Hochstetler wins Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge

from HANA Harness

Jay Hochstetler has been crowned the champion of the 2016 Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge sponsored by DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Red Shores Charlottetown Driving Park, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs after crossing the wire first in a dominating victory.

His total of 3,631.13 points was 635.3 more than runner-up Matt Rose who finished with 2,995.83. Sally Hinckley finished third with a tally of 2,900.88.

The second-half champion, Rose, by virtue of his second half total of 1,893.78 points over Hochstetler’s second half tally of 1,789.10, earned an additional $250 for his winning rescue, Starting Gaits Standardbred Transition Program.

By virtue of his first place finish, Hochstetler’s rescue of choice, Central Virginia Horse Rescue, earns the bulk of the prize fund with a donation of $2,500. Rose’s rescue, Starting Gaits, will be a recipient of an additional $1,400 (excluding the $250 second half donation) while Rainhill Sanctuary, Hinckley’s rescue, picks up the third place prize of $600. Also, $1,000 will be donated to Canadian rescues on behalf of Hochstetler.

HANA Harness, which has been providing scoring for the contest, would like to thank in addition to our Gold Sponsors, our Silver Sponsors, Dr. Adam Friedland and Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs for their sponsorship of this year’s contest which allowed us to have a record prize fund of $6,000 to benefit Standardbred Horse Rescue.

Plans are underway for next year’s edition of the Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge. Any North American handicapper who would like to be considered as a contestant next year is welcome to inquire by contacting allan@hanaweb.org.

HANA Harness is looking for sponsors of next year’s event as well. Those interested in participating in this worthwhile effort to support American Standardbred rescues via sponsorship should contact HANA Harness at allan@hanaweb.org.