The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced May 9 that the purse for the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship, presented by Racetrack Television Network, Sovereign Stable, and Treasure Island Las Vegas, is estimated to be $1.8 million.
The purse estimate represents a 13% increase over the 2014 NHC purse of $1,59 million.
An additional $200,000 in prize money will be distributed as part of the 2014 NHC Tour, bringing the estimated tour purses to $2 million or more for the first time in the history of the event.
"Tournament play thus far in 2014 has exceeded expectations," said NTRA senior vice president Keith Chamblin. "Through April there are more than 1,200 'rookie' DRF/NHC tour members attempting to qualify to the NHC."
The NTRA also announced that the 16th NHC will be held January 23-25, 2015 at Treasure Island.
Official rules for the 2015 NHC have been posted online at NHCTour.com. For the second year in a row, the event will feature a three-day format with a final 50 and final table.
"This past January's expansion to a three-day NHC format was well-received," Chamblin said. "Based on research and other feedback from participants, we've made some adjustments to the format that we think will lead to an even better NHC in 2015."
