The local gambling legend and Belfast-based businessman Mike Futter, known for one of the most memorable Irish wins at the Grand National in Aintree, has died. He was behind a betting coup that is considered the most daring in the race's history, pocketing over €1 million when Monty's Pass took the 2003 title.

Futter had placed his bets on the Jimmy Mangan-trained gelding at long odds of 66-1 three months before the event, earning him upwards of £800,000 from wagers after the horse triumphed by 12 lengths, with Barry Geraghty in the saddle. 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."

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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 times 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.

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