LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 23, 2020) – Each week, the NTRA will provide a rundown of those who have qualified for the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) the previous weekend.
The NHC is the most important tournament of the year for horseplayers and is the culmination of a year-long series of NTRA-sanctioned local tournaments conducted by racetracks, casino race books, off-track betting facilities and horse racing and handicapping websites, each of which sends its top qualifiers to the national finals. The 2021 NHC is currently slated take place in the Bally’s Events Center from February 12-14.
Tuesday, September 15
Kentucky Downs Turf Handicapping Challenge
Eric Adler of Sherman Oaks, CA has qualified for his second NHC. Adler was a dual qualifier in 2019.
Marikate Carter will be playing in the NHC for the first time.
John Gaspar of Wakefield, MA has previously qualified to the NHC four times and is now a dual qualifier for the fourth straight year.
Chris Goodrich of Mineola, NY will be making his first trip to the NHC in 2021.
Steven Meier of New York, NY already earned a fourth trip to the NHC earlier this year and is now a dual qualifier for 2021.
Chris Cupples of Hazel, NY will be making second NHC appearance after being a dual qualifier for NHC 2020.
Wednesday, September 16
Kentucky Downs Turf Handicapping Challenge
Andy Muhlada, a self-employed manufacturers’ rep working with architects in high-end construction, earned the title of National Turf Handicapping Champion with a final combined bankroll of $9,211 for the two, separate live-money tournaments. The Lawrenceburg, IN resident will be making his third NHC appearance.
Mike Elsass has earned his seventh trip to Las Vegas for the NHC. The resident of Miamisburg, OH finished third in 2005 for $33,000 and also cashed for $8,650 in 2016.
Rich Nilsen is a NHC veteran who is now dual qualified for what will be his 17th appearance at the tournament in Las Vegas. The resident of Tarpon Springs, FL was the first person to finish in the top 10 twice in the NHC, an event he has cashed in four times, and is a member of the NHC Players Committee.
Bill Shurman will be a dual qualifier when he makes his 18th appearance at the NHC in 2021. The resident of Danville, CA has cashed four times with his best effort coming in 2005 when he finished sixth.
Scott Carson, is a NHC Mentor who is now qualified for his 13th appearance in the tournament. The resident of Yorktown Heights, NY has cashed twice including for $65,000 in 2018 when he finished sixth.
Friday, September 18
HorsePlayers.com
Bob Schreiter of Bensalem, PA is a first time NHC qualifier.
Chris Olsson will be making his fifth NHC appearance and has cashed twice for a total of $26,600.
Saturday, September 19
HorsePlayers.com
Dan Lytwynec of Galena, MD, has qualified for his second NHC. His first time qualifying came in 2019.
Jeannie King is bound for a seventh NHC trip where she will attempt to top her 20th place finish in 2015, where she cashed for $18,000. The Lexington, KY resident also cashed for $1,050 in 2017.
Sunday, September 20
HorsePlayers.com – Rookie Only Contest
Rick Hartman is bound for his first NHC appearance.
The Big One (online only)
William Smith of North Platte, NE will be a dual qualifier when he makes his eighth trip to the NHC having previously cashed twice. Smith’s best finish came in 2020 when he ended up 23rd.
Timothy Hughes has qualified to the NHC for the fourth time and will be a dual qualifier in 2021. Hughes cashed for $10,850 in 2018 in his first appearance at the tournament.
Click here for the full NHC Leaderboard
Click here for upcoming NHC qualifiers