The Breeders' Cup May 29 announced that the fifth Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge will be held at Santa Anita Park Nov. 1-2 with prize money expected to be upwards of $500,000.
The event is the country's largest live money handicapping tournament in terms of prize money and requires a $10,000 buy-in. The prize money estimate is based on 185 players participating.
Online qualifying contests for players wanting to participate in the contest continue this Sunday, June 2 at www.bcqualify.com. These online qualifying events feature an entry fee of $110, with the possibility of a contestant winning the full $10,000 entry fee.
"These online qualifying contests offer players a chance to win their $10,000 seat for as little as $110," said Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge administrator Ken Kirchner in a release. "The BCBC is the ultimate big money betting contest and the online qualifiers have proven to be a winning way for fans to participate and qualify."
The contest is unique in its format as $7,500 of the $10,000 entry fee is dedicated to each player's live money bankroll and $2,500 goes into the overall prize pool. The tournament winner is the player that has accumulated the highest live money betting bankroll over the two-day event. Players keep all funds remaining in their betting bankroll. The top 10 finishers share the estimated $500,000 prize pool.
"There is no better value than to play in the qualifying events at BCQualify.com," said two-time defending champion Patrick McGoey, who was an online qualifier in 2011 and turned his $100 entry into a $270,000 payday.
Last year, McGoey repeated his victory by again defeating Christian Hellmers, and collected $255,000 for his second title. "Attending the Breeders' Cup with first class hospitality and the excitement surrounding the races—plus the chance to win a quarter million dollars—makes the BCBC the go-to event for horseplayers," said McGoey.
The June 2, 9, and 16 qualifying events are a two-round format. The top 10% of players from each round one event advance to the round two final June 23, where up to eight players will earn a full $10,000 qualifying spot into the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge. Complete information can be found at www.bcqualify.com.
The 2013 Betting Challenge estimated prize pool of $500,000 includes $225,000 for first place. Prize money is paid to the top 10 finishers, and each contestant also keeps all monies in their betting bankroll. The contest permits win, place, show, exacta, and trifecta wagering as part of the contest.
Contestants have access to a private tournament room at Santa Anita Park, along with trackside seating, guest credential, VIP party invitations, discounted hotel rooms, and other amenities. For more information about entering the BCBC, contact Tim Schram at (859) 422-2658 or at www.breederscup.com/bcbc.