George Brown of Neeham, Massachusetts captured the NTRA National Handicapping Championship Qualifier on Saturday, Oct. 16 at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.
The $400 no-takeout contest attracted a field of 66 players representing several different states. All entry fees went to the prize pool totalling $13,200
The Meadowlands NHC Qualifier required each contestant to make at least 10 $20 Win wagers on their choice of races from Belmont, Laurel and Keeneland.
Brown cashed on three of his 10 bets and was able to his build his $200 bankroll into $1,122.50, earning him the $5,280 top cash prize and seat in the 2022 NHC Final in Las Vegas. Brown's big score came in Belmont’s 10th race where he cashed for $892.50 with a $175 win bet on maiden claiming winner Lemon Taffy.
Longtime NHC and Meadowlands contest player Bill Rendino finished in second place with a $900 tournament bankroll. Since Rendino already qualified for the NHC, the second NHC seat was passed to Michael Sweeney of Ryebrook, New York.
The Meadowlands Racetrack will look to hold a NHC 2023 Qualifier in March 2023.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)