After much anticipation, championships officials have crowned a winner for the Canadian Open Trot Canada National Handicapping Championship qualifier.

Glenn Bechtel of Kingston, Ont. emerged victorious with a 'stable' worth $637,000.
58 - WINDSONG HOPE - $45,000
74 - ZORGWIJK LUNAR - $32,000
78 - ST LADS PEEPER - $65,000
87 - RAISING RHONDA - $200,000
97 - LATTE CAFE - $37,000
116 - GENUINELY GOOD - $28,000
167 - THIRD COPY - $32,000
211 - DANCIN DARLIN - $140,000
256 - BLUEJEANS N VELVET - $40,000
263 - WINDSUN HAMPTON - $18,000

Bechtel was thrilled to hear that he had won the spot.

“I did my homework ahead of time,” he said. “I already had the catalogue marked with horses I liked based on consignor and breeding.”

With the highest possible total of $768,000, Bechtel was right on the money with his choices. Bechtel is a self proclaimed “sale junkie,” loves to peruse the yearling sale catalogues, and can often be found at sales purchasing horses for himself. He currently owns around 20 head.

The TCNHC is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, and Bechtel says the timing is great, as he is planning to head straight to Ottawa from the yearling sale in Harrisburg.

Fittingly, the sale junkie who won his spot through an online qualifier by choosing high priced yearlings will be headed home from a yearling sale to the championship.

Bechtel hopes he can continue his winning ways at the TCNHC and is looking forward to some great competition at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

There is an estimated $25,000 up for grabs with contestants coming from across the country to vie for the title of Canada’s Top Handicapper.

If you are looking to qualify for this great event, click here for more information.