A casual fan of live thoroughbred racing from Upper Marlboro found better luck with the Maryland Lottery’s digital ponies last week. His Racetrax Trifecta combination of 6, 8 and 11 — with the multiplier bonus feature added — paid a handsome $16,629 return.
Although he also plays Pick 3 and Pick 4, as well as Mega Millions from time to time, the cyber security engineer prefers Racetrax both for the excitement of watching the animated races and because of the control afforded by the many betting options. The 40-year-old often ventures to Dover Downs mainly for the thrill of watching the thundering thoroughbreds. He has no real formula, picking horses because he likes their names or feels an affinity for a jockey.
“I play $20 max,” he says of his Delaware excursions. The Prince George’s County resident also travels with a group of friends late each summer to watch a series of outdoor races near Culpeper, Va.
As for his Racetrax winnings, the lucky player has nothing special in mind. “I’m going to pay off some bills and get ready for work next week,” he said.
The winner found his lucky race at Everest Mart, which is located at 201 North Liberty Street in the Eastern Shore town of Centreville. For selling a winning Racetrax ticket of $10,000 or more, the Lottery retailer picks up a bonus from the Lottery amounting to 1 percent of the total prize, or $166.29 in this case.