from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Bill May of Mercerville, N.J., captured the top prize and a seat in the 2011 National Harness Handicapping Championship at the Meadowlands-Mohawk Challenge on Saturday, June 18.

May’s final $600 bankroll netted him an additional $2,800 in cash, plus an $800 entry into the NHHC on July 9 at Meadowlands Racetrack. Runner-up Joe Barre (Branchburg, N.J.) and third-place finisher Troy Stewart (Parlin, N.J.) also advanced to the NHHC. Starting from a $100 bankroll, players in the Meadowlands-Mohawk Challenge were required to bet 10 races from both tracks, including the Pepsi North America Cup.

Harness racing’s biggest tournament of the year, the NHHC will bring together players from across North America to compete for $50,000 in prize money and bragging rights on July 9. Players who have not qualified through a satellite tournament may buy directly into the NHHC for $800 ($400 entry fee/$400 tournament bankroll). Tournament entry includes a cocktail reception in Pegasus Restaurant on Friday, July 8, and a dinner buffet and gift bag on Saturday, July 9.

The NHHC contest format requires players to bet exactly 10 races: their choice of seven Meadowlands races, plus three designated mandatory races from partner tracks Balmoral, Mohawk and Tioga Downs. Prize payouts are to the Top 10, with first place secured at $20,000. Plus, players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Awards will be adjusted higher if there are more than 125 entries.

Registration deadline is 10 p.m., Friday, July 8. For contest entry form and complete rules, go to MeadowlandsRacetrack.com.

Official Meadowlands-Mohawk Challenge Standings
Rank, Player, Bankroll, Prize
1, Bill May, $600, $2,800 (Plus $800 NHHC seat)
2, Joe Barre, $571, $1,700 (Plus $800 NHHC seat)
3, Troy Stewart, $487, $1,200 (Plus $800 NHHC seat)
4, Justin Sobel, $487, $1,000
5, Mike Petrucelli, $460, $500
6, Phil Collura, $397, $200
7, Henry Karsen, $380, $200
8, Lou Knigge, $372, $200
9, Dan Photos, $351, $200
10, Ira Sobel, $272, $200