Construction Manager Wins Derby Bet After ‘Spooky’ Time‑Capsule Tip

AI Summary

A construction site manager at Crystal Palace Park uncovered a 1960s time‑capsule note that urged a bet on a Santa‑Claus‑linked horse. He and the mayor of Bromley backed the 2026 Derby winner Christmas Day, turning a quirky discovery into a 7‑1 winning wager and charitable donations.

Construction site manager Josh Smalls turned a 1960s time‑capsule find into a winning bet on the 2026 Epsom Derby, backing the horse Christmas Day after the note urged a Santa‑Claus‑linked name.

Time‑Capsule Note Guides Bet on "Christmas Day"

A note and four old coins were uncovered beneath the bust of Sir Joseph Paxton at Crystal Palace Park. The handwritten message explained that the money came from a 1964 bet on Santa Claus and instructed any finder to wager it on a Derby horse whose name could be linked to “Santa Claus”.

Bet Stakes, Odds and Potential Payout

Josh Smalls placed a £20 bet.
Mayor Christine Harris added a £15 wager, promising any winnings to charity.
The horse Christmas Day started at 7‑1 odds.
At those odds a combined £35 stake could return roughly £245 before tax.

Charitable Boost and Community Buzz

The mayor pledged any profit to Madlani Cancer Support and the Dyslexia Association of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham, turning a quirky discovery into local goodwill. The win also highlighted the historic link between the park’s regeneration and Britain’s premier Classic race.

Will Future Time‑Capsules Influence Betting Strategies?

With the “spooky” success story now public, other heritage projects may scrutinise hidden caches for similar clues, potentially adding a new, albeit rare, factor to betting decisions ahead of major races.