Despite attempts by other contestants to execute ‘Hail Mary’ wagers in an effort to seek the payoff positions, Richard Scott is the winner of HANA Harness’ 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge.
Scott’s victory seemed assured as far back as July 21 when he exploded for a profit of $1,023.40 at Tioga Downs that weekend. Scott’s profit that weekend created a lead which would never be challenged, as no other handicapper was able to get that ‘big hit’ to put them back in the running. Scott’s final winning margin was $743.67.
However, in the last event of the season, Rusty Nash was able to use the Cleveland Classic at Northfield Park to earn a weekly profit of $51.60, allowing him to sneak into second place, pushing Earl Paulson into third. The only other handicapper which showed a profit for the week was Scott with a profit of $0.60.
The prize fund for the contest reached $3,250. As a result of the final results, Scott’s horse rescue, Changing Fates Equine Rescue will be a recipient of $1,250. Nash’s rescue, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is slated to receive $875, while Paulson’s third-place finish results in a $375 donation to Heading for Home. In addition to these donations, additional donations will be made in honour of Scott’s victory by the Illinois Harness Horseman Association and Red Shores’ Charlottetown to local standardbred rescues. Those organizations which handle more than standardbreds have committed to using these proceeds solely for the benefit of standardbred rescues.
The final standings for the contest appear below.
(With files from HANA)