LAS VEGAS (Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021) – While the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Presented by Racetrack Television Network, Caesars Entertainment and Bally’s Las Vegas will crown the best handicapper in the sport, industry accolades will be on the line as a cross-section of notable journalists, analysts, and personalities compete in today’s NTRA NHC Charity Challenge presented by Four Roses Bourbon.
A field of approximately 60 are slated to compete for the $5,000 charitable prize pool with $2,500 set to be donated in the winner’s name to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and the other $2,500 going to the winner’s charity of choice.
Defending Charity Challenge winner Jude Feld will attempt a title defense and every past winner is expected to participate. The past Charity Challenge champions are Dawn Lupul (2019), Ed DeRosa (2018), Ellis Starr (2017), Matt Bernier (2016), and Bob Neumeier (2015).
This year’s complete field, in alphabetical order, with affiliation:
Pete Aiello, track announcer, Gulfstream Park
Frank Angst, features editor, BloodHorse
Jeremy Balan, content editor, TwinSpires.com
Matt Bernier, racing analyst, NBC Sports / In The Money Media
Christina Blacker, host and analyst, TVG
Brian Blessing, radio host, Sportsbook Radio / Vegas Hockey Hotline
Michael Blowen, Old Friends Farm
Mike Brunker, assistant city editor, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Steve Byk, radio host, At the Races with Steve Byk
Zoe Cadman, host and analyst, XBTV.com / Santa Anita Park
Michael Canale, DraftKings
Matt Carothers, host and analyst, TVG
Frank Carulli, professional gambler and former racing analyst
Joe Clancy, ST Publishing
Sean Clancy, ST Publishing
Ed DeRosa, director of marketing, TwinSpires.com / racing analyst, Churchill Downs
Matt Dinerman, track announcer, Golden Gate Fields
Ramon Dominguez, Hall of Fame jockey, broadcaster
Bob Ehalt, freelance writer
Chris “The Bear” Fallica, research producer, College GameDay
Ahmed Fareed, national studio and event host, NBC Sports
Jude Feld, broadcaster and writer, PopeJude.com / Horse Racing Radio Network
Gabby Gaudet, racing analyst and reporter, TVG
Robert Geller, track announcer, Woodbine Entertainment
Jamie Haydon, president, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
Scott Hazelton, host and reporter, TVG
G.D. Hieronymus, retired racetrack video production legend
John Hernandez, track handicapper, Prairie Meadows
Jonathon Kinchen, racing analyst, NYRA / FOX Sports / In the Money Media
Joe Kristufek, racing analyst, Churchill Downs / Fair Grounds
Tom Law, ST Publishing
David Levitch, basketball coach and handicapper, TheHorseCapper.com
Dawn Lupul, holistic health coach and handicapper
Pete Macheska, executive director, FOX Sports
Paul Matties, professional horseplayer, 2016 NHC champion
Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, owner, Gallery Furniture
Jimmy McNerney, track announcer, Ellis Park
Seth Merrow, host, Capital OTB
Jim Miller, director of publicity and on-air analyst, Hawthorne Race Course
Frank Mirahmadi, track announcer, Santa Anita Park / Monmouth Park
Bob Neumeier, retired sports broadcaster
Joe Nevills, bloodstock editor, The Paulick Report
Ron Nicoletti, handicapper, Gulfstream Park
Eddie Olczyk, NHL Lead Analyst, Turner Sports / racing analyst, NBC Sports
Ray Paulick, founder and editor, The Paulick Report
Rich Perloff, host and analyst, TVG
Samantha Perry, handicapper, Monmouth Park
Jay Privman, national correspondent, Daily Racing Form
Sheri Riddoch, handicapper, Woodbine Entertainment
Peter Rotondo, father and bon vivant
Matt Rybaltowski, sports betting reporter, Sports Handle / US Bets / Forbes
Spa Infield Goose, waterfowl and Twitter influencer
Todd Schrupp, host and analyst, TVG
Brian Spencer, handicapper
Ellis Starr, handicapper, Equibase
Vic Stauffer, track announcer, Oaklawn Park
Dan Tordjman, correspondent, America’s Best Racing
Dave Weaver, racing analyst, TVG
Similar to the NHC format, players will select one horse to Win and Place in eight races using a “Pick and Pray” format. All selections are due Saturday morning and any scratches will result in the player being assigned the post-time favorite. The player with the highest hypothetical bankroll after the final contest race will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, there will be no playoff; the donations will be split among the winners.
In addition to the charitable prize, Breeders’ Cup is offering a $500 credit to the winner’s HorsePlayers.com account. The second-place finisher will get a $250 credit with third earning a $100 credit.