Frequently Asked Questions for the TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship
Question
1. What is the format of the TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship?
Answer
Contestants will make a maximum of 15 wagers during the one-day championship. Mandatory races will be selected by tournament officials, and the remaining wagers may be placed on races of contestants' choice from the eligible Canadian tracks. Wagers must be placed on a single horse in each race. Official rules will be provided to players in advance of the Championship. See a Championship official if you have questions.
Question
2. How are the mandatory races selected?
Answer
Championship officials will examine the race cards of eligible Canadian tracks and select races representing a variety of conditions. Generally speaking, mandatory races will spread out among the eligible tracks and do not focus on any one circuit. Mandatory races will be confirmed at registration and officials will make every effort to confirm the participating racetracks at least two weeks prior to the Championship.
Question
3. What tracks am I able to play?
Answer
Championship officials will designate the tracks that may be played during the championship. The final list will be provided to contestants upon registration, but a preliminary list will be available by the beginning of October.
Question
4. How will I physically make wagers?
Answer
Each participant must place a $2 Win and $2 Place wager on a total of 15 different races, to be chosen from the eligible tracks. The tracks that are eligible to be wagered on will be listed in the registration packet. A maximum of ten (10) of the 15 races will be designated MANDATORY by tournament officials. Participants MUST wager on these races. The remaining races will be picked by the Participants and MUST be different than the mandatory races. Participants may select only one horse per race. Official program numbers must be used when placing all wagers.
Question
5. How often is scoring updated?
Answer
Championship officials will attempt to update the scoring after every race when possible or at designated times as announced by the host.
Question
6. Will I be provided meals during the Championship?
Answer
Upon registration, contestants will receive credentials which you need to provide in order to receive your complimentary dinner and refreshments.
Question
7. May I bring guests to the awards reception?
Answer
Contestants may bring one guest to the awards reception.
Question
8. Am I going to be able to select my seat? How does seating work?
Answer
Seating is by racetrack. You will be able to identify your seat by your qualifying racetrack/association logo. Tent cards with participant names will also be placed at your designated spot.
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9. Is smoking allowed in the main championship seating area?
Answer
No. Smoking is not allowed in the main contestant area of the National Handicapping Championship. Those who wish to smoke must go outside.
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10. Are guests allowed to sit with me in the main championship area?
Answer
No. Only contestants with championship credentials are allowed in the designated championship seating area. There is seating available on the periphery of this area for friends and family of contestants.
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11. Is there any dress code during the championship or for the awards reception?
Answer
There is no particular dress code for the championship or reception. An official National Handicapping Championship shirt will be provided to you upon registration, which we encourage you to wear.
Question
12. What makes the TCNHC different than most handicapping championships?
Answer
You must qualify through a local qualifying contest to earn your way into the TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship. There are no buy-ins.
Question
13. How do I find out about and enter a local qualifying contest?
Answer
The qualifying contest schedule is updated on a weekly basis on the Standardbred Canada website. On the schedule, contact information is listed for each contest. Prospective players should contact the individual site contact for information and all of the registration details.There is no mandatory contest format for qualifying sites. Formats can vary widely, so players should inquire about the format prior to arriving at the contest site.
Question
14. If I qualify for the TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship, how do I get to Innisfil?
Answer
If you live outside of Ontario, your host site is responsible for your round-trip airfare. All contestants who live outside of a two-hour drive of Innisfil will receive two nights accommodation (Friday & Saturday) at Horseshoe Valley Resort. Contestants who live within a two-hour drive of Innisfil will receive one night (Saturday night) accommodation.
Question
15. How much money is given away at local contests and at the National Championship? How much does it cost to enter a local qualifier?
Answer
Prize money and entry fees for local qualifiers depend on the rules and format of each contest site. Some sites will have free entry, some will have a minimal entry fee. The Grand Prize for the Championship is $25,000!
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16. How much does the winner of the TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship receive?
Answer
The Grand Prize Winner will receive $25,000.
Question
17. How many people will receive cash prizes at the TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship?
Answer
The top five contestants will receive cash prizes.