ELMONT, N.Y. – With $80,000 in prize money and a trip to the Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship at stake, the 2012 Belmont Summer Handicapping Challenge is now accepting applicants for the June 23-24 tournament at Belmont Park.

The top three finishers in the tournament will represent BelmontPark in the January 2013 national tournament in Las Vegas, where the top handicapper will receive $750,000 and NTRA Handicapper of the Year honors at the 2013 Eclipse awards.

In addition to prize money, the first, second and third finishers at Belmont will receive airfare reimbursement for the DRF/NTRA tournament, courtesy of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). The NTRA will provide a three-night stay at the official tournament hotel for the championship event. This year, all contestants at qualifying tournaments must be NTRA members to compete in the national tournament.

First place in Belmont Summer Handicapping Challenge is $35,000, based on 200 entrants, and cash prizes will be offered to all of the Top 20 finishers.  Additionally, the leader after Day One, and the contestant with the highest Day Two bankroll, will each receive $1,500.

The tournament format calls for 10 selections per day at Belmont, MonmouthPark and Churchill Downs, with nine mythical $20 win, place or show plays and one mythical $40 play. Win odds are capped at 15-1, and place and show odds are capped at 8-1.

Entry fee for the Belmont Summer Handicapping Challenge is $400, with a maximum of two entries per person. All entry fees will be returned as prize money. Registration deadline is June 15.

For more information on the 2012 Belmont Park Summer Handicapping Challenge, please contact Kathy Locke at KLocke@nyrainc.com.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) has announced a partnership with the Woodbine Entertainment Group to include the live broadcast of Woodbine’s races on The NYRA Network.

NYRA and Woodbine have coordinated staggered post times and starting on April 28, after the conclusion of the Keeneland meet, Woodbine races will be shown during the race day on The NYRA Network, channel 71 on Time Warner’s basic cable system in New York City.

NYRA Television Analyst Andy Serling (@andyserling) will tape a video with Woodbine’s handicappers, entitled “Playing Woodbine,” that will air on The NYRA Network and NYRA.com. Additionally, a special section has been created at NYRA.com/playwoodbine providing links to a variety of Woodbine racing and handicapping sites.

“We are very excited to partner with Woodbine and show their races on The NYRA Network,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “Woodbine offers large and competitive fields, and we believe our customers will respond very positively to their racing product. We consider the Woodbine Entertainment Group one of the industry leaders in television and marketing, and we look forward to sharing ideas and working with them.”

NYRA plans to show the Woodbine simulcast signal on The NYRA Network from April 28 through July 18, and again from September 5 through October 3, the start of the Keeneland Fall meet. There will be no second signal shown during the Saratoga Race Course meet.

NYRA showed the Gulfstream simulcast signal on The NYRA Network during the Florida track’s recently concluded meet, and NYRA Rewards customers responded by betting an additional 63 percent online and 68.7 percent over the telephone on Gulfstream’s races on an average daily basis.

About The New York Racing Association, Inc.

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, BelmontPark, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New YorkState’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2011, more than 1.8 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.1 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.

Woodbine

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Arlene Conte of Oceanside, N.Y. turned her $200 bankroll into $457.50 to capture Gulfstream Park’s $400 Handicapping Challenge contested on March 17-18. With the win, Conte earned a seat in the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC) in 2013.

In 2009, Conte’s husband John captured the NHC and took home the $500,000 first prize.

Arlene Conte bested 125 other players to take Gulfstream’s contest and took home a check for $10,080.  Maria Snyder ($446.50 bankroll) and Paul Shurman ($440 bankroll) made up the top three contest finishers and will join Conte in Las Vegas for the NHC.

The $400 Gulfstream Park Challenge was a two-day event held on March 17-18 featuring 126 of the country’s best handicappers. Players had to make exactly 10 $5 win/place bets both days on races from Gulfstream Park, Aqueduct and Tampa Bay Downs.

Below are the official Top 10 results:

Finish  Name Contest Earnings Prize Money
1st Arlene Conte $457.50 $10,080
2nd Maria Snyder $446.50 $4,536
3rd Paul Shurman $440 $2,520
4th Randy Gallo $426.75 $1,764
5th Robert Gianquitti $401 $1,260
6th Richard Hargrave $387.25 $504
7th Wendy Potempa $375.50 $504
8th Kenneth Mollicone $364 $504
9th Mark Richards $342 $504
10th Michael Berry $339 $504

Randy Gallo and Kenneth Mollicone won an additional $1,260 for having the highest daily bankroll on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

NTRA release

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Treasure Island Las Vegas, the host site for the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC) will offer three separate NHC qualifying tournaments on Saturday, April 7, Sunday May 6 and Sunday June 10. Each “Wager to Win” competition will carry a $300 entry fee and offer three spots to next January’s NHC 14. All entry fees in each tourney will be returned as prize money. In each qualifier, players will make 15 mythical win and place wagers—eight on mandatory races and seven on other races of the players’ choosing. Entries are limited to one per person, and the field will be capped at 100 players.  For more information, contact Casino Marketing at Treasure Island Las Vegas at (800) 944-3777.

“After last January’s NHC, it is well known among contest players what a great job Treasure Island does in hosting a handicapping tournament,” said Keith Chamblin, Senior Vice President of the NTRA. “The dates have been strategically selected to include Santa Anita Derby Day, and the days following the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Anyone who travels in for these 100%-return, player-friendly contests is sure to have an enjoyable weekend featuring an abundant supply of high-quality racing.” 

Before the start of contest play, all participants in NHC qualifying tournaments must have paid a one-time, annual NHC Tour membership fee of $50 in order to be eligible to compete at the NHC Finals.  Individuals may sign up for the NHC Tour at www.NTRA.com/register/NHCTour.

In just its 14th year, the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship is the most important tournament of the year for horseplayers and is the culmination of a year-long series of NTRA-sanctioned local tournaments conducted by racetracks, casino race books, off-track betting facilities and horse racing and handicapping Web sites, each of which sends its top qualifiers to the national finals. Each year, the NHC winner joins other human and equine champions as an honoree at the Eclipse Awards. In addition to the founding title sponsor, the NHC is presented by Treasure Island Las Vegas and Sovereign Stable.

Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and indulgent spa and shopping experiences further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience. For information or to make a reservation, call 800-288-7206 or visit www.treasureisland.com.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.

Organizations from every corner of the Thoroughbred industry have come together to support a new program created by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to develop second careers for horses racing at New York Racing Association tracks. The program, forged from a $225,000 start-up grant from the Harriet E. Pfleger Foundation, will provide rehabilitation and retraining for as many as 100 horses a year. NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and The Jockey Club, as well as the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. and The Jockeys’ Guild, have all stepped forward with commitments to fund the initiative.

“With the spark created by a large donation from a private foundation, we were able to put together a consortium of racing partners to fund and oversee this valuable new program,” TRF Director of External Affairs Diana Pikulski said. “We have a model here in New York that embodies what everyone is trying to accomplish in the industry nationwide. We are excited that this has become a reality.”

The first step will be the redevelopment of the TRF retirement farm at the Wallkill Correctional Facility in Wallkill, N.Y. Wallkill, established in 1983, has been home to hundreds of Thoroughbred retirees, all of whom are cared for by Wallkill Correctional Facility inmates. A state-accredited vocational training course in horse care and management developed by the TRF at Wallkill has served as the prototype for TRF programs around the U.S., as well as a blueprint for other Thoroughbred retirement organizations.

Wallkill will be expanded to include the capability for short- and middle-term rehabilitation. According to Pikulski, horses will be sent from NYRA tracks to Wallkill for an evaluation that will determine if they are sound enough for the program, and whether they need short- or long-term rest before they begin the retraining process prior to adoption. The TRF is also exploring potential sites to be used as the retraining centers, which will showcase the horses for those looking to adopt.  The first horses are expected to be accepted into the program early this spring.

“Wallkill has the facilities now for basic retirement, with the inmates grooming the horses and keeping them happy and healthy, but this is a genuine effort to repurpose the horses that are sound enough to have a future in other equine disciplines,” said NYTHA President Rick Violette, Jr. “That’s a significant challenge, for sure, but it’s a challenge that can be met, and it coincides with other initiatives that NYTHA and NYRA are developing to find second careers for racehorses. Horses that are physically able don’t need to be turned out – they really are much happier if they have jobs to do.”

NYRA and NYTHA have partnered to commit a total of $185,000 to the initiative. The Jockey Club will contribute $50,000, and more than $135,000 has been collected from fundraisers and private donations.

A committee comprised of representatives from NYTHA, NYRA, TRF, NYTB, the Jockey’s Guild and the public will provide oversight for the program.

“I think it is significant that all of these industry stakeholders are rallying with substantial financial support around an expansion of the TRF’s signature and award-winning project,” NYTB Executive Director Jeffrey Cannizzo remarked. “We are also grateful for the very substantial generosity of the Harriet Pfleger Foundation. This is an initiative that has a documented success in the rehabilitation of criminal offenders while at the same time advancing the TRF’s horse rescue mission. It’s a tribute to all involved.”

Added Violette, “Everyone recognizes that, ultimately, this is all about the horses.”

About The New York Racing Association, Inc.

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New YorkState’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2011, more than 1.8 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.1 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.

About NYTHA

For over half a century, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has represented the interests of horse owners and trainers at NYRA tracks. NYTHA was founded with the objective of serving as a collective voice for the broad interests of Thoroughbred owners and trainers and to improve and increase the effectiveness of its constituents in the day-to-day activities of racing. Today, NYTHA serves as the New York State Racing and Wagering Board’s recognized representative of owners and trainers and has taken a primary role in the New York horseracing industry. NYTHA strives to protect the economic interests of all horsemen and to gain public recognition of horseracing as a vital form of entertainment, deserving support, protection and preservation. More information is available at www.nytha.com. You can also follow NYTHA on Facebook.

About The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has provided compassionate care to retired racehorses for 30 years and proudly serves more than 1,000 Thoroughbreds at 29 farms around the nation. For more information, visit www.trfinc.org.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Breeders’ Cup today unveiled the official event logo for the 29th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Calif., on November 2-3, 2012. The 2012 World Championships will mark the sixth time that Santa Anita will host the event, returning for the first time since back-to-back years in 2008 and 2009. The 2011 World Championships were held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

The 2012 event logo incorporates the Breeders’ Cup signature purple coloring with its brand mark in gold at the center of the logo, flushed in the iconic spotlights of Los Angeles. The words “World Championships” are placed in an arc over the top of the logo and a bottom banner with “Los Angeles” with the year 2012 anchors the circle. Combined, the logo captures the prestige of the Breeders’ Cup with the Hollywood esteem of Los Angeles.

Tickets for this year’s event are scheduled to go on sale to the general public in early June.  Fans may register today at www.breederscup.com/tickets to receive a special pre-sale ticket offer in late May which will allow them to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

About Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships.  The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2012 World Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. Total purses for the two-day event, Nov. 2-3, are more than $25 million. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Treasure Island Las Vegas, host of the $1.6 million (estimated) Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC) on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27-28, will host a special qualifying contest offering two berths to the January 2013 NHC on Sunday, Jan. 29.

The one-day “Wager to Win” contest will carry an entry fee of $200 and have a limit of one entry per person with a maximum field size of 300. All contest entry fees will be returned to participants in the form of prize payouts to the top five finishers on a 50 percent – 20 percent – 15 percent – 10 percent – 5 percent basis. The top two finishers will also receive qualifying spots to the 2013 NHC, provided that each is a registered member of the 2012 Daily Racing Form NHC Tour prior to the start of Sunday’s competition. Top finishers will also be awarded points as part of the 2012 NHC Tour.

All players must be at least 21 years of age to participate in the “Wager to Win” tournament. Contestants must make eight mythical $2 win and place wagers from available contest tracks. Four plays can be made at the player’s choosing from available tracks, and four will be made on designated mandatory races. For official rules or additional information, please contact the Treasure Island casino marketing department at 1-800-944-3777.

“The ‘Wager to Win’ competition capitalizes on all the excitement surrounding NHC finals weekend,” said Keith Chamblin, senior vice president of the NTRA. “It affords NHC participants, spectators, and others within proximity to Las Vegas, an opportunity to be among the first to qualify for NHC 14 in January 2013, when we’ll be back at Treasure Island.”

Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and indulgent spa and shopping experiences further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience. For information or to make a reservation, call 800-288-7206 or visit www.treasureisland.com.

In its 13th year, the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship is the most important tournament of the year for horseplayers and is the culmination of a year-long series of NTRA-sanctioned local tournaments conducted by racetracks, casino race books, off-track betting facilities and horse racing and handicapping Web sites, each of which sends its top qualifiers to the national finals. Each year, the NHC winner joins other human and equine champions as an honoree at the Eclipse Awards. In addition to the founding title sponsor, the NHC is presented by Treasure Island Las Vegas and Sovereign Stable.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.

The exciting victory by Drosselmeyer and Mike Smith over Game on Dude and Chantal Sutherland in the Breeders’ Cup Classic has been voted the 2011 National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Moment of the Year. Drosselmeyer’s victory also represented the second “Classic” win in as many days for trainer Bill Mott, who had saddled Royal Delta to win the previous day’s Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. The connections of Drosselmeyer will be honored at the Eclipse Award ceremony Monday, January 16, in Beverly Hills, Calif., with the “NTRA Moment of the Year” award. The 2011 winner marks the third straight year that the Breeders’ Cup Classic has accounted for the NTRA Moment of the Year.

This year’s balloting was conducted at the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and offered voters 12 different images illustrating a wide range of human emotions as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. Finishing second was Blind Luck’s narrow victory over Havre de Grace in the Delaware Handicap. The images and events that fans chose from, with percentage of votes they received in parentheses, were:

· Game on Dude and Chantal Sutherland survive 10 furlongs and a 12-minute stewards’ inquiry in capturing the Santa Anita Handicap (3%)

· Rosie Napravnik guides Pants on Fire to victory in the Louisiana Derby en route to becoming the first woman to win a Fair Grounds riding title (1%)

· Uncle Mo suffers his first defeat, running third behind Toby’s Corner in Aqueduct’s Resorts World New York Casino Wood Memorial (1%)

· Animal Kingdom runs down his foes in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (5%)

· Shackleford overcomes pre-race nervousness to hold off Animal Kingdom in the Preakness (2%)

· Blind Luck prevails by a nose over Havre de Grace following a stretch-long duel in the Delaware Handicap (14%)

· Caleb’s Posse catches a stubborn Uncle Mo in the Foxwoods King’s Bishop Stakes at Saratoga (2%)

· Havre de Grace beats the boys in Saratoga’s Woodward Stakes (9%)

· Joseph O’Brien, 18, becomes the youngest jockey to win a Breeders’ Cup race, piloting St. Nicholas Abbey to victory in the Emirates Airline Turf for his father, Aidan O’Brien (6%)

· Court Vision spoils Goldikova’s attempt at a fourth consecutive TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile win, upsetting the field at 64-1 (2%)

· Drosselmeyer and Mike Smith edge Game on Dude and Chantal Sutherland at the wire of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, giving trainer Bill Mott his second “Classic” in 24 hours (46%)

· Rapid Redux breaks a North American record by winning his 20th consecutive race (9%)

The first-ever “NTRA Moment of the Year” was the touching scene involving Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont Stakes. The following year’s winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic, which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant’s Causeway. Tiznow won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the Classic over Sakhee. In 2002, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew. In 2003, the popular Kentucky Derby win by Funny Cide was selected. Birdstone’s upset win in the Belmont Stakes over Smarty Jones took down top honors for 2004. In 2005, fans selected Afleet Alex’s spectacular victory in the 2005 Preakness Stakes. Voters in 2006 chose Barbaro’s gallant struggle to recover from his Preakness injury while at the New Bolton Center. The 2007 Moment of the Year was Rags to Riches’ historic victory over Curlin in the Belmont Stakes. In 2008, it was Zenyatta’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic. Zenyatta “repeated” in 2009 when fans selected her triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Last year, the Breeders’ Cup Classic again supplied the stage as Blame held off the furious stretch drive of Zenyatta.

“The NTRA Moment of the Year award and this year’s first ever Eclipse Horse of the Year Fan Vote Sweepstakes presented terrific avenues for the fans to play an active role in the Eclipse Awards ceremony,” said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president. “Drosselmeyer’s victory had so many interesting aspects to it, and we are delighted to salute that triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic as the latest NTRA Moment of the Year.” 

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading Thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.

NTRA release

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced Thursday that The Stronach Group (SG) has agreed to join Daily Racing Form and Breeders’ Cup as a presenting sponsor of the Eclipse Awards.

The 41st annual Eclipse Awards ceremony will be held Monday, Jan. 16, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

As part of the agreement, which is effective immediately and carries a duration of two years, the January 2013 Eclipse Awards will be held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., in the Sport of Kings Theatre.

“We are delighted to reach this agreement that will take the Eclipse Awards to new and exciting heights,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA.  “The partnership was structured to be multi-faceted and, while it’s too early to get into specifics, it is expected to have many ancillary benefits for both The Stronach Group and the industry as a whole going forward.”

“Our commitment is to provide a first-class customer experience for racing fans and horsemen year-round at our racing properties,” said Stronach Entertainment Group CEO Greg Avioli. “We are excited to sponsor the Eclipse Awards, which has always exemplified the best in the sport of racing.  We especially look forward to hosting the 2013 Eclipse Awards at Gulfstream Park which will be a first for the racing industry.”

The Eclipse Awards Presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and Breeders’ Cup, are named after the great 18th-century racehorse and foundation sire Eclipse, who began racing at age five and was undefeated in 18 starts, including eight walkovers. Eclipse sired the winners of 344 races, including three Epsom Derbies.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading Thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.

Paul Shurman, a 57-year-old attorney from Dix Hills, N.Y., rode the strength of three wins and two second-place finishes to capture the 2011 crown as Daily Racing Form NHC Tour Champion and a $75,000 first-place prize. Should Shurman capture the title later this month at the Jan. 27-28 Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC) finals at Treasure Island Las Vegas, he will receive a $2 million bonus in addition to that event’s estimated first prize of $1,000,000.

Shurman finished first, second or third in an incredible 10 different qualifying tournaments during 2011, though only his top five finishes counted for scoring purposes. He finished the contest year with 13,200 points. Wayne Collier (12,675 points) of Slidell, La., finished in second place, good for $25,000. Third was Christopher Skotz (11,775) of Campbell, Calif., who won an NHC Tour prize of $15,000; finishing fourth and earning $7,500 was Gaylord Grundy (11,600) of Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.  And checking in fifth for a $2,500 payout was Mark Streiff (10,350) of Mission Viejo, Calif.

“Winning the NHC Tour is certainly the highlight of my handicapping career,” said Shurman.  “Many of the most respected handicappers in North America are Tour members and compete for the Tour championship.  It is very gratifying to know I can be competitive with some of the best and that on this occasion, I was fortunate enough to come out on top. Playing in handicapping tournaments and on the Tour has not only helped me hone my handicapping skills, but most importantly, has led to many friendships that I believe will last a lifetime.”

Should Shurman go on to win the NHC later this month at Treasure Island, he will be in line for a $3 million payday ($1 million grand prize plus $2 million bonus as NHC Tour winner).

“There will be added pressure at Treasure Island, but not so much from the money at stake as from the added attention,” said Shurman. “If I have a bad first day, people will say, ‘Hey, the guy who won the Tour hasn’t hit a thing yet.’ This will be my 10th NHC, and the best I ever finished was third, so I have a good appreciation of how hard it is to win—especially this year with twice as many contestants as in previous years. My main goal going in is to just be in the hunt on the second day.”

More than 4,500 NHC Tour members participated in 2011 handicapping qualifiers. Treasure Island will host a “Last Chance” qualifier on January 25 that will offer the final five berths for the January 27-28 NHC where 500 contestants will compete for a first prize of $1 million and a total estimated prize pool of $1.675 million, including cash and prizes.  But that Last Chance qualifier on January 26 will not award NHC Tour points.

The NHC Tour is a yearlong bonus series offering additional prize money and qualifying berths to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. Tour members receive NHC Tour points for top finishes in NHC qualifying events held during the year. In addition to potential prize money and berths in the NHC, benefits for NHC Tour members include automatic enrollment in the Horseplayers’ Coalition. The Coalition seeks legislative and regulatory solutions to tax and business issues that impact pari-mutuel racetracks and their customers and provides grass roots support for the NTRA’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Tour members also are automatically eligible to participate in NTRA Advantage, offering preferred pricing on products and services from leading suppliers, including John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, OfficeDepot and OfficeMax. Registration for the 2012 NHC Tour will begin shortly.

In its 13th year, the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship is the most important tournament of the year for horseplayers and is the culmination of a year-long series of NTRA-sanctioned local tournaments conducted by racetracks, casino race books, off-track betting facilities and horse racing and handicapping Web sites, each of which sends its top qualifiers to the national finals. Each year, the NHC winner joins other human and equine champions as an honoree at the Eclipse Awards. In addition to the founding title sponsor, the NHC is presented by Treasure Island Las Vegas and Sovereign Stable.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.