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THE worst motorway in England has officially been revealed – and it’s no surprise to fed-up drivers who face endless roadworks, miles of cones and frustrating 50mph limits.

The nightmare route has become a hotspot for delays, crashes and congestion, with motorists branding it a “never-ending building site” as major works drag on with no end in sight.

Alamy

The M1 has been named the worst motorway in the UK – with drivers saying it’s become more roadwork than road[/caption]

The M1 has officially earned the title of Britain’s least-favourite motorway, with just 575 drivers saying they were satisfied with their journey – a damning verdict from the thousands who use it daily.

Originally built in the 1960s, it has undergone significant upgrades to accommodate increased traffic volume. 

It’s known for being one of the busiest motorways, with parts now designated as “smart motorways” to manage congestion.

Stretching a whopping 193 miles and used by a staggering 140,000 drivers a day, it’s not hard to see why it’s the most hated.

Why are smart motorways dangerous?

New figures from National Highways reveal that vehicles are nearly three times more likely to break down on smart motorways than on traditional ones.

Despite making up just 20% of the motorway network, smart motorways accounted for a whopping 56% of all breakdowns logged last year – a total of 141,149 incidents, or around 387 every single day.

The shocking stats have been slammed as “a major concern” by the President of the AA, Edmund King OBE.

The tech meant to keep England’s smart motorways running smoothly has failed hundreds of times, a BBC Panorama investigation has revealed.

The shocking discovery comes after the government scrapped plans for new smart motorway stretches last year, amid mounting cost and safety fears.

These high-tech roads were designed to ease congestion, with some sections even ditching the hard shoulder to create an extra live lane.

Cameras, sensors and overhead signs are used to manage traffic flow, but frequent failures have sparked major concerns for driver safety.

As of April 2024, there were 396 miles of smart motorways across England – and growing calls for the existing network to be reviewed.

Sections between junctions 32 and 35a on the M1 are managed as smart motorways using technology like cameras and variable speed limits.

Extensive roadworks have been carried out to install emergency areas on smart motorway sections.

But, frustrated motorists have been battling through endless roadworks and mile after mile of 50mph average speed limits.

In June 2023, National Highways announced plans to install 12 extra emergency refuge areas along stretches of the M1 following mounting safety concerns.

The fix has brought with it a sea of cones, signs and slower journeys, leaving drivers fuming.

The M1 stretches from London to Leeds with 48 junctions along the way – but behind the stats lies a dark past of disaster and chaos.

Accidents

The removal of the hard shoulder on some smart motorways has concerned critics as a broken down vehicle can be left stranded and emergency services may struggle to get through.

National Highways’ latest figures suggest that if you break down on a smart motorway without a hard shoulder you are three times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than on one with a hard shoulder.

At least 79 people have been killed on smart motorways since they were introduced in 2010.

Over the decades, the M1 has been the site of several significant incidents, including a major pile-up in fog, an aircraft crash, and closures for Diana, Princess of Wales’ funeral procession, according to M1 Traffic.

In 2017, it was the site of one of the worst motorway tragedies in recent history, when two lorries ploughed into a minibus near Newport Pagnell, killing six men and two women.

The crash marked the deadliest motorway incident since the 1993 M40 school minibus disaster.

Now over 65 years old, the M1 remains a breakdown blackspot, recording a staggering amount of breakdowns, way more than any other motorway in England.

Public Backlash

Driver satisfaction is on the slide, with only 69% of motorists saying they’re happy with their journey – a 2% drop compared to last year, as frustration mounts over the never-ending roadworks clogging up the country’s motorways.

According to Transport Focus’ Strategic Roads User Survey, while drivers “recognise” the need for more emergency refuge areas, many say they’ve been left fed up with the constant cones, delays and reduced speed limits.

The M1 in particular has come under fire, with users saying it’s become more roadwork than road – and patience is wearing thin.

One survey respondent said: “Miles of coned off road with little or no sign of actual work being done.”

Another added: “Roadworks and average speed checks. M1 is a very difficult road to plan time wise.”

The government says it’s pumping £900 million into improving smart motorway technology in a bid to make the existing network safer for drivers, but there are no plans to bring back the hard shoulder.

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SWARMS of jellyfish “the size of dustbin lids” have been spotted washing up along UK beaches – and experts say even more could arrive as temperatures soar to 33C.

Beaches across North Wales are currently being hit by swarms of giant barrel jellyfish, some growing to nearly a metre across.

Dawn Roberts/Daily Post Wales

Several large barrel jellyfish have been photographed on the sand at Colwyn Bay beach, Conwy, in recent weeks[/caption]

Visitors and locals are being urged to take extra care as marine heatwaves draw not only bigger but also more dangerous jellyfish closer to the UK’s shores.

Social media has been flooded with photos showing huge jellyfish along Gwynedd’s west coast, with recent sightings in Conwy and Rhyl, Denbighshire.

On July 7, Lisa Whittaker from Manchester discovered several washed up at Rhos-on-Sea beach.

Valiantly trying to return one to the water, she soon realised it was likely already dead.

“Never in my life have I seen one like it – and probably never again,” she said.

The recent marine heatwave is being blamed for the surge in sightings.

Sea temperatures in parts of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea are currently 1.5C to 3C higher than normal – more like August than early July, according to the Met Office.

Marine experts fear this warming is not just a one-off.

Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, warned: “We’re now turning on our water chillers in May.

“Ten years ago it was in July. Not only are we starting them earlier, we’re having to keep them going for longer.”

She believes the jellyfish aren’t getting bigger, but more of them are coming closer to shore.

“They are always big specimens out in deep waters,” she said.

“But as the sea warms they’re venturing closer to coastlines, and so we’re seeing more of these bigger jellyfish washing up.”

With beaches busier than ever during summer heatwaves, more sightings are being reported.

“With more people going to the coast, and swimming in our waters, it’s inevitable that more specimens will be seen,” she added.

While barrel jellyfish are mostly harmless – delivering a mild sting at worst – others are far more dangerous.

Frankie is particularly concerned about rising numbers of Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish.

“This was once an occasional visitor, in late August and September,” she said.

“Any that washed up were usually teeny.

“Now they’ve become seasonal visitors, perhaps for several weeks, and we’re seeing them earlier in the summer, pushed up by warmer currents and breezes from the Atlantic.

“They have long tentacles and their stings are nasty, very unpleasant.

“Unlike box jellyfish, the stings are unlikely to be fatal, but Portuguese man o’ war are definitely the second nastiest jellyfish in the sea.”

Frankie is urging beachgoers to be more prepared when entering the sea.

“We’ve always been a bit blasé about swimming or paddling in the sea,” she said.

“Whereas people arriving here from overseas are more used to the dangers and come prepared.

“You can get sunburnt in the water very quickly and, with new threats emerging, my advice would be to always cover up.”

She recommends UV-protective rash vests and swim boots to avoid stings from jellyfish or weever fish.

Frankie warned that jellyfish stings are most likely in the surf zone, especially on the ankles – and old remedies like peeing on the sting can actually make it worse.

Instead, apply vinegar or lemon juice, and use a credit card to scrape off any remaining tentacles. Ice and anti-histamines can help with the pain.

She added that jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it’s best to avoid contact altogether.

With marine life shifting rapidly due to climate change, Frankie warns this is just the beginning. “Triggerfish, pufferfish, sunfish – even the Shortfin mako, the world’s fastest shark – are making themselves more at home in UK waters,” she said.

As Britain’s seas warm up, holidaymakers may need to start treating our coastlines with the same caution as tropical ones.

And it’s not just North Wales feeling the sting.

Across the UK and even abroad, jellyfish sightings have been making headlines, with experts and beach patrols issuing warnings as unusual species wash up in growing numbers.

In Cornwall, thousands of venomous Mauve Stingers with 10ft tentacles caused what locals described as “apocalyptic scenes” as they washed ashore.

Meanwhile, in other coastal resorts, beachgoers were warned after deadly Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish were found on the sand, prompting safety cordons and urgent alerts.

Experts have also flagged a rise in Compass, Lion’s Mane, and Moon jellyfish across the south coast as sea temperatures climb.

Lisa Leetz Whittaker

Jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it’s best to avoid contact altogether[/caption]

LIDL has dropped a brand-new T-shirt dress that’s perfect for scorching summer days.

The breezy bargain is already turning heads, offering style and comfort for a fraction of the high street price.

LIDL

Lidl has dropped a brand-new T-shirt dress – it’s loose, lightweight and so comfy you’ll want to live in it all season long[/caption]

LIDL

The new summer essential also comes in a classic black[/caption]

The dress features a relaxed fit, soft cotton fabric, and short sleeves – making it ideal for everything from beach days to BBQs.

The new summer staple flaunts a throw-on-and-go style that still looks effortlessly chic.

And at just £6.99, it’s a steal – proving you don’t have to splash the cash to stay cool and stylish this summer.

The dress is made from a super-soft blend of 70% modal and 30% recycled polyester, making it not only extra comfy but also a more sustainable choice.

Designed with a round neck, side slits and a loose fit, it’s perfect for staying cool while looking effortlessly put together.

Available in classic black or stylish olive green, it comes in sizes small to large – and shoppers are already calling it a must-have for their summer wardrobe.

It’s available to buy in Lidl stores now – but with its stylish look and bargain price tag, it’s expected to fly off the shelves fast.

So, if you’re after the ultimate throw-on-and-go summer essential, you’ll want to snap one up while stocks last!

Other middle aisle bargains

Lidl is also selling a £7.99 summer essential that is a lifesaver during hot sticky journeys – and it’s less than half the price of Amazon’s.

Whether your braving it on the sauna-like London Underground, or toughing it out on an inner-city bus route, you’ll want to do all that you can to cool down.

And although many public transport systems unfortunately do not have air conditioning, Lidl’s Silvercrest Portable Fan is a great way to keep cool whilst on the go.

The nifty gadget comes in a variety of different colours, including green and yellow and is priced at just £7.99 making it perfect for anyone trying to pinch pennies.

Available in store now, the bargain bit of kit promises to “keep you cool while on the go” and has three speed options, low, medium and high,

It also has a tiltable fan head and a practical base, so you can stand the fan up whilst sitting at your desk.

The budget buy also comes with a charging cable and a three-year-warranty, so you can guarantee it will keep you cool for years to come.

As a price comparison, Lidl’s bargain fan is over half the cost of Amazon’s Rintea Hand Held Fan, which is currently retailing for £17.99.

Both fans are rechargeable, but the Amazon fan has six speed settings.

The Amazon buy also has a digital display, to show the fan speed and the high quality motor promises low noise.

For anyone looking for a more substantial fan, Lidl is also currently selling a Silvercrest Tower fan for £69.99, a whopping £280 cheaper than Dyson’s £350 bladeless fan.

Other cooling hacks

People are sharing on Mumsnet to use a hot water bottle, yes, even in the summer.

You simply fill the water bottle with a small amount of cold water and stick it in the freezer until frozen.

Then you want to place it at the bottom of your bed to keep you cool all night long.

However, you shouldn’t use the same hot water bottle for hot water in winter and freezing in summer, as it can weaken the rubber.

If you can, buy two hot water bottles and change them for each task.

Tin foil is effective at reflecting sunlight when placed on the inside or outside of any windows.

This, in turn, prevents your home from absorbing too much heat and warming it up.

It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing, but is a cheap and temporary solution for short and intense heatwaves.

You can also create a DIY ice fan by putting a container or bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan sees the air passing over it cool, creating a mist of chilled air.

This hack isn’t the most effective for larger rooms, but can work in smaller rooms like your bedroom.

LIDL

Lidl’s fan is perfect for keeping cool on your summer commute[/caption]

BRITS said it was like a “war zone” when their TUI flight home from Mexico was grounded by a pair of passengers caught smoking in the toilets.

Terry Lawrance, 66, who was on the aborted flight from Cancun to Gatwick, said stranded passengers were strewn across camp beds in the chaotic scenes.

SWNS

SWNS

SWNS

About an hour after take-off on July 8, the captain of the London-bound flight announced two passengers had been smoking in the toilets, and that if it continued, he would have to divert.

After another three-and-a-half hours, the captain announced the plane would now be diverting to Bangor International Airport, Maine, US.

They landed at 21.30pm local time – and the two alleged smokers were booted off the flight.

But Terry said the other passengers were stuck in their seats for another five hours and even taxied to take-off – before the flight was abandoned.

This was apparently because the original crew were not able to continue to operate the rest of the flight back due to legal working hours.

In order to organise another flight back from America, an entire new crew had to be flown out all the way from the UK.

The passengers were kept in a room – which Terry claims is part of the military airbase section of the airport – for over 15 hours.

A rescue flight to Gatwick finally took off at 15:00pm local time on Wednesday July 9 – with all passengers now safely home.

Videos taken by Terry show rows of beds as passengers waited around for updates, while another video shows vehicles approaching the plane after touching down in Bangor.

Terry said: “We were there for over 12 hours – it all went pear shaped.

“Everybody was fed up.

“In fairness, they started bringing out airbeds, but it was like free-for-all for vultures.

“It was like a warzone in a lounge – rows and rows of beds.

“All our luggage was still on the plane whilst we waited.

“TUI told us a relief crew was being sent from the UK because the current crew had used up their hours.”

Tracking on Flightradar24 shows the plane turning back towards Maine shortly after entering Canadian airspace.

Terry said: “After an hour the captain came on and said someone had been smoking in the toilet – he read the riot act and said if it continues, we’d have to divert.

“About three hours later, around the border with Canada and he came on to let us know that the plane was being diverted to Bangor, Maine.

“Once we landed, they removed the two passengers.

“They were obviously drunk, and he basically assaulted his partner.

“The captain then said we’d be getting going again once the paperwork has been done.

“We were sat on the plane on the ground for five hours – the plane started taxing again and we thought ‘great’ and then they said there was a problem with flight plan, and we have to get off.

“Next thing, we’re not going anywhere, and we’ve got to stay in this small lounge.

“We waited six or seven hours before we were offered a drink.”

TUI declined to comment.

THERE’s a little-known hack to keep your bedroom cool at night as temperatures rocket to a sweltering 29C this week.

Householders are being advised to keep their attic loft hatch open for the next five days ahead of the upcoming heatwave.

Getty Images - Getty

METEOLOGIX

Temperatures are set to reach highs of 29C[/caption]

Met Eireann is warning that Dublin will be one of the hottest counties in Ireland this weekend with temperatures set to soar to highs of 29C.

The forecaster has issued a Status Yellow heat warning for the capital ahead of scorching weekend temperatures.

Friday and Saturday are forecast to be the warmest days in Dublin with temperatures could reach between 24C and 29C.

And issuing the alert for Friday, Met Eireann placed Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary under the alert.

They warned: “Maximum temperatures in excess of 27C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15C expected.”

And then for Saturday the entire country has been placed under the alert.

As the temperatures are set to reach sweltering highs, it’s important to know how you can keep cool.

Oftentimes, excessive heat can keep us up at night, taking away our important sleep.

But there’s a little tip that can help with that.

By leaving your attic hatch open in the leadup to a heatwave, you can actually reduce the amount of hot air held in your bedrooms that prevents you from sleeping.

‘INTENSE WEATHER EXTREMES’

When a house heats up, the warm air most often gets stuck on the second floor.

This is where most bedrooms are, so they tend to be the hottest.

By opening your attic hatch, you are allowing air to rise higher, leading it away from your bedrooms.

This can help to bring the overall temperatures down, allowing you to sleep peacefully.

This was found by experts at the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0, which is home to the most expansive climate simulation chamber in the world.

They have partnered with Barratt Redrow to explore how households can combat the hot summers brought on by global warming.

Oliver Novakovic from Barratt and David Wilson Homes said: “The country is seeing more frequent and intense weather extremes due to climate change.” As part of this, there is an increasing risk of overheating, even during cooler summers, which has a detrimental effect on wellbeing.

“We’re working with the University of Salford to test new technologies alongside simple methods of reducing overheating and improving air quality, so the homes that are built in the next 10 or even 50 years can cope with rising temperatures.”

He also recommends keeping curtains and windows closed until temperatures outside start to cool down to prevent hot air entering, and switching to low-energy LED lightbulbs as they produce less heat.

Keeping electricals off is a win in two ways, as not only does it reduce heat buildup, but it can also bring down your energy bills.

And if you have to use bigger appliances like washing machines and dryers, try to use them when it’s coolest outside to prevent more heat building up.

THE historic Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano trilogy fight is set to air live on Netflix tomorrow – but subscribers have been warned about tuning in.

The Madison Square Garden match will be live-streamed by Netflix, which means viewers need a TV licence to watch it legally.

Sportsfile

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano[/caption]

While Netflix doesn’t typically require a TV licence for on-demand content, live-streamed content is different.

Those tuning in without a TV licence could face a £1,000 fine.

“As live streaming becomes increasingly popular across major streaming platforms, UK viewers need to stay informed about TV licensing requirements, particularly for live broadcasts,” Daniel McAfee, a lawyer from Lawhive, said.

“For standard, on-demand content such as TV series, films, or other non-live programming on Netflix, a TV licence is not required.

“However, once the platform offers a live broadcast, the legal landscape shifts significantly.”

The same rules apply to other streaming services, like Disney+, Amazon Prime, ITVX and BBC iPlayer.

So don’t be caught out watching a live broadcast on a subscription-based service that otherwise only offers on-demand content.

The licensing law aims to cover all live broadcasts to ensure that live television.

Beyond the “substantial” £1,000 penalty, the Licensing Authority may also choose to prosecute law-breaking viewers, which could lead to a criminal record, added McAfee.

A standard TV licence currently costs £159 per year, following a price hike in April 2025.

They can be purchased through the official TV Licensing website.

Authorities use tech like signal scanners to detect when people are watching live shows without a TV licence.

McAfee warned people who don’t think they’ll be caught that TV licence enforcement officers are allowed to visit properties they suspect are in breach of the rules.

However, homeowners are under no legal obligation to grant them entry.

Access to inspect for a valid licence requires either an injunction or a search warrant, McAfee explained.

“As streaming platforms explore live content, it’s possible that demand for TV licences could rise,” he said.

“This shift may lead to more prosecutions for unlicensed viewing if users are unaware of their obligations.

“Streaming platforms like Netflix hold a potential responsibility to inform subscribers of licensing laws, especially as live content becomes more integrated into their offerings.”

SALMA Hayek, 58, has stunned onlookers while showing off her natural gray hair at a Balenciaga show, during Paris Fashion Week. 

The stylish actress attended the Balenciaga Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025/2026 show, and looked undeniably gorgeous in a long black dress. 

Getty

SalmaHayek, 58, has stunned onlookers while showing off her natural gray hair at a Balenciaga show, during Paris Fashion Week[/caption]

Getty

Salma let her hair cascade down in a straight style[/caption]

Getty

The actress partnered the look with some large heart-shaped gold earrings[/caption]

Getty

Salma with husband Francois Pinault in Paris[/caption]

The 58-year-old star partnered her look with some black stilettos, and popped on some large black shades to compliment her look. 

But it was Salma’s stunning hair do that captivated onlookers, with the star showing off a bouncy blow dry and her natural gray hair. 

She let it cascade down in a straight style, and partnered the look with some large heart-shaped gold earrings. 

Salma posed for photos holding a small black bag, and in some she stood with husband François-Henri Pinault, 63. 

And when it comes to timeless stars who are the gift that keeps on giving, Salma Hayek is no doubt at the top of that list.

In May, the actress thrilled fans by stripping off to a bikini for Sports Illustrated.

Salma – who is best known for her roles in Frida, Ugly Betty, and House Of Gucci – looked sensational on her sizzling photoshoot.

The stunning star wowed in the sexy snaps that were taken for the cover of the famous magazine’s Swimsuit Edition for 2025.

Salma showed off her incredible figure in a series of tiny two pieces as she frolicked on the beach.

The star gave fans a treat as she spilled out of her bikini as she crawled on the sand.

The Oscar nominee also flaunted her washboard abs as she cemented her status as the ultimate covergirl.

Salma also posed in a red bikini with a sexy chiffon wrap that floated down her arms and legs.

In all of the shots she wore here trademark wavy hair floating down her shoulders and back.

The photoshoot showcased her timeless figure.

In her accompanying interview with Sports Illustrated, Salma was asked how she felt about being the covergirl for their Swimsuit Edition.

“It’s so bizarre!” She told the publication. “I’m nearly 60!”

“At this stage, it wouldn’t have crossed my mind.

“The first thing you get is—what is that word?—imposter syndrome.

“You have the imposter syndrome immediately.”

Continuing, she added: “I used to look at this magazine, and all the models that were in it, they were so perfect and so beautiful.

“This was the top of the top of the top. It was a landmark for models.

“It was an iconic space for ultimate beauty, even if it was a magazine that was not about that normally.

“But each issue was the trailblazer of what is beauty today.”

Getty

The actress typically shows off her raven locks but let her natural hair show through at PFW[/caption]

Getty

When it comes to timeless stars who are the gift that keeps on giving, Salma is no doubt at the top of that list[/caption]

RUTH Langsford has sent a clear message to her ex Eamonn Holmes as she ditches her wedding ring.

The Loose Women star posted a brand new Instagram video which showed her preparing one of her favourite salad’s she enjoys making.

Instagram / @ruthlangsford

Ruth Langsford has sent a clear message to Eamonn Holmes and ditched her wedding ring[/caption]

instagram/@katster32

It comes after Eamonn enjoyed yet another swanky night out with his much-younger girlfriend, Katie[/caption]

Ruth has famously always kept her wedding ring on since her split from the star but now she has ditched it following another flashy night out for Eamonn and his much-younger girlfriend, Katie Alexander, 43.

The TV host is still yet to directly address her split from Eamonn but has continued to subtly drop hints that she is clearly over her ex – with her ditching the ring the clearest sign yet.

Whilst Ruth often uploads cooking clips to her social media pages, she has so far kept her ring on but following Eamonn’s latest night out to parade Katie, it seems that her choosing to remove the ring now is more telling than ever.

Ruth is understood to be desperate to finalise her divorce to Eamonn but girlfriend Katie has backed Eamonn for him to fight what is his when working out the terms of their divorce.

Previously, Ruth had hired a top divorce lawyer in order for her to come up trumps in the split deal and is thought to have been fighting to ensure she gets to keep their £3.6million six-bed Surrey home.

But Eamonn, who is living in a small flat close to the GB News studios, is understood to be dragging his feet.

The divorcing Loose Women star has been granted a severance of joint tenancy of the six-bed pile they bought in 2014.

The move, revealed in public documents, means that if Ruth were to die her share of the house in Weybridge, Surrey, would not go to her former spouse Eamonn, with whom she shares son Jack.

Wheelchair-bound Eamonn is thought to have told pals that he’d discovered a left beyond Ruth and is loving being able to have Katie on his arm.

Last month, Katie broke her silence on speculation the pair were engaged.

After recently flashing her pearly white smile, The Sun was also first to report how Eamonn is “smitten” with his new partner.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Eamonn is smitten with Katie’s appearance.

“She looks immaculate on his arm and he’s a very proud man.”

Rex

tiktok/@ruthlangsford

Ruth has always opted to keep her wedding ring on in social media clips before[/caption]

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But she’s now made her feelings clear[/caption]

A FORMER footballer-turned-jockey helped a punter win a life-changing sum after scoring on a 33-1 outsider.

The two incredible bets – which featured the same four horses – left the bookies in tears.

PA

The punter landed a life-changing windfall thanks to winners at Ffos Las and Kempton – and a little help from an ex-footballer[/caption]

Shocked traders at William Hill admitted: “We just have to take our hats off to them.”

The in-shop punter landed just shy of £40,000 thanks to a £20 four-fold accumulator and a £10 Lucky 15 returned £23,551.

All in all it meant they walked out of the bookies in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, a whopping £39,021 better off.

The four horses were all relative shorties apart from the nerve-shredding last leg.

After Tony Carroll’s three-year-old gelding Son Of Astar went in by just a nose at 4-1 at in the 7.10 at Ffos Las, Kingdom Of Stars (9-4) won the 7.20 at Kempton.

It was back over to the Welsh track to see Spartan Times oblige at 2-5 before the final leg at Kempton.

Incredibly the punter had taken a chance on 33-1 roughie Capuchinero in a Class 6 handicap over a mile on the all-weather.

Trained by Alice Haynes, the six-year-old made smooth headway two from home and knuckled down inside the final furlong.

He bumped but dug deep to score under 3lb claimer Christian Howarth, who was a striker at Cambridge United’s academy.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “We’ve been hit by a couple of corking racing multiples.

“A smart punter walked away with nearly £40,000 after four selections did the business on Wednesday evening, having placed the bets in our Flamstead shop in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.

“They’ve managed to not only land a £20 four-fold acca, but also a £10 Lucky 15, meaning they’ve walked away with £39,021.

“We just have to take our hats off to them.

“It’s not every day that you head to your local William Hill shop, place a four-fold acca and a Lucky 15 and walk away with a hefty five-figure sum.

“Credit where it’s due to this shrewd punter.”

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• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
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