Mike Futter, a legendary gambler and businessman from Belfast, was renowned for his role in one of the most remarkable betting coups in Grand National history. He passed away at the age of 79.
Local gambling legend and Belfast-based businessman Mike Futter , famous for one of the most memorable Irish wins at the Grand National in Aintree, has died. He orchestrated a betting coup considered the most daring in the race's history, pocketing over €1 million when Monty's Pass secured the 2003 title.
Futter had placed his bets on the Jimmy Mangan-trained gelding at long odds of 66-1 three months prior to the event, earning him upwards of £800,000 from wagers after the horse triumphed by 12 lengths, ridden by Barry Geraghty. He diligently backed Monty's Pass each week leading up to the race, where the odds had shifted to 16-1 come race day. Geraghty expressed his sadness, saying: 'It is very sad news, Mike loved his racing and was a great friend to anyone who was lucky enough to be involved with him.' Trained in County Cork by Mangan, Monty's Pass was owned by Futter’s Dee Racing Syndicate, comprising business individuals from Donaghadee, Co Down, which also collected £348,000 in prize money. Futter, at 79 years old, originally hailed from Blackpool and was renowned for his time as a bingo hall proprietor and extraordinary gambler. After securing his famous win, he told reporters: 'I started backing the horse at 66-1 in February. I then followed up at other prices and I reckon that I have won about £800,000, but I do have to pay expenses.', reports the Irish Mirror. Bookmaker William Hill felt the impact heavily; they faced their most significant payout for the Grand National at the time, having laid the horse at a staggering loss of over £393,000. 'To be honest, I probably would have had a bigger price earlier in the year had it not been for the fact that one of the leading racing columnists tipped my horse shortly after weights came out. But this was certainly the biggest win of my life and I've had some major gambles.'Monty's Pass himself only died in November 2022, at the ripe old age of 29. Futter, renowned for his lengthy grey hair and beard, ran a string of bingo halls across Bangor and southern Ireland and was an iconic figure in betting circles at races and point-to-points. A notice of his passing on FuneralTimes.com stated the Mr Futter passed away serenely in hospital and is survived as the 'dearly loved husband of Janet, incredibly loved father of Paula, Joanna and Danielle, devoted and adored grandfather of Taylor, Natalie, Calvin and Alex.' The memorial service will take place at S. Clarke and Son's Funeral Church in Bangor on Wednesday 22nd January 2025, commencing at 2:00 pm, followed by a private ceremony for the family
Mike Futter Grand National Betting Coup Monty's Pass Irish Racing Gambling Legend
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
State papers reveal late Queen spoke of 'silly marching' in NIIrish state papers reveal a private conversation between the late Queen and an ex-Irish ambassador.
Read more »
Funeral held for veteran Irish language campaigner Gearóid Ó CairealláinMourners gathered at St Peter's Cathedral in West Belfast for the funeral of veteran Irish language campaigner Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, who passed away at the age of 67 after a short illness. Gearóid, a former journalist who launched the Irish language weekly newspaper Preas an Phobail and oversaw the launch of the Irish language daily newspaper Lá, continued to be a strong advocate for the Irish language community after suffering a stroke in 2006.
Read more »
Gary Hamilton makes 'strong Glentoran' case as he assesses recent upturnGlentoran are up to second in the Irish Premiership and into the sixth round of the Irish Cup
Read more »
‘Mike Vrabel comes to the forefront’ – Patriots lose number one overall pick, fire head coach...Watch as Dallas Cowboys' cheerleader receives shock smack to the back of her head from drifting football.
Read more »
Mike Johnson Faces Tight Vote to Remain US House SpeakerRepublican Mike Johnson is facing a close vote to remain Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Although he enjoys the support of former President Donald Trump, Johnson requires near-unanimous Republican backing due to the narrow majority. A potential defection, along with opposition from Democrats, could jeopardize his position. The vote's outcome holds significant implications for both the short-term certification of Trump's 2024 election victory and the long-term ability of Trump's agenda to pass through the House.
Read more »
Jersey Mike's Employee Claps Back at Jennifer Aydin's Viral MeltdownA TikTok user claiming to be a Jersey Mike's employee has responded angrily to Jennifer Aydin's viral meltdown at the sandwich shop. The employee alleges that Aydin caused delays, disrupted the line, and behaved rudely towards staff.
Read more »