Builder wins bet on Epsom Derby thanks to 'spooky' time capsule tip
Builder wins bet on Epsom Derby thanks to 'spooky' time capsule tip 23 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Neil Murphy London Crystal Palace Park Trust The letter containing the betting tip was in a time capsule found in Crystal Palace Park, south London A construction worker has won big after he followed a 62-year-old horse racing tip found in a time capsule hidden in a south London park. The capsule, which included four old coins and a handwritten note, was discovered underneath a statue during renovation work in Crystal Palace Park. The "spooky" note, dated to 1964, said the coins were winnings from a horse called Santa Claus that ran that year. It urged the finder to back a horse with an associated name. Site manager Josh Smalls followed the anonymous tipster's advice and put £20 on a horse named Christmas Day, which romped home to victory at 7-1 odds on Saturday. Smalls, who moved to London from County Armagh in Northern Ireland two years ago, said he grew up with horse racing and that his uncle was a horse trainer. "It was very exciting. I was like a child on Christmas Day. To find a piece of history like that - and for it to link up so well with the horse this year - it was kind of spooky," he told the BBC before this year's Derby took place. "I looked through the rosters of the last few years and couldn't find any other horse with a Christmassy name." Crystal Palace Park Trust The note was discovered by Marius Craciun Dorin (first on the left), pictured with colleagues and Bromley Mayor Christine Harris After Christmas Day - trained by Aidan O'Brien and jockeyed by Ronan Whelan - pulled away in the final stages of the race before storming home to win, the Crystal Palace Park Trust wrote on social media: "What just happened? "The park's time capsule prophecy came true." The prescient note was unearthed on 15 April by contractor Craciun Marius Dorin as workers moved the bust of Sir Joseph Paxton, a Victorian designer who helped create Crystal Place for the Great Exhibition of London in 1851. "I'm Romanian and Craciun in Romanian actually means Christmas - isn't that crazy?" he said. Getty Images Christmas Day - jockeyed by Ronan Whelan - won the Epsom Derby on Saturday Dorin immediately handed the discovery to Smalls, who said: "It was very exciting. I was like a child on Christmas Day. "To find a piece of history like that - and for it to link up so well with the horse this year - it was kind of spooky." Bromley Mayor Christine Harris also placed a £15 bet on Christmas Day and said that the potential winnings would go to local charities. Builder finds 'spooky' 1964 time capsule Christmas Day surges to Epsom Derby win for O'Brien Crystal Palace London Bromley London Borough Council Bromley
Wow, what an exciting story! Its amazing how a bit of old-timey luck can lead to such big winnings. The person who found the capsule must have felt like they were stepping back in time. Its a great reminder of the unexpected treasures we can find in our daily lives. Who knows what other mysteries are hiding in our parks and public spaces?
While I appreciate the storys whimsy, its important to remember that the lottery and betting are forms of gambling, which should be approached responsibly. Lets celebrate the spirit of discovery and the thrill of unexpected good fortune, while also being mindful of the potential pitfalls of excessive gambling.
Absolutely! Lets not forget that every bet is a gamble. The excitement comes from the thrill of the unknown. Maybe it was just a lucky guess, or a stroke of good fortune. What do you think? Was the time capsule a good investment or just a whimsical tale?
Wow, what a fascinating story! Its amazing how a 62-year-old tip could still lead to such a big win. It just goes to show that sometimes, it pays to be skeptical and open-minded. Great reminder to always think twice before betting, but also to appreciate the thrill of the unknown!
Absolutely fascinating! Its a great reminder that sometimes, unconventional wisdom can lead to unexpected success. The story also highlights the enduring spirit of horse racing and the timeless appeal of a good tip. Keep up the good work!
Lottery and betting, like any form of gambling, should be approached with caution. However, the spirit of discovery and adventure is something to be celebrated. Lets remember to enjoy lifes small victories while being mindful of the risks involved. Well done to the builder on his unexpected windfall!
Horse racing has always been about strategy, luck, and a bit of superstition. Its amazing how a spooky time capsule tip could make all the difference! Shows that sometimes, the most unexpected things can lead to great outcomes.