East Rutherford, NJ — Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment and DerbyWars.com are proud to announce the 2020 World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com — offering a record $150,000 prize pool — is set for Saturday (April 18).

On that date, the top horseplayers in North America will compete for an estimated $150,000 prize pool. The total prize pool is based on 150 entries, with 100 percent of entries going to player prizes and bankrolls.

“Our partnership with DerbyWars.com has allowed the WHHC prize pool to increase each year and return 100 percent of the entry fees as prizes,” said Rachel Ryan, Marketing Manager at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “We hope to see participation by both the players and industry also continue to increase.”

“Last year’s WHHC prize pool topped $100,000 for the first time,” said Mark Midland, CEO of DerbyWars. “We’re excited to be part of this growing contest.”

The World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com is a one-day tournament, with a welcome reception the evening prior. Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,300. The $1,300 entry fee includes a $300 bankroll, with the remaining $1,000 going to the prize pool. The WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of seven Meadowlands races, plus three designated mandatory races. Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Prize payouts are to the top 10.

The Meadowlands’ 2020 World Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 2: $100 Qualifier with 2 WHHC seats
• Saturday, Dec. 21: Free Handicapping Contest – 1 seat
• Jan. 3–March 28: Free Online Survival Challenge – 3 WHHC seats
• Saturday, Jan. 11: $400 Qualifier with 4 WHHC seats
• Saturday, Feb. 22: $200 contest with top 2 WHHC seats
• Saturday, March 7: $200 contest with 2 WHHC seats

DerbyWars will host regular online Qualifiers for the WHHC every Saturday night beginning Sept. 21. Players can qualify for as little as $22. Complete DerbyWars Qualifier information can be found at DerbyWars.com.

Leroy Kelly of Hickory Hills, N.Y., Scot Strong of Parma Heights, Ohio and Stan Jocz of Clay, N.Y., winners of the Meadowlands Summer Survival Challenge, have already qualified for the 2020 WHHC final.

“We are looking forward to the 2020 World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars,” said Jason Settlemoir, COO & GM of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “DerbyWars is a terrific partner for both the contest and the industry.”

For more information on how to become a WHHC partner outlet or sponsor, contact Rachel Ryan, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (raryan@playmeadowlands.com) or 201.842.5015. For online qualifying on DerbyWars.com, players may contact support@derbywars.com.