Darren Yarwood of Garden City, NY captured the $10,960 top prize in the 2010 National Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier held Saturday, Feb. 20 at Meadowlands Racetrack.

A quartet of 6-1 shots propelled Yarwood to a $1,349 bankroll, the highest among the 137 players that night. He cashed right of the starting gate with PH Jackpot [$12.60] in the first race and also connected with Livefreeordiehard [$14] in race seven, Hennessey Hanover [$14.20] in race nine and Native Lightning [$13.80] in race 13. In addition to his pari-mutuel winnings and prize money, Yarwood earned an $800 buy-in into the National Harness Handicapping Championship (NHHC) on Saturday, April 24 at the Meadowlands. Also advancing to the NHHC were second and third-place finishers Dustin Carlson and Mike Petrucelli.

The tournament format required players to bet 10 Meadowlands races of their choice, working from a $200 bankroll. Wagers had to meet a $20 minimum, $100 maximum per race. Contestants could only bet one horse per race and wagers could either be win, place or a combination of the two.

Players can enter the 2010 NHHC through participation in a qualifying tournament or through direct buy-in. Qualifiers for the 2010 NHHC are being held throughout North America in March and April. Tournament locations include Balmoral Park, Buffalo Raceway, Hawthorne Racecourse, Maywood Park, Penn National OTW, Western Regional OTB and Tioga/Vernon Downs. For a list of qualifying dates and sites, go to: http://www.meadowlandsracetrack.com/nhhc.asp

NHHC QUALIFIER OFFICIAL STANDINGS - FEB. 20, 2010
Rank, Name, Bankroll, Prize Money

1st, Darren Yarwood, $1,349, $10,960

2nd, Dustin Carlson, $894, $6,850

3rd, Mike Petrucelli, $843, $4,110

4th, John Barre, $789, $2,055

5th, Greg Luisi, $692, $1027.50

6th, Ron Laman, $690, $479.50

7th, Victor Apolanario, $577, $479.50

8th, Francis McCahey, $561, $479.50

9th, William Meisel, $554, $479.50

10th, Gary Machiz, $546, $479.50

137 players - $27,400 total prize pool

(Meadowlands)