What to Know and Who to Follow for the NHC

Photos courtesy of NTRA
If you’ve ever felt the thrill of betting and cashing a winning ticket on a horse race, then you can only imagine the excitement surrounding the world series of horse betting, the National Handicapping Championship (NHC). This year, there’s a record $2.75-million up for grabs at the  Daily Racing Form/NTRA NHC, being held at Treasure Island in Las Vegas.
While it’s grown in popularity every year—this is the 17th annual NHC—there are still many unknown facts about the event. With that in mind, we’ve decided to put together a list of things you should know about the NHC. This year there’s an added emphasis on social media, with the creation of the first ever #NHC Social Media Team covering the festivities. Below, you’ll find some key Twitter handles to follow to stay on top of all the action.
Who competes in the NHC?
This is the best part. Anyone can make it to the NHC and play on racing’s biggest stage and for its biggest prizes. A record field of at least 627 entrants will compete this year. It includes men and women from all over the United States, ranging in age from new players, some in their 20s, to veterans who have been studying the races for years. Sally Goodall, Paul Shurman and David “Trey” Stiles are all tied for the record with 14 NHC appearances.
What’s up for grabs at the NHC?
As touched on above, this year’s NHC features the largest purse in handicapping tournament history – estimated at $2.75 million in cash and awards – and horse racing’s official title of “Horseplayer of the Year”. The winner will also receive a prestigious Eclipse Award (horse racing’s version of an Emmy or Oscar) at next year’s award show.
How much does it cost to get in?
Similar to the extremely popular World Series of Poker, players can qualify to the NHC through more affordable satellite tournaments. NHC offers year-round qualifiers, some starting at less than $100, allowing players on a smaller budget a crack at the big time. To get started, anyone interested just needs to sign up for an NHC Tour membership for $50.

HANDICAPPING AT THE NHC

Can beginners have success getting to and playing in the NHC?
Without a doubt, the headliner of this year’s event is Jonathon Kinchen. The 33-year-old who works in real estate in Austin, Texas burst onto the scene at least year’s NHC by making the “final table” of players with both of his NHC entries. It was Kinchen’s first full season as a handicapping tournament player. So, yes, beginners can and do have success at the NHC.
Who are some of the key players in the NHC?
Kinchen is considered this year’s favorite. Not only was he the NHC Tour leader - accumulating the most points during handicapping tournaments throughout the year - he again has two entries and is a year wiser. If he wins the NHC this year, he’ll also get a $2-million bonus because he was the NHC Tour Champion during the year.
This year’s field is also chock-full of previous NHC winners, including John O’Neil who won last year, Jose Arias (2014), Jim Benes (2013), Michael Beychok (2012), Brian Troop (2010), Richard Goodall (2008) and Stanley Bavish (2007). Several popular mainstream names can also be found at the NHC, like Chris “The Bear” Fallica from ESPN Gameday, actor Joe Scanio, and Basil DeVito Jr. with the WWE. Many other racing industry celebrities are on the list of entrants this year, as well.
How can I keep track of what’s going on at the NHC?
The NHC is not televised (yet) but you can find more information on the official site of the NHC, which includes a leaderboard. For those looking to stay on top of the action by the second, social media is going to be your best friend.
Who should I follow on Twitter for updates?
For starters, you’ll want to follow the aforementioned #NHC Social Media Team, consisting of Eclipse-Award winning writer Jennie Rees (@TracksideJennie), Keith McCalmont (@TripleDeadHeat), Molly McGill (@GrandSlamSocial) and University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program student Joe Longo who will be tweeting from @UA_RTIP.
Apart from the social media team, you might want to also follow the following group of current players, formers players and others who will be keeping a close eye on the action:
Jonathon Kinchen (@Utbighair): He’s the main attraction and the most talked about player at the NHC.

Michael Beychok (@BeychokRacing): The 2012 NHC champion is back to reclaim his title.
Eric Bialek (@Eric_Bialek): At just 24 years old, he is one of the youngest players at the NHC. 
Peter Fornatale (@LoomsBoldly): He’s written books on contest play and is the handicapping editor for the Daily Racing Form (DRF). 
Matt Bernier (@Bernier_Matt): DRF correspondent and previous NHC contender, Matt is one of the most active social media personalities in racing; he’ll be especially active this weekend. 
NTRA (@NTRA): The official account of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. 
Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup): The World Championships of Racing makes its presence felt everywhere and the NHC is no exception. Breeders’ Cup will be live at the NHC all weekend, rooting on NHC players who qualified through the #BC15 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, or #BCBC. Those players include Kevin Cox (@BrooklynCowboy), John Gamane (@SaratogaJohn) and Tommy Massis (@TommyHammer).
Breeders’ Cup will also be awarding berths to the 2016 BCBC at the NHC and spreading the word about #BC16 and BCqualify.com for those interested in making it to Vegas for next year’s contest. The Breeders’ Cup team on site at the NHC includes Shona Rosenblum (@socialshona) and Peter Rotondo (@Retro411). 
Jim Mulvihill (@YourFriendJimbo): Director of Media and Industry Relations at the NTRA, Mulvihill is another great person to follow for updates throughout the weekend. 
Steve Byk (@Steve_Byk): Host of radio show “At the Races” is on site covering the action.

Mike Watchmaker (DRFWatchmaker): National handicapper for DRF is on-site at the NHC, covering the action. He’s also extremely active, sharing observations and opinions on Twitter. 
Lou Monaco (@LouMonaco): Another one of the DRF crew you’ll want to follow. “Sweet Lou”, as he’s known as, has already been pushing out photos and info from the floor at the NHC. 
Scott Carson (@CarsoniPH): Founder of the website PublicHandicapper.com is one of the players to watch at the NHC. 
Dan Kovalesky (@Triptothederby): Another familiar face in contest circles, Dan will also be vying for the title of “Horseplayer of the Year” at the NHC. 
Jason Beem (@BeemieAwards): An author, former track announcer and current host of the B.A.R.N. podcast on Bet America, Jason Beem is a must-follow. His off the wall humor should keep the mood light all weekend at the NHC.