The final chance to qualify for the 2023 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) yielded a record 28 seats into this weekend's contest which begins Friday morning at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. Five berths to #NHC2023 were guaranteed, with an additional spot added for every 20 entries beyond 140. Thursday's contest saw a record 752 entries, a more than 40% increase above last year's previous record of 532. Another 159 entries played for 6 NHC berths for 2024 NHC.
A retired history teacher and day camp owner from New York, George Novick finished on top of the field. “I use the pick and pray approach, and had all my races selected before coming today. I'm very excited to play through the weekend.” Novick hasn't attended an NHC since back when it was held at Treasure Island. He owns one horse with a partner and calls this his hobby.
The top three finishers shared in a cash prize pool equal to 30% of entry fees, with the balance of entry fees going to the NHC prize pool. In addition to the NHC seats, Novick took home $56,400, Kris Andaur earned $37,600 for second, and Michael Caposio got $18,800 for third. Full leaderboard results can be found here.
Kicking off Friday, the NHC, presented by Caesars Entertainment, Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Racetrack Television Network (RTN), is the world's richest and most prestigious handicapping contest. This year's competition will feature 779 entries competing for an estimated $3.2 million in cash and prizes. All qualifiers received a complimentary four night stay at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and travel reimbursements which total more than $1 million.
Interested spectators will have the ability to watch and listen to the action unfurling at the NHC all weekend in multiple places. Rachel McLaughlin, Racing Analyst at Horseshoe Indianapolis, will be hosting the NHC broadcast which will be available on all NTRA social media platforms. Additionally, At the Races with Steve Byk will broadcast live on SiriusXM satellite radio (Sirius 219; XM 201) from the Horseshoe Las Vegas and online at www.stevebyk.com daily, from 9-12 a.m. ET/6-9 a .m. PT on Friday and Monday, with bonus NHC coverage at www.SteveByk.com/listen-
On Saturday, the NTRA will also host an invitation-only online tournament, the 9th Annual NHC Charity Challenge, presented by NTRA Charities. The invitation-only field is slated to compete for the $10,000 charitable prize pool, with $5,000 set to be donated to the winner's charity of choice and an additional $2,500 will be donated to each the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. HorsePlayers.com hosts the online event.
In addition to its three presenting sponsors ― Caesars Entertainment, Horseshoe Las Vegas and RTN ― the NHC is supported by official partners Daily Racing Form, EquinEdge, Four Roses Bourbon and Race Lens.
To sign up for the NHC Tour, go to www.ntra.com/membership.
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