With the victory of Downbytheseaside in Dover Downs' Hap Hansen Progress Pace on November 30, Rusty Nash was crowned the winner of the 2017 edition of the Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge.
With seven handicappers sharing the 100 points for selecting the race winner, there was no opportunity for Gordon Waterstone, Sally Hinckley or the others to move up and challenge Nash for the checkered flag.
By winning the Handicapping Challenge, Nash earned $3,225 for Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue in the United States and $925 for Greener Pastures – BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society in Canada. Second-place finisher Waterstone earned $1,650 for Horse Lovers United (US) and $450 for Galahad Refuge (CA). For finishing third, Hinckley earned $825 for Helping Hearts Equine Rescue (US) and $225 for Morningstar Acres (CA).
HANA Harness would like to thank its Gold Sponsors Adam Friedland, DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Red Shores Charlottetown/Summerside, Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, Wellbourne Farms, and WEG. HANA would also like to thank its Silver Sponsors Aquaflow LLC, Eldorado/Scioto Downs, The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, and the Raceway at Western Fair District for their contributions which make this contest possible. With the $8,000 being distributed to Standardbred horse rescues this cycle, the HANA Harness contest will have facilitated in the distribution of over $33,000 over the past six years.
(HANA)