The tension is mounting amongst the 32 horseplayers competing for the $25,000 grand prize in the Trot Canada National Handicapping Championship (TCNHC) this evening at Georgian Downs. The championship round is well underway with

Ben Minutillo, Dean MacNevin, Gary Naylor, Paul Taylor and defending champion Roy Sproxton taking over the top five spots.

During the championship round, all 32 horseplayers from across Canada are required to place wagers on five mandatory races from Western Fair (Race 4), Georgian Downs (Race 4, Race 8) and Woodbine Racetrack (Race 5, Race 8) along with 10 optional races from the remainder of the races on those cards. The player who finishes the competition with the highest bankroll after wagering on 15 races will be awarded the grand prize of $25,000.

Here is a look at the current leaderboard:

1. Ben Minutillo - $92.50
2. Dean MacNevin - $79.40
3. Gary Naylor - $61.60
4. Paul Taylor - $60.60
5. Roy Spoxton - $52.30

For more information on the TCNHC, click here.