No winner, but $46K consolation awarded as chase the ace continues in McIvers

The ace of spades didn't turn up in McIvers, in western Newfoundland,Sundaynight, but thousands of people hoping to get a shot at the jackpotdid.

The latest total onthejackpot was up to$389,323.

• Chase the Ace jackpot evades thousands-strong crowd in McIvers
• Convenience store the big winner in McIvers chase the ace fever

Favourable odds

Lynne Wheeler, of Corner Brook, only started playing chase the ace three weeks ago, when her sister-in-law told her about the growing jackpot in McIvers.

Sundaynight, she had the winning ticket and the chance to pick the ace of spades.

With just five cards remaining, the odds were goodbutnot good enough.

Wheeler drew the two of hearts instead, which won her the consolation prize of $46,302 something she's not complaining about.

"I'm just feeling ecstatic, I'm feeling so grateful. I'm shaking like a leaf. I'm justspeechless," she said.

"It's life changing it's only $46,000compared to the jackpot, but it just feels wonderful to win something, too."

Wheeler has two sons about to go to university and figures the money will help them with their studies.

She also plans to treat her friends to dinner.

Organizers playing the odds

With just four cards remaining for next Sunday's draw, organizers can't believe the odds have gone on their way.

Sterling Lawrence saidit takes a full week of planning, whichwouldn't be possible without the help of people in the community.

"You've got tohave probably 200,000 tickets ready in books of seven," said Lawrence.

"It takes the whole town tickets are all over town, people are putting them together."

Lawrence expects the jackpot for the followingSunday to be more than $400,000.