Champions FAQ
Choose Your Berth!
There are 4 berths up for grabs in the 2017 Spring Champions Tournament: Two berths into the NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Challenge (NHC), one berth into The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) and one berth into The Big One. The first place finisher can choose 1 of any of the 4 berths. The second place finisher has a choice of 1 of the 3 remaining berths. The third place finisher has a choice of 1 of the 2 remaining berths and the fourth place finisher wins the remaining berth.
The NHC berth cannot be bought, every player must qualify for the NHC tournament. The NHC takes place January 2018. The BCBC berth covers your $2,500 entry fee and $7,500 bank, as well as two days of championship racing, and tickets to a VIP Breeders’ Cup party for you and a guest. The BCBC takes place November 3 & 4, 2017 at Del Mar. The BIG ONE berth covers your seat to “The BIG ONE and $1,000 bank, as well as a 3-night stay at The BIG ONE reserved hotel and welcome party. The BIG ONE takes place September 23 & 24, 2017.
1. When can I enter the tournament?
Registration for the Saturday, March 25, 2017 tournament will begin Saturday, February 25.
You can call 301-470-5432 if you want to register with a credit card (Mastercard or Visa) - Entry fee Only.
The bank cannot be charged to a credit card. Or, you can mail in your entry fee and bank (cashier’s check), or mail in just your entry fee, if you prefer. If you are registering over the phone you have until NOON on Friday, March 24. If you call after 12:00pm on Friday (3/24) you will reach a voice mail message telling you that early registration is closed and if there are still open spots in the tournament, registration will resume the morning of the tournament at 10:00am.
2. How do I get a registration form?
You can e-mail diana.harbaugh@marylandracing.com before noon on March 24 or click here to download the rules and entry form.
3. How much to enter the tournament?
You need a total of $300 (per entry) to enter the tournament, a $100 entry fee and a $200 bank.
4. How many entries may I have in the tournament?
You are allowed a maximum of two entries per person.
5. What are the tracks available for wagering in the tournament?
The tracks available for wagering in the March 2017 tournament are Laurel, Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Tampa Bay and Santa Anita through race 6 (subject to change depending on actual post time). There are no mandatory races and all races from the valid tracks are available for wagering in the tournament.
6. Should I register early/Why? How many do you allow in the tournament?
Yes. The only way to guarantee a spot is to register early. We cap the entries at 300.
7. Do I get to keep what is in my bank at the end of the tournament?
Yes, the bank is yours to keep.
8. If I place 2 bets on the same horse, is it considered 2 wagers as long as each bet is for $20 or more?
Maybe...the rules will give you more details, but you may wager $20 to win, place and show on the same horse and it will count as 3 bets; if you wager $20 to win twice on the same horse, that will only count as 1 wager.
9. How many places do you pay?
First through tenth place finishers receive a prize check. If you are among the top ten, be sure to stop by the registration table before you leave.
10. What is the average winning balance to win the tournament?
11. How many people do you send to The National Handicapping Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas, the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC), and The Big One ?
This tournament will send 2 people to the NHC, 1 person to the BCBC and 1 person to the BIG ONE. NHC tour points will be awarded from this tournament. To be eligible for NHC seats, players MUST be an NTRA tour member PRIOR to the start of the Champions tournament. If a player is ineligible, the NHC berth will be awarded to the entrant with the next highest tournament bankroll.
12. Who pays for the airfare and hotel?
Air fare is the responsibility of winners. Hotel stays are the responsibility of the winners of the NHC and BCBC berths. A 2-night hotel stay is included for The BIG One participants.
13. Is there a minimum/maximum wager?
Yes, the minimum wager allowed in the tournament is $20, there are no maximums. You can’t add money to your bank, however if you have winning wagers, the winnings are added to your bank and you are free to wager the maximum in your bank.
14. Can I place all my bets early and leave or do I have to stay for the entire tournament?
You don’t have to stay for the tournament, however if you win, we will need additional information before we can mail your check, you will need to return to cash out your bank, one of your horses may scratch resulting in cancellation of your wager and you miss lunch. I suggest you plan to stay.
15. Can I bring a guest/phone/laptop?
A limited number of guests are allowed (first come, first served) for a $20.00 fee. Phones are allowed; please be courteous when on a cell phone. We have limited electrical outlets. If you want to bring a laptop, please arrive early so you can choose a seat near an outlet.
16. How do I get to Laurel Park?
17. Where can I stay?
18. Have a question not covered?
Call Diana Harbaugh at 301-470-5432 or e-mail at diana.harbaugh@marylandracing.com
