Greg Rocchio earned the title of Ultimate Handicapper Thursday, July 8 at Hoosier Park.
A resident of New Castle, Indiana, Rocchio secured the top spot with his record-setting week Thursday, June 24, earning a total of $16,448 with his mythical $100 bankroll.
Rocchio, a longtime horse racing fan, played a $40 trifecta during Week 14 of the 16-week contest and cashed in with an $820 payoff. The total was the most of any other handicapper in the contest from Hoosier Park and the three OTB locations at Merrillville, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne.
“This is the biggest prize I’ve ever won here at Hoosier Park,” said Rocchio. “I’ve been betting horses since I was 18 and I’m 60 years old now, so I’ve been following it a long time. That trifecta ticket from three weeks ago is what got me here. ”
A native of California, Rocchio worked in the hotel and casino industry for more than 25 years in Las Vegas. While working there, he became acquainted with some people from New Castle. After retirement in 2005, he came to New Castle to visit his friends and liked the area. He decided to move to Indiana permanently. Rocchio is a loyal racing fan at Hoosier Park.
Rocchio received the $1,000 cash prize for being the top player in the Ultimate Handicapper contest. The contest was held every Thursday throughout the 80-day harness racing season and includes races four through eight from the program each week. Also, a weekly prize of $250 was awarded each week for the top player in the contest.
Finishing in second place was Charles Shipley, a player at Hoosier Park with a bankroll of $15,321.50. Zach Taylor of Merrillville OTB finished third with $8,570.
(Hoosier)