Racetrax fan “Howard” of Pikesville usually plays his own numbers, but a $3 quick-pick Superfecta wager yielded a $20,378 prize. |
Racetrax regular “Howard,” as he is known to a select few, was happy to pick up the proceeds of a $20,378 win on Nov. 7 but reports that he enjoys the thrill of playing every bit as much as winning.
Asked about plans for the prize, he flashed a quick smile and said, “I’ll give it to the wife.” The main thing about Racetrax for this Pikesville resident is the joy of playing the game. He prefers Racetrax to any other Maryland Lottery offering.
“It’s fast paced and you get a visual,” he said. On Nov. 6, “Howard” was playing at Plaza Liquors in Pikesville when good fortune came his way.
“I usually play the same numbers over and over and over again,” he said. His strategy has paid off with small prizes up to about $1,800. On the day of his big win, the 54-year-old was finishing a session and had $3 left to play. That “odd amount,” as he describes it, led to his decision to play the Superfecta option and have his picks randomly generated. His three-draw, quick-pick wager on numbers 6, 7, 10 and 2 won!
“I was surprised because I didn’t find out until today,” he said while collecting his winnings at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. “Howard” had stashed his Racetrax tickets in a jacket pocket and discovered his big win when he “checked them one more time this morning.”
Although his wife will manage the winnings, “Howard” says her plans will likely include a weekend celebration dinner at the Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão in downtown Baltimore.
Also having cause for celebration is Plaza Liquors at 5722 Wabash Avenue in Pikesville. For selling a winning Racetrax ticket of $10,000 or more, the Baltimore retailer earns a bonus of $203.78, equal to 1 percent of the prize.