Patrick O’Malley of Westbury, NY has punched his ticket to the 2020 World Harness Handicapping Championship, as he triumphed in the January 11 WHHC qualifier that was held at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
While O’Malley cashed on five of his contest wagers, he saved the best for last when his $50 Win/Place/Show wager on Duckies Dynasty in Race 14 netted him $2,120. His longshot score vaulted him into first place and qualified him for the April 18 WHHC final. O’Malley is a contest veteran and qualified for the 2019 World Harness Handicapping Championship via the Winter Survival Challenge.
Bob DiPalma of Househead, NY, also qualified for the April 18 final courtesy of his second-place finish in Saturday’s contest with $621. DiPalma hit for $555 with a $50 Win & Place bet on Miss U Big Mike in the Meadowlands’ thirteenth race.
George Wagner of Warrington, PA, and Paul Weber of New Rochelle, NY also qualified into the WHHC final with their respective third and fourth-place finishes.
The $400 qualifier required contestants to place at least ten $20 minimum win, place, and/or show wagers on Meadowlands races.
The World Harness Handicapping Championship is a one-day tournament that will take place on April 18, 2020. All WHHC details can be found at playmeadowlands.com.
(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)