The 2015 HANA Harness Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge has concluded, and Sally Hinckley ran away with the title, as she finished 570 points ahead of her nearest competitor.
This year’s Grand Circuit journey started on April 24 at the Meadows and concluded on Monday, November 30 at Dover Downs. It was fitting that Wiggle It Jiggleit won the finale in the same dominating way that Sally Hinckley dominated the HANA tour. Once they were out of the gate and settled down, they both moved to the front and were never headed again.
The HANA Harness Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge was no pushover of a race. The field consisted of many of the top handicappers and movers and shakers in the harness racing world. Hinckley’s credentials are very strong, as she is a well-known horsewoman from Maine. She is a member and the secretary of the Maine Harness Racing Promotional Board. Many people have seen her work without realizing it. She started out as ‘Lady Lewiston’ in the Lewiston Sun Journal. Hinckley has also been the regular line maker at Scarborough Downs for quite some time. Also, the Hinckley family provides the ‘forever home’ for the retired racehorses Armbro Brando and Stelerbraration
When contacted about her win, Hinckley was very gracious, and first wanted to thank contest coordinator Allan Schott and the whole group of top North American handicappers who made the whole event so much fun.
When asked about her strategy in the new format, she talked about trying to get a high win rate for the multiplier while also looking for a good longshot or two each week. She explained how it clicked for her. “While stuck in the middle of pack, my choice of Annedrovette at 36-1 propelled me to a top position. Then began a strategy of defence. Trying to minimize other players’ gain by having many of the same picks, but mostly I lived by the old adage that ‘the race isn't always to the swiftest, but that's the way to bet it.’ I also got on some great bandwagons, for instance Divine Caroline. I was very glad to find the wire because any of the other players could have a huge night at any time!”
Regarding HANA’s cause, Hinckley went on to say, “All the rescue groups are worthy, and it is a special pleasure to bring the win home to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. Their efforts help the abused and neglected horses who have been seized by the state to find safety and comfort at their facility. Many thanks to the generous sponsors, Allan Schott for his work and expertise in running this contest the past seven months and my fellow handicappers who are now my friends.”
For winning the handicapping challenge, Hinckley’s selected rescue, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, an organization dedicated to equine welfare, will receive $2,950 for use towards their Standardbred program thanks to the contest’s sponsors. In addition to that donation, $500 will be donated to Canadian rescues by the contest’s Canadian sponsors.
Second place finisher, Dennis O’Hara, will see his rescue, Standardbred Retirement Foundation receive a donation of $1,575, while the third-place finisher, Anne Stepien, will see her rescue, Heading for Home, earn approximately $675 for her efforts.
HANA Harness would like to thank all of its generous sponsors who allow the handicapping contest to be an annual event since 2012. Plans are already underway for next year’s competition. Anyone connected with the Standardbred industry who may be interested in sponsorship of next year’s event may contact [email protected] for information.
(With files from HANA)