A BLACKPOOL-born bingo tycoon was celebrating the biggest gambling victory of his life after the horse he co-owns won Saturday's Grand National.

Mike Futter (not Flutter, as he was captioned in at least one national newspaper) banked almost £1 million in prize money and winnings as 16-1 shot, Monty's Pass, rode home by 12 lengths in the biggest race of the year.

Mr Futter, 47, was born in the resort, but moved to Bangor, Northern Ireland, some 30 years ago.

Since then he has built up a chain of bingo clubs, as well as his horse racing interests, including the Dee Consortium, which owns Monty's Pass.

His prize fund was boosted by the successful bets he placed on the horse in the run up to the race, taking advantage of early odds as high as 66-1.

And he is already making plans for a return to Aintree for the horse this time next year!

It was second time lucky for Mr Futter, who owned last year's winner, Bindaree, but sold him on again as a two-year-old.

The news wasn't so good for Blackpool Tower owner, Trevor Hemmings. His great hope, Chives, pulled up at the 12th and, worse still, his other horse, Goguenard, fell at the 19th, and had to be destroyed, the only fatality of the race. The only one of his three horses to finish was 66-1 shot, Southern Star, the last horse to complete the course in 14th place.

Fleetwood businessman, Alan Halsall's interest in the race was also short-lived. His horse, Wonder Weasel, fell at the third.

Futter's number comes up