THE mystery punter who became Britain's first betting shop millionaire was named today as Stuart Bolland.

And the racing fanatic was set to boost his winnings to a massive '2 million jackpot if his lucky streak continued.

Stuart, who is in his late 30s and is also known to betting pals as Ken, said today he was "very excited" by his win.

He struck gold with a '2 bet placed at Done's Bookmakers in Liverpool Road, Cadishead, near Irlam, seven days ago in the Tote's Scoop Six.

Stuart placed 240 '2 bets and correctly picked six winners of horse races - three at Doncaster and three at Wincanton. He landed a dividend of '1,132,657.

But today he had the chance to win another '754,452 if he picked the winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

And Fred Done, the Salford-based owner of Done's Bookmakers who built his reputation as "The Bonus King," said he would give him another '113,000 to round up Stuart's earnings to '2m if he nominates the bonus race winner.

Stuart, who lives in a council-built bungalow, was described by neighbours as a very private person. He is thought to live alone and although he has been cagey about his good luck, he is now thought to be happy to share his good news.

When the M.E.N. met him he said "I've been keeping a low profile. Not many people know me around here."

He reads the racing papers and studies form every day.

Stuart decided to go public after walking into Done's Warrington headquarters yesterday and was the firm's guest at today's Uttoxeter meeting which they are sponsoring.

Stuart has recently had a '6,000 win from the same Cadishead bookmakers with a football bet.

His win last Saturday was not only the single biggest in the Scoop Six history but also the largest recorded in a betting shop.


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