Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grand Prize?
The top 3 finishers in the Tournament will receive a berth into the 2015 NCH in Las Vegas.

In addition to the NHC berth, the Champion will receive $25,000. The Runner-Up will win $12,500 plus a NHC berth and the 3rd place finisher will win $6,000 plus a berth to the NHC.

There are over $90,000 worth of prizes to be won throughout the two-day event.

How does Day 1 work?
On Day 1 all entrants will be competing against each other for one of sixteen spots on Day 2. Players will begin with a live $200 bankroll and can make any available wager throughout the day, as long as multi-race bets fall within the races offered in the tournament. At the end of Day 1, the top sixteen finishers will be assigned a seed 1-16 determined by the player’s ending bankroll.

How does Day 2 work?
Day 2 is a head-to-head bracketed tournament featuring the top sixteen qualifiers from Day 1. Each player will carry over their net bankroll earned from Day 1 and will have that amount to wager starting in round one of Day 2. The player in the head-to-head matchup with the highest accumulated bankroll throughout the tournament will advance to the next round of the head-to-head tournament. Each round will consist of two races and there will be a one race gap between each round. Players can place any wager during the head-to-head portion of the tournament as long as multi-race bets fall within the races offered each round. (Only Doubles will be allowed because there are only 2 races per round)

Why do I HAVE to bring my social security card?
There are a couple reasons: On Day 1, if you have a winning ticket that requires IRS information, the only way to have that money deposited into your daily account is if you have everything needed by the IRS, including your social security card. If you do hit a “signer” on Saturday and fail to bring your social security card, that money will not go toward your tournament balance.

If you qualify for Day 2, the daily account you were assigned on Day 1 will be transferred to a permanent account for Day 2. In order to make the transfer from daily to permanent, we need a valid ID and social security card.

Can I have multiple entries?
Yes, you can have up to two entries.

If I have two entries, can they both advance to Day 2?
Yes! Your entries can also play each other, so if you are lucky (or good) enough to be in this situation you must have a good strategy for Day 2.

How can I register?
You can register in person at the Guest Service booth at Pimlico and Laurel Park beginning Thursday, April 3rd.

You can register over the phone by calling Pimlico Race Course at 410-542-9400 or 877-206-8042 and ask for Ty Ehlis ex: 4203.

You can email your registration form to: ty.ehlis@marylandracing.com

You can mail in your registration form to:
Pimlico Race Course
Attn: Ty Ehlis
5201 Park Heights Ave
Baltimore MD 21230

How do I get a registration form?
You can email ty.ehlis@marylandracing.com to have a registration package sent to you. Or you can download the registration package here.

When should I register?
As soon as possible. We have capped registration at 300 people and spots will fill quickly.

Do I have to be a member of the NHC Tour to enter the tournament?
No, you do not have to be a member of the NHC tour to participate in the tournament. HOWEVER if you finish in the top 3 you will be ineligible for the berth to the NHC.

Non NHC tour members will play for prize money ONLY.

What is the cost and how do I sign up for the NHC Tour?
The Tour membership fee is $50 per individual annually. Follow this link to register https://www.ntra.com/en/nhc/become-a-member/

There will also be a 2014 NHC Tour registration form in the sign-up package for you to fill out and return along with your Handicapping Tournament Registration. Payments for the NHC Tour and the Handicapping Tournament each HAVE to have separate forms of payment.

How much is the Entry fee?
$400, a $200 entry fee and $200 live bankroll.

Do I get to keep what is in my bank at the end of the tournament?
Yes, the bankroll is yours to keep. Make sure you don’t cash out before the tournament is over though.

How many places do you pay?
It’s a little confusing because we payout on both Days. If you advance to Day 2 you are guaranteed a minimum of $1,000. On Day 1 we have a bonus structure according to what place you finish on Day 1. The top 10 finishers will be guaranteed bonus money in addition to the $1,000 guaranteed for advancing to Day 2. Plus if you don’t qualify for Day 2 and finish in spots 17-35 you get your $200 bankroll back.

*11-16 will not receive any bonus money on Day 1 but will be guaranteed $1000 for advancing to Day 2.

Can I bring a guest?
Guests are allowed but they must pay $30 because they will be able to eat off the buffet.

What are the tracks available for wagering in the tournament?
Day 1: Pimlico, full card, Aqueduct, full card, Gulfstream, full card, Tampa Bay, full card, Woodbine, full card, and Santa Anita, Races 1-5

Day 2: Pimlico Live racing only (1:10 first post)

Are there any wagering restrictions?
The Only restriction is each entry must wager a minimum of $200 on Day 1.

Who pays for the airfare and hotel?
If you are one of the top 3 finishers, you will receive $400 toward your airfare. If you spend less than $400 on your airfare, the rest is yours to keep, any amount over $400 is your responsibility.

If you win a berth in the 2015 NHC you will receive a complimentary room for 4 nights, at Treasure Island in Las Vegas.

Other questions?
Call Ty Ehlis at 410-542-9400 ex 4203 or email at ty.ehlis@marylandracing.com