Racetracks of Ontario Marketing & Promotions launched a major handicapping league at six Ontario tracks on Thursday night. Fifty teams and nearly 150 people took part in the first night of the eight-week contest
.
Soaring to the early lead in the competition was Team Condor from Western Fair Raceway. Team members Gary, Chris and Ann Revington landed nearly $20 ahead of the runner-up (The London Specialists) with a $98.90 bankroll, which included eight winners in the 10-race contest. Team Condor picks up $100 for their efforts.
The inaugural ROMP Handicapping League offers a minimum of $10,000 in prize money on Thursday nights for eight weeks until February 25.
The league is offered at the following tracks: Clinton, Flamboro, Hanover, Georgian, Grand River, and Western Fair. Hiawatha Horse Park is also part of the competition and will commence play once their simulcast racing operation resumes.
League teams consist of three members that compete against teams at their home track, and the other participating facilities. There is a $10 cost per team, per week, which entitles the team to three free programs from the three-track standardbred menu.
All entry fees are added to the $10,000 grand prize offering. Each team’s weekly cumulative (hypothetical) bankrolls will determine which two teams from each track will advance to the finals on March 4.
Those who wish to participate, still have plenty of opportunity, as teams must compete in only four of the eight league nights to be eligible for the final. Week two is this Thursday (January 14).
Full league details and standings are available on the ROMP website.
ROMP is a collective of marketing managers from racetracks and industry associations working together to maximize marketing opportunities and resources.
(ROMP)