U.S. Marine Corps veteran Robert Shepherd celebrates his largest Lottery win ever – a $13,600 Racetrax prize. |
Columbia man wins big with Trifecta Box bet
Settling into a comfortable spot to “relax and Racetrax” was a perfect way for Robert Shepherd of Columbia to end his busy day. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran had spent hours running errands, including making a trip to and from the VA.
Just two bets into his five races, however, Robert’s heart rate wasn’t settling – it was rocketing ever higher! The source of his happy stress was seeing his three horses dart across the finish line together for a perfect win. Bearing a number combination he’s deemed lucky since his time as a Marine, the ponies gave the veteran a $13,600 prize.
Robert’s win was initially $1,360. A Bonus multiplier he added to his ticket was 10x for his winning race, which significantly increased his payout.
The 61-year-old said the number combination for his lucky Trifecta Box bet came from more than a decade of service as a Marine and from John, a brother-in-arms he served with in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. The 11-7-1 number combination had proven lucky for the duo throughout their military service. Sadly, John passed away some time ago.
“Although John is no longer with us, I think in a way this win honors him,” Robert said. “I’d like to think he’d be very happy for me if he was here.”
The winner plans to use some of his prize to pay off bills. He has several other plans for the remainder of the winnings. “Thanksgiving and Christmas will be really nice,” he said, “and my wife’s birthday is right around the corner, too.”
The Quick Stop Food Mart located at 10750 Hickory Ridge Road in Columbia is also enjoying its time in the winner’s circle. For selling a winning Racetrax ticket with a prize over $10,000, the Howard County store earns a bonus of $136 from the Lottery. The bonus is equal to 1 percent of the prize.