Ellis Starr, the national racing analyst for Equibase also known as Ubercapper, won the third annual Tito’s $10,000 Charity Challenge presented by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) as part of the 18th Daily Racing Form/NTRA NHC Presented by Racetrack Television Network and Treasure Island Las Vegas with a final mythical bankroll of $84.20. Publicist and former turf writer Jennie Rees, on site at NHC 18 working for the NTRA, finished second with $80.30.
A field of 40 celebrities, broadcasters and media types competed in the Charity Challenge. As the winner, Starr will have $5,000 donated in his name to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and $2,500 to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm. The remaining $2,500 will be donated to a nonprofit cause to be selected by contest sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
The top five in the Charity Challenge was rounded out by TVG’s Matt Carothers ($64.80), BetAmerica’s Michelle Yu ($59.20); and New York Racing Association track announcer and NBC Sports voice of the Triple Crown races Larry Collmus ($56.80).
Players selected one horse for mythical $2 Win and Place bets on the same eight races used as mandatory events at the NHC.