In the month of March, Vernon Downs hosted two qualifying tournaments for the $50,000 World Harness Handicapping Championship (WHHC), which will take place on Saturday, April 29 at The Meadowlands.
The contestants began with a bankroll of $40 and were tasked with handicapping both The Meadowlands and Yonkers race cards. Individuals were required to wager a total of 10 $2 Win-Place bets for the tournament, with no more than five wagers at either racetrack, while selecting from the first 10 races on each respective program.
On March 11, Ryan Tyreman of Endicott, New York emerged victorious over 31 other entries and qualified as our first winner. Donald La Londe of Ithaca, New York grabbed place honours while Kurt Adams from Hanover, Pennsylvania rounded out the trifecta.
The second qualifier saw 39 entries vying for top billing and Jeffrey Billings of Marydel, Delaware made the winning move in the final race of the contest for Yonkers. He placed his final $2 Win-Place Yonkers wager on Melmerby Beach in the final leg of the Levy Series and in the process added $40.80 to his bankroll sealing the night’s results. Joe Fortino (New York) and Ryan Risi (Mohawk, New York) were second and third, respectively.
Both winners received a seat in the WHHC at The Meadowlands ($800 value), plus two-night hotel accommodations, and $200 for travelling expenses. Second-place walked away with a $250 wagering voucher and third-place was awarded a $100 wagering voucher.
(With files from Vernon Downs)