The 2009 National Harness Handicapping Championship has been set for April 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack.
The NHHC is the only championship tournament for harness players to feature a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool. Players may earn their way into the April championship through participation in a qualifying tournament at an NHHC partner outlet or by direct buy-in. The cost to enter the 2009 NHHC is $800 [$400 entry fee and $400 tournament bankroll].
The Meadowlands will host its first NHHC Qualifier of the season on Saturday, February 21. The top three finishers in the qualifier will advance to the NHHC Final in April. Plus, the top 10 receive prize money. An entry form and tournament information will be available online at www.meadowlandsracetrack.com and at Guest Service locations inside the racetrack.
Partner outlets in the 2008 NHHC included: Balmoral Park, Buffalo Raceway, Cal-Expo, Capital OTB/Albany Teletheater, Harrington Raceway, Maywood Park, Mohegan Sun Casino, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Penn National Off-Track Wagering, Raceway Park, TwinSpires, Western Regional OTB/Batavia Downs, YouBet and Horseman and Fair World Magazine/harnessracing.com.
David Palmer of San Diego, California captured the grand prize and ultimate bragging rights as the sport's top harness handicapper in the 2008 championship, presented by Fig Is Big, last June. Palmer earned a seat in the championship by winning one of three qualifying tournaments held by YouBet and Cal-Expo. He clinched the 2008 championship with a $1,692 bankroll. Carol O'Brien, who qualified through Maywood Park, was the runner-up.
Racetracks and wagering outlets wishing to participate in the 2009 NHHC should contact Amy Silver at 201-842-5014 or [email protected]. Horseplayers that would like to see a qualifying tournament in their area are urged to contact the marketing department of their local racetrack or wagering outlet.
A list of qualifying sites and tournament dates will be available on the NHHC Tournament Home Page.
(NJSEA)