ST HELENS baker Steven Orford is always up to his neck in dough – but forget the main ingredient for bread, this time it’s the currency kind having won almost £30,000 at Betfred.

The 53-year old from Parr found himself in the money after winning on the Tote Placepot from a £2.50 wager at the Betfred shop at Fingerpost, St Helens.

The father-of-three,  who works behind the bakery counter at Morrisons supermarket in Warrington, picked six horses who all finished in the first three in six races at Newcastle on Friday 8 December.

St Helens Star:

He opted for a pair of favourites in Leap Day and Ribble Rouser, plus one of his favourite horses in Kalganov – and then Spirit Of Ash, Star Shield and Ice Shadow were chosen at random.

“It only took me 10 minutes or so to make my selections because my girlfriend Sharon was waiting in the car outside the shop as we’d been Christmas shopping.

“In fact, I borrowed a fiver off her to get the bet on – and now it’s cost me because I’ve decided to give her £10,000 of the £29,081 that I won.

“I told her to treat herself before we decide what to do properly with the money.

"She could get herself some clothes like I’ve done. I’ve got myself a new jacket, hat and trainers already. I’m going to get myself a new car, but in a couple of years or so.

“I watched all the races at Newcastle and at first thought I may have won a few hundred pounds, but not as much as £29,000. It’s the biggest win I’ve ever had and I feel great and ready for a smashing Christmas.”

Betfred boss Fred Done said: “A baker in the dough – you couldn’t make it up!

“Steven has been with us since we were Done Brothers, so that’s a very long time. He deserves his good fortune and the timing is fantastic with Christmas on the horizon.”