With over 85 years as horse racing fans between them, Marlene Malina and Terry Strongman, are “absolutely thrilled” to be taking part in the 2014 edition of the World Harness Handicapping Championship at The Meadowlands this Saturday, April 19 and competing for a Grand Prize of $20,000.
The WHHC brings together horseplayers from across North America to compete for $50,000 in prize money. The WHHC is a partnership between the Meadowlands and the United States Trotting Association formed to create the industry’s ultimate tournament experience. Standardbred Canada supports the project by facilitating the participation of Canadian racing and wagering outlets.
Malina and Strongman qualifed for the WHHC by finishing one-two in SC’s online March Madness competition.
Ironically, Malina and Strongman are “almost related”. Malina’s common law husband is Terry’s brother.
Marlene Malina lives in Elmira, Ontario, and had her first racing experience over 35 years ago at Elmira Raceway. She works at a Seniors Day program and the largest ticket she has cashed on a horse race was $300.
“I have no expectations,” said Marlene when asked about her thoughts on competing in the WHHC, “it’s going to take a lot of luck and it will be different because you don’t know what anyone else is betting.”
Terry Strongman resides in Waterloo, Ontario and has been a fan of racing for 50 years. Introduced to racing by his father, Terry's favourite track is Grand River Raceway and his favourite race is The North America Cup. Terry works as a painter by trade and has a Chinese coin that he uses as a good luck charm. His brother races horses and Terry never misses a race day at Grand River or Clinton. He also likes to visit Mohawk Racetrack for the major stakes events.
Terry Strongman (centre) at a I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club event at Grand River
Terry confides that his sons and brother have been watching the Meadowlands races lately to see who the hot drivers are.
This will be the first trip to The Meadowlands for both Malina and Strongman. Standardbred Canada wishes both of them the best of luck!
WHHC FORMAT
Players will have a $300 bankroll for the contest which is a live money contest. They will wager on a total of 10 races – 7 Meadowlands races plus three (3) designated mandatory races, one each from Pompano, Buffalo & Meadowlands.
- $30 minimum bet per race; $100 maximum bet
- Win or Place wagers only (or WP)
- One (1) horse per race.
- Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings.
- One (1) entry per person.
WHHC PRIZE STRUCTURE (based on 100 entries)
- Payouts to the Top 10, plus players keep their bankroll
1st - $20,000 (40%)
2nd - $10,000 (20%)
3rd - $7,500 (15%)
4th - $5,000 (10%)
5th - $2,500 (5%)
6- 10th - $1,000 (2%)