Night School, the racing industry’s free national online fan education program, offers its first of two “Newbie Tuesdays” lessons this Tuesday, a full-length feature video on the basics of handicapping with a Q&A session to follow. The timing of the Newbie Tuesdays offerings hopes to maximize new fan interactions created at the Triple Crown events this spring. A second consecutive lesson for the game’s newer customers will be offered next week and focus on the basics of wagering.
The nearly 50-minute video features Horse Player NOW handicappers Joe Kristufek, Brian W. Spencer and Brian Nadeau in a roundtable discussion regarding the keys to handicapping the races. The video also features a line-by-line explanation how to read the past performances, a point-by-point explanation of how to read the television monitors at the racetrack or simulcast outlet, and a special harness handicapping section from Ken Warkentin of Meadowlands. The Q&A will be co-hosted by Kristufek and Caton Bredar of Horse Player NOW and HRTV.
“The goal of the Newbie Tuesdays lessons are not only to educate the brand-new or entry-level fan, but also to give experienced horseplayers the tools necessary to help teach their friends that are newer to the game,” said Jeremy Plonk, the program’s co-creator. “We’re all in this together and mentoring is the best way to captivate interest in a fascinating pastime like handicapping the races. We met thousands of eager newcomers at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes on-track fan education events working with America’s Best Racing and it’s important to act quickly upon continuing their interest.”
Fans can take part in the class free by visiting any one of the 40-plus websites that provides the Night School lessons each week. The 90-minute live event, which begins at 8:30 p.m. ET, is the 16th of 40 lessons offered in 2013. For those who cannot attend live, the Night School archives always are available free, immediately following the session and beyond. The video will be housed at www.youtube.com/horseplayernow after the live event Tuesday.
Presenting title sponsors for Night School are the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Inc., and the United States Trotting Association.
Night School is offered every Tuesday for 40 consecutive weeks through Dec. 3. Topics change weekly, and fans are eligible for prizes and rewards for registering. Registration is optional and free. There is never a charge for taking part in Night School. The weekly program is offered in three media forums: live chat via the Cover It Live, live blogging/chat forum, audio/radio streaming and full video lesson plans. The media of delivery is based on the subject matter and alternates throughout the season.
This week’s Night School will be followed at 10:00 p.m. ET by the “After Night School Special,” featuring live racing from Mountaineer Park. The segment will cover the evening’s final race in real time with free, live-streaming video. Fans wishing to take part in the Mountaineer action simply need to remain in the Night School chat after class.
This week’s study materials, a comprehensive beginner’s guide to handicapping, courtesy of Horse Player NOW: http://horseplayernow.com/images/STUDY061813.pdf.