Hidden ticket and long odds lead to lottery windfall

Fort Washington woman wins $31,233 on Racetrax trifecta box bet after returning from break

FORT WASHINGTON, MD — A Prince George’s County woman’s decision to return to Racetrax after a short break paid off with a $31,233 win on a $1 trifecta box bet that hit during a Jan. 12 race — and she kept the winning ticket hidden in her shoe for safekeeping until claiming the prize.

The player, who selected the alias “Happy New Year Nurse” for publicity, said she stopped at her favorite store, Best 1 Food Market on Southern Avenue in Capitol Heights, after work to place several Racetrax bets. For her winning ticket, she boxed long-shot horses 10, 11, and 12 in a 20-race trifecta box bet.

She said she didn’t immediately realize she had won due to the number of tickets she had out in front of her. When she finally located the right one and had it scanned by a cashier, the $31,233 prize was confirmed.

She said she kept the ticket in a folded envelope hidden in her shoe until she could safely claim her winnings on Jan. 20. With an upcoming medical procedure expected to keep her out of work, she said she plans to use the money as a financial cushion.

The retailer that sold the ticket, Best 1 Food Market, will receive a $312.33 bonus — 1% of the prize amount — from the Maryland Lottery.


Key Points
• A Fort Washington woman won $31,233 on a Racetrax trifecta box bet placed at Best 1 Food Market
• The bet involved horses 10, 11, and 12 and was placed for 20 races at $1 each
• She kept the winning ticket hidden in her shoe until she claimed her prize on Jan. 20

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News