from Horse Player Now

Chicago, IL — Night School, the racing industry’s national online fan education program, spotlights the high-dollar world of “Handicapping Contests and Tournaments” tonight. The subject will be addressed from all angles in a 45-minute video premiere, beginning at 8:30 p.m. (EST) at www.ustrotting.com.

Viewers will be treated to behind the scenes discussions from national tournament directors, founders and successful participants. Featured guests in the video include Christian Hellmers, who has earned more than $250,000 in the finals for the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge in just the past three years; Keith Champion, senior vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, which presents the annual $1.5 million DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship; and Ken Kirchner, Breeders’ Cup wagering consultant and administrator of the $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge.

The 90-minute Night School will include a 30-minute Jump Ball live chat session in which fans can pose their questions on tonight’s subject or anything racing-related. Fans can take part in the class free by visiting any one of the 40-plus websites that provides the Night School lessons each week.

For those who cannot attend live, the Night School archives always are available free, immediately following the session and beyond. Videos used in all lessons also can be seen at www.youtube.com/horseplayernow.

Presenting title sponsors for Night School are the United States Trotting Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Keeneland and Churchill Downs, Inc.

Night School is offered every Tuesday for 40 consecutive weeks through Dec. 3. Topics change weekly, and fans are eligible for prizes and rewards for registering. Registration is optional and free. There is never a charge for taking part in Night School.

This week’s Night School will be followed at 10 p.m. (EST) by the “After Night School Special,” featuring live racing from Mountaineer Park. The segment will cover the evening’s final two races in real time with free, live-streaming video. Fans wishing to take part in the Mountaineer action simply need to remain in the Night School chat after class. Complimentary past performances are available, courtesy of BRIS.

This week’s study materials are available at this link.

A video preview of this week’s lesson is available at this link.

The Pod 5 Lesson Schedule is available at this link.