Ronald Richardson

RON RICHARDSON (LANSDALE, PA) Occupation: Telecommunications Engineer Favorite Track: Del Mar Favorite Wager: Pick 5 Qualifying Site: NHC Qualify.com two-time qualifier How did you first get into horse racing? My mother took me to Garden State Park when I was eleven. There was a gimmick bet called the twin double. You had to pick the winner of two races then exchange your ticket and pick the winner of the next two races. She won and I was hooked. How many times (and in which years) have you previously qualified for the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship presented by Sovereign Stable? Twice. I qualified for the first NHC in 2000. I was in 5th after the first day, ended up in 52nd place and I qualified in 2012. What is your best finish in a handicapping tournament, and what is your largest tournament payout? Best finish was 3rd place at Philly Park in 1999. It was a real money tournament. I ended up with $2,700 plus $500 for the tournament. What wager created the largest payout for you? Please elaborate on the circumstances (date, track, etc.)? A pick $1.00 4 at Santa Anita about four years ago, paid a little over $8500. What is your most memorable horse racing experience? I had a 10% interest in a West Point horse named Grand Hope who ran in the Riva Ridge in 1999. I met Pat Day who rode him and sat two rows behind D. Wayne Lukas, who trained the winner, yes it's true. If not for Charismatic breaking down in the stretch later in the Belmont, it would have been a great day. Do you have any interesting hobbies, or experience or past accomplishments that others might find unique or interesting? Just handicapping. Does anyone else in your family share your enthusiasm as a horseplayer? No. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of? Father of three great kids and seven (great) grandkids. What would you do with the NHC grand prize if you won? Travel to every race track in America that I haven't been to yet. Which person in Thoroughbred racing would you most like to have dinner with? Todd Pletcher or Bob Baffert just to try to understand how they stay so successful. ayer bio available.