Nephew Wins $10,000 After Aunt Wins $1 Million
ALBUQUERQUE – A Hagerman resident claimed a $10,000 Scratcher™ prize two months after his aunt became a Powerball® millionaire.
Toby Bratcher collected his prize in person at New Mexico Lottery headquarters in Albuquerque yesterday. He bought his lucky $20 “Ruby 7s” Scratcher using a prize from another winning ticket.
Above: Toby Bratcher, winner of $10,000 “Ruby 7s” Scratcher™ prize
“My aunt inspired me to play,” Bratcher said.
His aunt is Carlsbad resident Kathy Gregory who won a $1 million Powerball prize in August.
After he discovered the prize, Bratcher said he was really excited.
“When I decided what to do with the money, I calmed down,” he said.
The 23-year-old winner said he plans to use his prize to buy land to graze cattle.
Bratcher bought his lucky ticket at Circle K located at 712 W. Main St. in Artesia. Previously, the store has sold 12 large prize-winning lottery tickets paying between $1,000 and $50,000.
This is young Bratcher’s fourth encounter with fame and fortune. When he was three, Bratcher and his dog Brownie became international news celebrities. After Brownie was hit by a car, the family thought he was dead and buried him in a nearby field. The following day, Brownie regained consciousness and rose from his shallow grave. With a broken shoulder, the pet limped home to Bratcher.
Then, as a 16-year-old volunteer fireman, Bratcher received New Mexico’s Medal of Valor for helping rescue a drowning man.
Legislative Lottery Scholarships
Since its inception in 1996, the New Mexico Lottery has raised $619.5 million for education and more than 90,000 students have attended college on Legislative Lottery Scholarships.
More information about Legislative Lottery Scholarships is available at www.nmlottery.com.