from the Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Anthony Altomonte of West Paterson, N.J., won the Championship Meet NHHC Qualifier held on Saturday, July 21, at the Meadowlands.

Altomonte finished the handicapping tournament with a bankroll of $939, which netted him $6,300 in prize money and a free $1,000 entry in the 2008 National Harness Handicapping Championship.

The contest cost $400 to enter ($200 entry fee and $200 bankroll) and required players to bet 10 Meadowlands races. Wagers could be on one horse only; win, place or a combination; and had to meet a $20 minimum, $100 maximum per race.

Altomonte, 44, is a bloodstock agent and racing manager for Robert Scharf’s Between The Pipes Stable. He was the driving force behind trainer Peter Kleinhans’ purchase of Wearable Art, winner of the $225,000 Berry’s Creek earlier this season. Altomonte also works in real estate, assisting prominent New York City property manager and horse owner Martin Scharf.

Altomonte was born in Jersey City, N.J., just 10 minutes from the Meadowlands. His family moved to Hollywood, Florida when he was a youngster and he became an avid racing fan after visiting Calder and Gulfstream Park. Altomonte now resides in West Paterson, N.J., with his wife, Lydia, and their two children, Kristina (10) and Joseph (18).

William Meisel of Staten Island, N.Y., finished second in the tournament with a bankroll of $816 and also earned the $1,000 entry into the 2008 NHHC. The 2007 NHHC champion, Jim Famularo, finished third in the qualifier with a bankroll of $2,370.

The National Harness Handicapping Championship is the only tournament for harness players to feature a $50,000 guaranteed grand prize. A list of qualifier tournament locations and dates will be announced in coming weeks. Check the Meadowlands Racetrack’s Web site for updates: www.meadowlandsracetrack.com.