What Happened?

When friends ask me about playing in the handicapping contests, it always starts with "remember when?" I used to play online and make about five trips to brick and mortar tracks to play. Couldn't get enough, and if I had the opportunity I'd play. - Loved it. But what happened?

Oh, they are still out there, but there aren't as many as in past years. Keeneland offers up the $3,000 Grade One Gamble as one of the biggest and best contests out there for real players. Lots of fun, and the prize payouts are staggering. I have played three times in the past and got extremely lucky and finished fourth every year. With the cash bankroll and prize money it was a couple thousand dollar payday. The top three went to Vegas for the big contest. The last time, being bested by 20 cents was enough at that heavy of an entry fee.

I have conducted contests at River Downs, Turfway, Kentucky Downs, and assisted in the Keeneland contests. Players enjoyed taking part as I always kept the monies square and the contest rules were as tight as a drum. That makes for a good contest, as I always had prizes, giveaways, free programs and Daily Racing Forms, as well as a buffet to enjoy the day. - I enjoyed putting on a solid contest as much as playing in them.

I've been asked to draw up contests: the rules, costs, projected outcome, and when we should have the contest to maximize participation. I came up with an idea that seemed to be fun for the race meet. Week one of May would have a $25 entry, and the top ten would move on to the finals in September. Week one in June would be $50, and the top ten would move on to the finals. July would be $50, and the top 15 would move on with minor payouts for the top four finishers. August would be $75, and the top 20 would move on to the September finals with prize awards and minor payouts. All you had to do was hit the top finishers in one month to move to the finals, and if you didn't, you had a final chance in September for $200 to play. The top three overall finishers would move on to Las Vegas: a room at our mother casino, a flight allowance, and an opportunity to lock horns in the NTRA / Las Vegas Finals. - Cheap to get in, and if you didn't make the first round you had other chances to qualify.

Contests are needed at every level. If your track is new to playing, have prize giveaways or vouchers for the winners. Let them enjoy and learn the game. Trust me, if you haven't played in one, take the time and try your luck!

I like playing online, and if you couldn't make the contest, that is a perfect way to stay in the game. I would offer an online option, but to win prizes, etc., you have to come out to the track. The finals are held at the track only.