Heartbreak for one intrepid punter came in a dramatic handicap at Thirsk as Britain's Tote Scoop6 prize rolled over for a 12th week.

The win and bonus funds for the bet totalled over STG10 million ($A18.25 million) ahead of Saturday's racing at Newbury, Newmarket and Thirsk which hosted the final leg.

One punter held a live ticket with two runners including Escape To Glory who came agonisingly close when second.

A 20-1 shock from Front Page News in the first leg at Newmarket had knocked out plenty of tickets, and there were only 283 left after third leg with a mere 41 still standing after leg four.

The win fund will open up at STG6,874,345 ($A12.55 million) next Saturday, with the bonus pot standing at an all-time high of 3,824,712.

Tote representatives expect STG15 million to be in the pools at by the start of the first race next week.