from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — The 2011 National Harness Handicapping Championship has been set for Saturday, July 9, at Meadowlands Racetrack.

The NHHC is the only championship tournament for harness players to feature a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool. Players may earn their way into the 2011 championship through participation in a qualifying tournament at an NHHC partner outlet or by direct buy-in. The cost to enter the 2011 NHHC is $800 ($400 entry fee and $400 tournament bankroll).

Upcoming qualifiers include the Meadowlands Woodbine Handicapping Challenge ($100/$100) on January 29 at Meadowlands Racetrack, a $200/$200 Meadowlands qualifier on February 19, and a pair of qualifiers at Maywood Park (March 24) and Balmoral Park (March 26). For more information about the NHHC and a list of qualifying dates and sites, click here.

Wagering outlets and sponsors wishing to participate in the 2011 NHHC should contact Amy Silver (201.842.5014, asilver@njsea.com) or Rachel Ryan (201.842.5015; raryan@njsea.com). Horseplayers who would like to see a qualifying tournament in their area are urged to contact the marketing department of their local racetrack or wagering outlet.

Partner outlets in the 2010 NHHC included Balmoral Park, Buffalo Raceway, Harrington Raceway, Hawthorne, Maywood Park, The Meadows, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Penn National Off-Track Wagering, RGS, Rosecroft Raceway, Tioga Downs, TVG, Vernon Downs, Western Regional OTB/Batavia Downs, and YouBet.

Joseph Fierro of Holstville, N.Y. captured the $20,000 grand prize in the 2010 National Harness Handicapping Championship. Fierro finished the tournament with a $1,909 bankroll to top the field of 106 players who came from all across North America — including Canada, California and Curacao — to compete for $50,000 in prize money.