To make a donation and to find out more, visit www.tonysmarathon.com.