Bill Porter, 78, of Elora, Ont., is looking forward to the $100,000 World Harness Handicapping Championship at the Meadowlands Racetrack, and with good reason -- he’ll be competing in the inaugural event that features a grand prize of $40,000.

Porter earned his way into the WHHC by winning the 2011 Trot Canada National Handicapping Championship hosted at The Raceway at the Western Fair District in London.

The 2013 World Harness Handicapping Championship will bring together horseplayers from across North America to compete for $100,000 in prize money on Saturday, April 13. The WHHC is a partnership between the Meadowlands and the United States Trotting Association formed to create the industry’s ultimate tournament experience. Standardbred Canada supports the project by facilitating the participation of Canadian racing and wagering outlets.

Porter took home a cheque in the amount of $25,000 for his efforts in the TCNHC. If he happens to win the WHHC on April 13, that will be worth $40,000.
The lifelong racing fan attributes his love for racing to his family. “I’ve pretty much been a racing fan my whole life. My dad was a blacksmith who got me interested in horses,” Porter recalls, “and my father in law used to take me to Hanover all the time, that’s where I learned how to wager.”

Bill spends a lot of time at his local track, Grand River Raceway, though he says he doesn’t get out as often as he used to. The former General Steel worker now spends a lot of his time playing euchre and watching the races from the comfort of home.

Porter offers some insight into his selection process. “I like to watch the horses in the post parade, and a good driver change can catch my eye --- that can make all the difference.”

Porter was asked what he would buy if he took home the big cheque.

“I’ve never owned a new car in my life,” Porter admitted, “so I’d think about buying one of those, the rest I’d probably put in the bank.”

Porter is one of eight Canadian players that will be competing in the WHHC. Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park has two more rounds of its qualifying event for the WHHC --- this Thursday, March 21 and next Thursday, March 28. For more information on Red Shores' contest, contact Brett Revington at 902-620-4222 (Ext. 4331) or Adam Walsh at 902-620-4222 (Ext. 4313).

Limited to just 100 spots, the WHHC is a one-day tournament, with a welcome reception and warm-up event the evening prior. Players must earn a seat in the WHHC through a qualifying event at a partner wagering outlet.

The player with the highest bankroll based on wagering from 10 races will be the winner. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 finishers, and all players will keep their winnings.

To take a look at the format of the event and qualifying locations, click here.

FAST FACTS

HOMETOWN
• Durham, Ont.

FAVOURITE DRIVER
• Paul MacDonell. He has kept out of trouble and is a great driver.

BIGGEST TICKET EVER CASHED
• Winning this contest in London, but betting-wise would be $1,250 or $1,300 on a $2 triactor.

NICKNAME
• 'Grump.' My daughter-in-law got that as my license plate.