by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — The 2017 BetAmerica World Harness Handicapping Championship will bring together the top horseplayers from across North America to compete for a guaranteed prize pool of $50,000 at The Meadowlands on Saturday (April 29) and when the players take their seat, Indiana will be well represented.

The WHHC is harness racing’s premier handicapping tournament and allows players from across the U.S. and Canada the chance to qualify through both live and online events, in addition to buying a seat for $800.

Tony Fannin and Derek Thurber emerged victorious in the $3,500 WHHC qualifier held at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday (April 8). Fannin, who led the qualifier from start to finish, won the contest by accumulating a total of $65.70 from a mythical bankroll of $40. As a result, the Indianapolis native won $2,000 and advances to the WHHC final.

“I play in all of the handicapping tournaments and the entry fee was only $50, so I played with two entries,” Fannin commented. “I’ve never been to The Big M, so I’m looking forward to going. I’ve been watching the races from both The Meadowlands and Hoosier Park to get ready for the trip and one of the designated races in the contest is from Hoosier Park, so I’m hoping to get an advantage there.”

Thurber, who is also headed to The Meadowlands for the WHHC final, finished behind Fannin with a final bankroll of $58.80, earning $1,000 in prize money. After trailing for much of the contest, the Frankton native made a comeback in the final two races of the contest to secure his second place spot.

Vern Glenn finished third to take home $500 in prize money.

“I’ve never been to the Meadowlands so I am really excited for this opportunity,” Thurber noted. “This will really test my handicapping skills. I enjoy coming to Hoosier Park and this will be a chance for me to apply everything I’ve learned over the years. It will be a lot of fun and I am excited to represent Hoosier Park.”

The BetAmerica WHHC is a one-day tournament (April 29), with a welcome reception the evening prior. The BetAmerica WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of six Meadowlands races, plus four designated mandatory races from partner tracks. Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Prize payouts are to the Top 10, with a guaranteed prize pool of $50,000. For the contest entry form and complete rules, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

With a daily post time of 6:30 p.m., live racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will follow a Tuesday through Saturday schedule and be conducted through Nov. 17. For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.