Superfecta bet brings home big prize
An Oxon Hill grandfather of six who seldom plays Maryland Lottery games did so this week – and is he ever glad he did! His $1 Racetrax Superfecta bet delivered a $25,241 prize that will allow the winner and his wife to travel to his native Philippines in time for his mom’s funeral.
“I can’t even believe it,” said the grateful winner.
Only one day before Lottery luck arrived, the 11-year American resident received a phone call from one of his nine brothers and sisters who live in the Philippines. His 88-year-old mother had just passed away. Could he come home for the funeral? Even though he lacked the funds to do so, the 60-year-old said, “Yes.” He then began simultaneously mourning his mother’s death and worrying about how to afford the trip.
The Prince George’s County resident and his wife agreed that they would find a way to get him there, even if it meant putting the bill on a credit card. The father of four adult children went to his employer the next day for permission to take time off from his job as a computer and phone cable installer.
“I’m driving with tears in my eyes because I have no money and I need to go home,” he said. He even appealed aloud to his mother for help. “Along the way home, I felt called to stop at the store.” He visited Livingston Woods Liquors in Oxon Hill, which is a Lottery retailer, and bought a Racetrax ticket. He played 3, 5, 6 and 11, which were the four numbers that caught his eye when using a nearby ATM.
“To my surprise, it won!” he said. “I know my mother guided me. She saw me when I was driving.”
The happy man called his wife and whispered the good news to her over the phone. “I won,” he said. “I won big! You can go with me now.” The couple claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters and planned to leave immediately for the Philippines.
Also happy with the win is the retailer. For selling a winning Racetrax ticket over $10,000, Livingston Woods Liquors at 7408 Livingston Road in Oxon Hill will receive a bonus of $252.41.