(Edited press release)
The Breeders’ Cup and the Oak Tree Racing Association have announced that the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge, a two-day handicapping tournament, will take place during the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park on Nov. 6-7.
The winner of this year’s event can take home more than $100,000. Each participant will receive a free VIP ticket to the Championships and have a private seating area at the track that will feature complimentary food and beverage.
The contest is limited to the first 100 players who enter; the buy-in to participate is $10,000. Of the initial $10,000 bankroll, $2,500 is applied toward the prize money pool and $7,500 is for betting. At the conclusion of the tournament, any dollar amount remaining in the bankroll remains the property of the player.
The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge also will offer the top six players the opportunity to qualify for the 2010 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship, to be held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas in January. Each NHC qualifier also will earn $1,000 toward his or her travel expenses for Las Vegas.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to confirm entry into the Betting Challenge, and the
deposit will be credited as part of each player’s bankroll. The remainder of the $10,000 bankroll is due by Nov. 1, 2009. Contestants may enter at the following link http://www.santaanita.com/content/bcbc.
“We continue to seek innovative ways to focus on the avid horseplayer since the Breeders’ Cup features the best betting days in racing,” said Kenneth Kirchner, president of FalKirk International and wagering consultant to the Breeders’ Cup. “The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge will give horseplayers another exciting way to win big money on the Championships.”
“We’ve had a good run with handicapping contests during the Santa Anita meet, but this takes it to another level,” said Allen Gutterman, vice president of marketing for Santa Anita and Oak Tree.
Prize money for the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge will be awarded to the top 10 finishers. Based upon 100 entries, prize money will be $275,000 ($2,500 per player and $25,000 added). Oak Tree and Breeders’ Cup are seeking additional sources for added money to the prize pool. The prize money breakdown is as follows:
1st - $150,000; 2nd - $50,000; 3rd - $25,000; 4th - $15,000; 5th - $10,000; 6th to 10th - $5,000
Tournament races will include only races from Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park on Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, including all 14 Breeders’ Cup Championships races. Wager types to be permitted are win, place, show, exacta and trifecta. No bets on Superfecta, Super High-5 and multi-race bets will be allowed as part of the Challenge.
