Tuesday, February 21, 2017

HANA Harness Announces 2017 Hambletonian Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge

(February 21, 2017) - HANA Harness is pleased to announce the return of its handicapping challenge to benefit standardbred rescue for its sixth running.  The 2017 Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge sponsored by DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, Tioga Downs, Wellbourne Farms, and Vernon Downs kicks off on Friday, March 17 with the first leg of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series at Yonkers Raceway, concluding on November 30 with the Progress Stakes at Dover Downs.

Wellbourne Farms joins our roster of gold sponsors with this edition of the contest.  New to our handicapping roster are Steve Horoky, Megan Maccario, and Terry Wilson who will join the panel of handicappers in battling for handicapping supremacy and their share of the prize pool which now stands at $5,000.  Through the prior five iterations, approximately $25,000 has been awarded to deserving rescues.


The rules have been changed this year to emphasize a handicapper's overall performance on a daily basis with points being awarded based on their placing each contest day.  In addition to awarding prize funds to the rescues of the top three handicappers, a prize will be awarded to the rescue of the handicapper who has the highest net profit in the contest. Rescue assignments will be drawn prior to the contest kick-off.


Sponsorship opportunities remain at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels.  Racetracks, horsemen associations, and other businesses involved in harness racing are welcome to join the current sponsors in doing their part supporting standardbred rescue.  For further information concerning sponsorship opportunities, contact allan@hanweb.com