The 2010 National Harness Handicapping Championship has been set for Saturday, April 24 at Meadowlands Racetrack

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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 2010 NHHC is $800 ($400 entry fee and $400 tournament bankroll).

Partner outlets in the 2009 NHHC included: Balmoral Park, Buffalo Raceway, Cal-Expo, Harrington Raceway, Maywood Park, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Penn National Off-Track Wagering, Rosecroft Raceway, Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, Western Regional OTB/Batavia Downs, YouBet and Horseman and Fair World Magazine/harnessracing.com.

Michael Rip captured the $20,000 grand prize and ultimate bragging rights as the sport's top harness handicapper in the 2009 championship last April. With a bankroll of $1,858, Rip topped a field of 111 players who came from all across North America - including Canada, California and Curacao - to play in the 2009 championship. James Kennedy, who qualified for the NHHC through Vernon Downs, took home the $10,000 runner-up prize, while Rick Arbiter, representing Youbet, netted $7,500 for third place.

Racetracks and wagering outlets wishing to participate in the 2010 NHHC should contact Amy Silver at 201-842-5014 or [email protected] or Rachel Ryan at 201-842-5015 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 2010 qualifying sites and tournament dates will be available on the NHHC Tournament Home Page.

(NJSEA)