Anthony Bradshaw of Louisville, Ky. took an early lead in the 18-week Road to Louisville contest at Horseshoe Indianapolis and never looked back. Bradshaw won the contest by more than 275 points to score the top prize of $1,000 and the option to purchase a racehorse out of the fall sale sponsored by the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (ITOBA).
Bradshaw was the top handicapper the first of February and took the overall top spot after the fifth week and never lost the lead from there to the finish. Ironically, Bradshaw's only weekly win was in Week 5, but his overall totals and play were strong throughout to catapult him into the top spot, making it difficult for the 473 different individuals from across the United States playing in the contest to catch him.
A longtime horse racing enthusiast, Bradshaw first started attending races with his grandfather at the age of 12. His grandfather would place small show bets for him, and he won $36 one time which was all it took to make him a racing fan. He has continued his love of the sport over the years and is a frequent visitor to Caesars Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind., where he competed in Road to Louisville each weekend.
“I really enjoy watching and wagering on the horses and it's been a hobby of mine for a long time,” said Bradshaw. “I've never owned a racehorse and never even thought about it, but after all these years of betting, I'm very excited to be more involved and can't wait to go to the sale this fall and experience a totally different side of racing.”
In addition to the $1,000 prize money, Bradshaw will receive $30,000 toward the purchase and upkeep of an Indiana yearling to be acquired out of the ITOBA Fall Sale in September. Bradshaw will work with Tom Mosley, president of ITOBA, to get set up with a trainer and attend the sale. He will have up to $15,000 to purchase a horse. The remaining balance will be used to pay for all expenses of the horse during its first year of training before it reaches the races in the spring of 2023.
“We've built up a solid following with our contests with players on-track, at Clarksville and online, so when we were talking about revamping our contest leading up to the Derby, we wanted to add something fun and unique as the prize,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We talked with ITOBA, and they agreed to partner with us and will take over the next steps for Tony as he prepares to become an owner. Tony will see all different aspects of the racing industry, from the sale ring through training and to the track. It's a once in a lifetime perspective that not many people will get to experience.”
The Road to Louisville contest focused on tracks hosting prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, offering weekly and monthly prizes. The final week of the contest featured the Kentucky Derby racing card and determined the top 5 overall players, who shared $2,000 in prize money. Other winners joining Bradshaw included Pat Gavin ($500); Bobby Goodin ($250); Steve Chervenyak ($100); and Josh Eckels ($50), all online players.
The 20th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Live racing is conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday with Thursday post times set for 3:30 p.m. A total of 12 Saturdays will feature live racing in 2022 highlighted by the 28th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby set for Saturday, July 9. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-
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