Record Prize Money Expected for NHC, NHC Tour
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The Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship anticipates record total purse money approaching $2.5 million for the 2015 NHC and NHC Tour, which will cap the 2014 contest season.
NTRA senior vice president Keith Chamblin talked about the expected record NHC and NHC Tour prize money during a presentation at the International Simulcast Conference Monday, Sept. 29, in Delray Beach, Fla. The conference, which is presented by Thoroughbred Racing Associations, Harness Tracks of America, and in conjunction with the American Greyhound Track Operators Association, will continue through Wednesday, Oct. 1.
In talking about the record prize money expected for NHC 2015, Chamblin outlined the increased interest in handicapping contests and how they can help racetracks attract new customers, improve relationships with players, and increase handle.
The record prize money will be generated by record participation in the NHC Tour and contests. Chamblin said 1,800 new NHC Tour members this year will see membership approach 5,000. He said some of that improvement can be attributed to the Esquire Network show "Horseplayers" generating interest. About 575 finalists are expected to compete at the 2015 NHC in Las Vegas in January.
Chamblin said those new players will help fuel a 34% spike in total prize money compared with last year to a total that will approach $2.5 million. This year's contest will pay $800,000 to the winner, which by design is down slightly from last year, because more players will be paid and the money will be distributed more evenly. The 10th-place finisher will receive about $30,000 and the 50th about $10,000. Those 50 players will compete in a "final table" on the third day of the contest.
Chamblin said 44 tracks and brick-and mortar sites will host 65 NHC-qualifying tournaments this season. Online contests account for the other 87 tournaments.
For tracks, Chamblin said contests offer a chance to connect with customers, offer different formats and price options for players. He said such contests can drive wagering at the track. He said players enjoy the contests as social events, see victory as a prestigious accomplishment, and enjoy the pursuit of large payouts.