They say lighting can’t strike twice, but a Niddrie newsagency sold two division one winning entries, each worth $400,000, in the weekend’s TattsLotto draw to two different Victoria.

The two players, who have no connection to each other, each held a division one winning entry in TattsLotto draw 4447, drawn Saturday 2 March 2024. Each entry took home $400,641.05.

One of the Melbourne winners was an Essendon man who admitted the lottery loot would serve as a much-needed ray of hope after suffering from ill health for quite some time.

“Oh, thank you so much,” he exclaimed when speaking with us on Tuesday afternoon.

“I haven’t been well, and I can’t speak too well anymore because of it.

“This is wonderful. Such a great boost.

“I’m a pensioner and this will help me so much.

“As soon as I found out about the win, I went to The Lott head office to claim the prize.

“I didn’t waste any time claiming that prize, that’s for sure.

“It’s great!”

His winning entry, along with the second held by an anonymous winner, was purchased at H J & F M Neagle, 358 Keilor Road, Niddrie.

H J & F M Neagle owners Paul and Sue Neagle said they couldn’t believe the odds of selling two division one winning entries into the same draw.

“We’ve sold 27 division one winning entries since we opened our doors in 1972 and we have loved every minute of it,” Paul said.

“We’re sure our winners couldn’t believe their eyes when they first checked their division one winning entries and discovered it each won them $400,000!

“It’s so wonderful to have this milestone and we will remember it for the rest of our lives. We’re super proud of the team and have been a part of Tatts since 1964.

“Congratulations to the two winners and their families! Thank you for supporting H J & FM Neagle and we wish you all the best for the future.”

While the Essendon player shared how he planned to enjoy his newfound fortune, the other winner wished to remain completely anonymous.