Meadowlands
Racetrack offers spot in prestigious World Harness Handicapping Championship to
help raise money and awareness
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – When the
world’s top horseplayers convene at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in
East Rutherford, NJ on April 19 to compete in the World Harness Handicapping
Championship, an estimated prize pool of more than $50,000 will be up for
grabs.
But one prominent player won’t be
playing for himself; he’ll be playing for the health and care of retired
racehorses.
Rusty Nash, recently the
runner-up in the Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA) harness
handicapping tournament, was given a seat in the WHHC by the Meadowlands ($800
value) in exchange for agreeing to donate any winnings in the event to a
standardbred rescue organization. The first place prize in the WHHC is $20,000.
“Rusty Nash has been a valued
player in previous Meadowlands contests and we are happy that he received the
$800 charity buy-in to the WHHC Final, said Rachel Ryan, WHHC Contest Director.
“The Meadowlands and HANA have enjoyed a strong partnership and have worked
together to promote racing and wagering at the Meadowlands as well as supporting
horse retirement and rescue charities. This event is the premier betting
contest for Harness players in North America and we hope this sparks further
interest in the World Harness Handicapping Championship.”
"The HANA Harness
Handicapping Contest has raised - through its sponsors - over $7,000 for
retired racehorses the past two years. The Meadowlands' stepping up to the
plate to give one of its top handicappers the chance to earn even more for the
horses is truly appreciated. We wish Rusty, as well as all the participants in
the World Harness Handicapping Championship, good luck" said HANA Harness
Director Allan Schott.
The WHHC is a one-day tournament, with a welcome reception
the evening prior.
Players may earn a seat in the WHHC through a qualifying
event at a partner wagering outlet or through direct $800 buy-in. The
WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of seven
Meadowlands races, plus three designated mandatory races from partner
tracks. Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Prize payouts are to
the Top 10, with an estimated prize pool of $50,000.
Registration deadline is 10 p.m. on Thursday, April
17. For the contest entry form and complete rules visit www.PlayMeadowlands.com.
