For contest players serious about competing for the biggest prize in Thoroughbred racing tournament play, it's never too late (or too early) to qualify for the National Horseplayer's Championship. The annual Last Chance/First Chance Contest on Jan. 27 at Bally's Las Vegas offers opportunities for all on the eve of the 22nd NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Presented by Racetrack Television Network, Caesars Entertainment and Bally's.
For those individuals still trying to make it into the field for this year's NHC, the Last Chance/First Chance is their final shot. For those who are already qualified, it's a way to earn a second entry and a strategic advantage over much of the competition. And for those who already hold the maximum two entries to this year's NHC, the Last Chance/First Chance offers the luxury of securing the very first berths to the 2023 NHC.
An NHC-eve fixture, the Last Chance/First Chance Contest includes races from Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, Gulfstream Park and Laurel Park. The tournament format requires participants to make a total of 11 mythical WIN/PLACE wagers (four mandatory races and seven player's choice). A $500 entry fee must be paid in full prior to participating in the tournament. Players may register in person at the Bally's Race & Sports Book (Monday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and Wednesday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.) or online at NTRA.com. Participants may purchase up to four entries in the Last Chance/First Chance Contest.
The top five places in Thursday's Last Chance/First Chance Contest will receive a qualifying spot to #NHC2022 provided they are a current 2021 NHC Tour member. One additional qualifying spot to the NHC will be awarded for every 20 entries over the first 140 entries (the August 2021 Last Chance/First Chance Contest awarded 19 berths to last year's NHC). The top three will share a cash prize pool equal to 30% of entry fees (15% to first, 10% to second, 5% to third) with the balance of entry fees going to the NHC prize pool.
Only individuals who already have won two qualifying spots into #NHC2022 may compete in the Last Chance/First Chance Contest for a spot in #NHC2023. A player must be a 2022 NHC Tour member to be eligible to win a 2023 NHC spot and receive 2022 NHC Tour points.
To sign up for the NHC Tour, go to www.ntra.com/membership.
The National Horseplayers Championship is presented by Racetrack Television Network, Caesars Entertainment and Bally's Las Vegas. The Final Table is sponsored by Caesars Sports Book and Global Tote, A BetMakers Company. Official partners include 1/ST BET, Daily Racing Form, EquinEdge, FanDuel Group, Four Roses Bourbon, NYRA Bets, Race Lens, and TVG. Official charities of the NHC are the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
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