The 2022 National Horseplayers Championship: A Return to Prestige and Excitement in Las Vegas
After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) is finally making its highly anticipated return to Las Vegas. This prestigious handicapping tournament, sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, will bring together 509 individuals for three days of thrilling competition and a chance to win a share of $3.5 million in cash and prizes. As the youngest champion in NHC history walks away with the crown, the stage is set for another exhilarating showdown.
Back to Normality: A Bigger Purse and a Familiar Date
Last year, the NHC experienced a setback due to the pandemic, resulting in a reduced purse of $2.01 million from its original $3 million. However, this year marks a return to normalcy, with the purse restored to its former glory. The champion will walk away with an impressive $725,000 and the coveted Eclipse Award for Horseplayer of the Year. Additionally, the tournament returns to its traditional late January date, allowing participants to wager on races from renowned tracks such as Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita Park, and Tampa Bay Downs. The Houston Racing Festival card at Sam Houston Race Park will also provide an exciting wagering opportunity on Sunday’s final table.
Qualification: A Contest of Skills and Expertise
What sets the NHC apart from other handicapping competitions is that participants cannot simply buy their way in. Each player has earned their spot through regional qualifying tournaments held at various racetracks, off-track betting facilities, ADW platforms, and casino racebooks. This ensures that only the most skilled and knowledgeable horseplayers make it to the prestigious event.
The Tournament Format: Navigating the Challenges
The NHC follows a unique tournament format that tests the participants’ ability to make strategic wagers. On the first two days of the competition, players place mythical $2 Win and Place bets on eight mandatory races. These races are carefully selected to challenge the contestants and require them to showcase their handicapping skills. After Day 2, the field is narrowed down to the top 10% based on their accumulated bankrolls. These qualifiers move on to the semifinals held on Sunday morning, where they face further challenges in pursuit of a spot at the final table.
The final table consists of the top 10 players after the semifinals. Here, seven mandatory races await, providing a thrilling climax to the tournament. In addition to the mandatory races, players have the opportunity to wager on 10 races of their choice on both Day 1 and Day 2, allowing them to demonstrate their expertise on their preferred races.
Defending Champion and Past Winners: A Battle for Glory
One of the standout participants in this year’s NHC is defending champion Justin Mustari. At just 26 years old, he made history as the youngest champion in NHC history when he emerged victorious in the previous edition of the tournament. Mustari’s journey to his NHC spot is a testament to his exceptional handicapping skills, as he secured his place through a remarkable selection in a Del Mar turf allowance optional claimer race.
Mustari will face stiff competition from a field that includes eight other past NHC champions. The likes of Thomas Goldsmith, Scott Coles, Chris Littlemore, Ray Arsenault, Jose Arias, Michael Beychok, Stanley Bavlish, Steve Wolfson Jr., and Judy Wagner have all proven their prowess in previous competitions. Notably, Arias narrowly missed out on the championship title last year and will be seeking redemption in his quest to become the first two-time NHC winner. It is worth noting that in the 22-year history of the NHC, no player has achieved the feat of winning the tournament more than once – making the competition even more intense and unpredictable.
Conclusion
The return of the National Horseplayers Championship in 2022 promises an unforgettable experience for both participants and horse racing enthusiasts alike. The impressive prize pool, the challenge of qualification, the unique tournament format, and the presence of seasoned champions all contribute to the excitement surrounding the event. As the historic competition gets underway at Bally’s Las Vegas, horseplayers from across the nation are ready to showcase their skills and passion for the sport, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and fierce competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do participants qualify for the National Horseplayers Championship?
Participants earn their spots in the NHC through regional qualifying tournaments held at various racetracks, off-track betting facilities, ADW platforms, and casino racebooks. There is no buy-in option available.
2. What is the prize for winning the NHC?
The champion of the National Horseplayers Championship will receive a first prize of $725,000 and the prestigious Eclipse Award for Horseplayer of the Year.
3. How many entries are there in the 2022 NHC?
The 2022 NHC features 509 contestants with a total of 643 entries. This includes individuals who have qualified with the maximum of two entries.
4. How is the NHC tournament structured?
The NHC tournament involves placing mythical $2 Win and Place bets on eight mandatory races on Day 1 and Day 2. After Day 2, the field is cut to the top 10% based on bankrolls. These qualifiers then compete in the semifinals, and the top 10 players from the semifinals make it to the final table. The final table consists of seven mandatory races.
5. Who are some notable past winners of the NHC?
Among the past winners of the NHC are Justin Mustari, Thomas Goldsmith, Scott Coles, Chris Littlemore, Ray Arsenault, Jose Arias, Michael Beychok, Stanley Bavlish, Steve Wolfson Jr., and Judy Wagner.
