It has been announced that the estimated purse for the 2015 National Handicapping Championship has been increased 25 per cent to a record $2 million.

It has been announced via release that an additional $200,000 in previously-announced prize money will be distributed as part of the 2014 NHC Tour, bringing the estimated NHC and NHC Tour purses to $2.2 million.

The purse increases are fueled by robust participation in NHC qualifying contests by NHC Tour members (Tour membership is a requirement to be eligible to qualify for the NHC).

“Virtually all of our qualifying tournaments – onsite and online – continue to perform very well,” said Keith Chamblin, senior vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “We have more than 1,350 new Tour members thus far in 2014. The NHC will only grow as more people are introduced to tournament contests and experience the thrill of competing for a spot in Las Vegas and a chance at the winner’s share of $2 million in prize money. These are life-changing sums being offered to the top finishers.”

The 16th NHC will be held January 23-25, 2015 at Treasure Island Las Vegas. The 2014 NHC Tour schedule and the official rules for the 2015 NHC have been posted online at NHCTour.com. For the second year in a row, the championship will feature a three-day format with a Final 50 and Final Table of 10.

The NHC – formally known as the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship – is presented by Racetrack Television Network, Sovereign Stable and Treasure Island Las Vegas.

(With files from the NTRA)