STUART Bolland - the man who scooped a world record '1.1m at his local bookmakers - is to share his winnings with the country's "unluckiest" punter.

The 42-year-old software programmer from Irlam has pledged to give '15,000 to pensioner Jack Lee, who two weeks ago missed out on winning more than '850,000 in a similar bet to Stuart's.

Mr Lee also picked the winners of six races, but lost the cash when one of them was later disqualified.

Mr Bolland missed out on the chance of adding '740,000 to his winnings after the horse he picked in a `bonus' race failed to win at Cheltenham on Saturday.

But he stuck to his promise that he would give '15,000 to Mr Lee if the horse, Monkerhostin, came in the top three.

Genuine

The horse came home in third place and earned him '30,000 in a side deal with Greater Manchester bookmaker Fred Done, with whom he placed his original winning bet.

Mr Bolland said he felt sorry for 75-year-old Mr Lee, from Newcastle, when a horse he had backed on the totescoop6 was disqualified at Newbury two weeks ago. He said Mr Lee would receive half the proceeds of his bonus bet.

"I am content because Jack Lee gets something now as well - he gets his '15,000," said Mr Bolland. "I am very glad he came in third for the old fellow - that was very important to me.

"I was as sick as a pig for him. He really does come across as a genuine guy. I only saw him on TV but he took it so well."

Mr Bolland is known as `Ken' to staff at Done Bookmakers in Liverpool Road, Cadishead, where he placed his '2 bet nine days ago.

Last night Mr Lee, who suffers from cancer, said: "It is a great gesture from someone who really appreciates betting like I do. I am very happy and completely taken aback by what has happened."