Patrick Welsh, 20, became the youngest person to ever capture a handicapping tournament at Meadowlands Racetrack when he beat the field in the

NHHC Qualifier held on March 26, 2011.

Welsh built his $100 bankroll into $866, which earned him the $2,890 top cash prize and an $800 seat in the National Harness Handicapping Championship on July 9 at Meadowlands Racetrack. Contestants in the qualifier had to bet at least 10 of the 11 races on the Meadowlands card, with a $10 minimum per race. Wagers had to be win, place (or combination WP) and on one horse per race.

The sixth race was the pivotal play for Welsh. He bet his entire $40 bankroll to win on Transcending ($11.80) and cashed $236. He was then able to fire a $100 win bet on Sam Hill ($14) in the seventh race and add another $700 to his coffers, for a total of $836. Welsh clinched the tournament with a $120 win bet on favourite Allamerican Chief ($3.60) in the last race, which added another $216 to his bankroll.

Welsh's father, Michael, introduced the young handicapper to harness racing. He counts 19-year-old, up-and-coming driver Harry Landy among his closest friends and has even jogged horses at Congress Hill Farm, an equine facility operated by Landy's family, in Monroe Township, New Jersey.

"I did not have a particular strategy going into the tournament," said the resident of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. "I just took each race as it came, but I would like to acknowledge my friends Harry Landy and Chris Matthews for their support."

Upcoming qualifiers for the 2011 NHHC will he held at twinspires.com (April 22, May 13, 27), Vernon Downs (April 30), Mohegan Sun Casino (April 30), Tioga Downs (May 13) and Club Hawthorne (May 13, 14). Visit the NHHC page on meadowlandsracetrack.com or follow the tournament on Facebook for more details.

Tournament Standings - March 26, 2011
Rank, Name, Bankroll, Prize

1, Patrick Welsh, $866, $2,890 (Plus $800 NHHC seat)
2, Victor Apolinario, $783, $2,275 (Plus $800 NHHC seat)
3, Tracy Hendler, $560, $1,660 (Plus $800 NHHC seat)
4, John Lombardo, $551, $1,230
5, Ron Laman, $305, $615
6, Glenn Burke, $220, $246
7, Dominick Georgeano, $173, $246
8, Mike Petrucelli, $141, $246
9, Mark Bowin, $133, $246
10, Robert Buzzel, $117, $246

123 entries - $12,300

(Meadowlands Racetrack)