What is the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC)?

The DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship is a handicapping tournament program that is widely considered the most prestigious handicapping series in North America. Administered by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and sponsored by Daily Racing Form, the series consists of nearly 100 separate contests among nearly 60 NTRA member racetracks, simulcast facilities and other organizations. Contestants participate at these local contests in an attempt to qualify for the national finals, which are held in January in Las Vegas, NV. Between 200-250 participate in the national finals each year. In 2004 and 2005, the event was filmed for a poker-like broadcast that aired on ESPN.

What makes the NHC different than most handicapping contest programs?

The single biggest difference between the NHC and most tournament programs is that players must qualify to the national finals through local qualifying contests. There are no buy-ins to the national finals.

How much money is given away at local tournaments and at the national finals? How much does it cost to enter a local qualifier?

Prize money and entry fees for local qualifiers depends on the rules and format of each contest site, but generally, entry fees range from $50-$200, with a handful of free contests throughout the year. Some sites allow for multiple entries (e.g., up to three entries) while others allow only one entry per person. Most sites return more than 80 percent of total entry fees as prize money. In 2005, total prize money at the national finals was $540,000. In addition, the winner claims the title of “Handicapper of the Year” and is invited to the Eclipse Awards, the “Academy Awards” of horseracing. As the program gains more popularity, the total prize money will only continue to grow.

How do I find out about and enter a local qualifying contest?

The qualifying contest schedule is updated on a weekly basis on the Daily Racing Form’s website (www.drf.com) in a special section dedicated to the NHC, and is also published once a week in the national print editions of Daily Racing Form. The NHC website is also accessible through the NTRA's website at www.ntra.com under Races in the menu above (or by clicking here). Prospective players should check that schedule often. Generally, all contests are registered by March 31 of any given year. On the schedule, contact information is provided for each qualifying contest (the NTRA does not maintain information on local qualifiers). It is advised that prospective players contact each individual site for information about how to register. Some sites accept registration in advance, while others register players on a walk-up basis the day of the event. Most contests have limits on the total number of players, so it is strongly advised that prospective players contact sites to learn about their registration processes and sign-up status before traveling to that site. There is no mandatory contest format for qualifying sites. Formats can vary widely, so players should inquire about the format prior to arriving at the contest site.

Are there any qualifying contests held on the internet?

Yes, there are usually between 5-10 internet qualifiers held a year. In addition to the official qualifying site, sites that hold internet contests include TVG, Youbet.com, brisnet, Publichandicapper.com and few racetracks. Internet contests are designated on the qualifying schedule. Most internet contests are free.

If I qualify for the national finals at a local qualifying site, how do I get to Las Vegas?

Qualifying spots for the national finals, excluding spots given away through the official online qualifying site, include round-trip airfare for the qualifier as well as hotel accommodations for his or her stay in Las Vegas. These costs are paid most often by the local qualifying venue, or in some cases, the NTRA. Qualifiers should work with their local track representatives to arrange for travel and accommodations for the national finals.

What is the format of the national finals in Las Vegas?

At the national finals, contestants make a total of 30 wagers over the two-day period. Players place 15 mythical $2 Win/Place wagers per day on 15 individual races. Eight (8) of those wagers are placed on mandatory races selected by tournament officials that contestants must play, and seven (7) of those wagers are placed on races of contestants’ choice from the list of eligible tracks. Win/Place wagers must be placed on a single horse (contestants cannot split the Win/Place wagers among different horses).

I run a racetrack or OTB, and I am interested in hosting my own NHC qualifying event. How do I do that?

At this point in time, NHC qualifying contests are open only to NTRA member racetracks and organizations. If you are not currently an NTRA member and would like to inquire as to becoming one, contact the NTRA at 859-223-5444 and ask for the Membership department. If your organization becomes an NTRA member, information on how to host a qualifying contest will then be provided.