from The Meadowlands Publicity Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Meadowlands Racetrack will host a qualifying tournament for the 2010 National Harness Handicapping Championship on Saturday, February 20.

The top three finishers win an $800 entry into the championship final on April 24. The NHHC is the only tournament for harness players to feature a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool. Players may earn their way into the NHHC through participation in a qualifying tournament at a partner outlet or by direct buy-in.

The total cost to enter the February 20 qualifier is $400 ($200 non-refundable entry fee due with entry form plus an additional $200 betting card purchase required at check-in). Entries are limited to two per person. All players will receive a program, Harness Eye and dinner.

The prize pool is estimated at $30,000, with a first prize of $12,000 (based on 150 entrants; prizes adjusted according to actual number of entries). Payouts are to the Top 10 and players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. The format requires players to bet 10 Meadowlands live races, with a $20 minimum/$100 maximum bet per race, win and place wagers only, one horse per race.

Mail-in registrations are due Friday, February 19. A limited number of walk-up entries will be taken between 5 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Entry form and complete contest rules are available on the Meadowlands’ Web site.

For more information about the NHHC, contact Amy Silver (asilver@njsea.com) or Rachel Ryan (raryan@njsea.com).

Can’t make it to the Meadowlands? NHHC Qualifiers are coming up at these partner outlets: Youbet (February 12 and March 12), Buffalo Raceway (March 6, 13, 20, 27), Maywood Park (March 5), Western OTB (March 5), Balmoral Park (March 6) and Tioga (March 20). These dates are subject to change; please check the NHHC Calendar for contact information and qualifier updates.