'World Series' Handicapping Contest Canned for 2001

The World Series of Handicapping, a staple at Penn National Race Course since 1974, has been canceled this year due to an insufficient number of entries.

Fred Lipkin, director of public relations for the Grantville, Pa., racetrack, said less than 40% of the required number of entries for the preliminary rounds had been received as of the March 28 deadline.

The contest, which has awarded a $100,000 first prize to the winner, at one time was the only one of its kind. Now, numerous tracks host handicapping contests with lower entry fees. In addition, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Daily Racing Form team up for a championship contest in Las Vegas each January.