Incredible vision of lucky punter winning $1m

A lucky punter has won a whopping $1 million on the back of Melbourne Cup victor Rekindling.

The TAB customer was selected at random to pick a Melbourne Cup winner for $1 million.

And instead of picking one of the short-price favourites, such as Almandin or Marmelo, the punter made the genius decision to pick $15 chance Rekindling, the sixth favourite.

The punter Dominic from Mill Park, Victoria said he is still in shock after the incredible victory.

“I started the day working so I never could have imagined this,” he said.

IRISH LUCK: Rekindling fires to win $3.6 Melbourne Cup

SCARY SCENES: Melbourne Cup rocked by frightening fall

“I was laying on the couch about to have a few bets when I got the call that I won the draw. I was actually home alone so I had to call a few mates who rushed over to watch with me.”

"I was just numb. It’s a surreal feeling and I’m still in shock. I chose Rekindling because I liked its form overseas and its draw, but I never could have imagined this," he said.

TAB spokesperson Gerard Middleton initially revealed the story for Channel Seven.

"We had a TAB millionaire promotion," Middleton said.

"A customer was selected at random, they had a pick in the Melbourne Cup.

"If that horse won, they won $1 million. The customer of more than 20 years chose Rekindling and won a million dollars!"

Bruce McAvaney couldn't believe it.

"You are kidding, how good is that!" McAvaney said.

There was fortune of the opposite kind for a punter from the Sunshine Coast who saw his $1 million chance fall half a length short of victory.

Michael Poole was this week offered the opportunity of a lifetime in a promotion from a bookmaker, to place a $1 bet at odds of one million to one.

The 34-year-old studied the form guide before putting his gold coin on Irish stayer Johannes Vermeer.

All the stress and excitement of his week came to a head at 3pm on Tuesday when Johannes Vermeer departed the gates in the $3.6 million race.

But soon his excitement turned to despair as Irish import Rekindling pipped Johannes Vermeer at the post after a long battle down the straight.

After not sleeping since making the massive bet, Poole may well have a few more tormented nights following his horse's agonising finish.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Johannes Vermeer, who is raced by a group including prominent Australian owner Lloyd Williams, produced two eye-catching spring carnival runs in Melbourne without getting a major prize.

His fast-finishing second with Katelyn Mallyon aboard in the Group One Caulfield Stakes (2000m) was followed up by a luckless third under Melham in the $3 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) a week later.