Kentucky Derby Day a Lucky One for Silver Spring Scratch-off Player

Ivan Escoto of Silver Spring plans to use his $50,000 Lucky scratch-off win to buy a new car.

Finds $50,000 top prize on scratch-off with horseshoe image

Self-proclaimed “scratch-off man” Ivan Escota of Silver Spring won $50,000 playing the Maryland Lottery on May 7, the day of the Kentucky Derby, but there was no one around to tell. His dad was at Laurel Park taking in the Kentucky Derby.

“I called my dad and told him,” Ivan recalled on May 10 after claiming his prize at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. The Montgomery County resident won a $50,000 top prize on a $5 Lucky scratch-off, which has the image of a horseshoe on it.

On Derby day, his father took advantage of the off-track betting opportunities at Laurel Park to wager on the Run for the Roses. His horse fell behind 80:1 longshot winner Rich Strike, which made his son’s good fortune welcome news. All the same, Ivan, 54, was in disbelief about just how lucky his Lucky scratch-off had proven to be.

“I had to check the ticket a couple of times,” he said.

With his winnings, Ivan plans to buy a new Chevrolet Impala. “I used to work for Chevrolet,” he explained. He also plans to continue playing instant tickets and enjoying the prizes, be they large or small.

Sharing in Ivan’s good fortune is Randolph Beer & Wine at 5408 Randolph Road in Rockville. The Montgomery County business picks up a bonus of $500, equal to 1% of the prize, from the Lottery for selling a $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off.