from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Robert McMasters, 44, of Milford, Ohio, captured the $16,600 grand prize in the 2014 World Harness Handicapping Championship on Saturday (April 19) at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.

Lisa photo

Robert McMasters captured the $16,600 grand prize in the 2014 World Harness Handicapping Championship.

McMasters finished the tournament with a $2,968 bankroll to top the field of 83 players from across North America who competed for $41,500 in prize money. McMasters was an $800 tournament buy-in with two of his friends from Ohio.

The WHHC contest format required contestants to bet 10 races: seven Meadowlands races of their choice, plus one mandatory race each from Pompano, Buffalo and Meadowlands racetracks. Bets had to meet a $30 minimum, $100 maximum per race. Contestants could only bet one horse per race and wagers could either be win, place or a combination of the two.

McMasters cashed on seven of his ten bets and took an early lead with a $2,403 score coming in the Meadowlands’ second race with $40 to win and $50 to place on No. 1 (Rockin Wizard). His final two plays of the night helped McMasters grab the grand prize with $60 to win and $40 to place on No. 1 Verdad in the 12th from the Meadowlands, putting him $68 out of first place. His final wager of $30 to win on No. 4 Ok Fame in the Meadowlands’ 13th catapulted McMasters into the top spot by just $65.

In addition to the Meadowlands, the following partner outlets sent players to compete in the 2014 WHHC: USTA, Buffalo Raceway, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, The Meadowlands Racetrack & Casino, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Western OTB/Batavia Downs, Twinspires.com, and Standardbred Canada.

Top Ten Finishers
Name-Bankroll-Prize Money
Robert McMasters–$2,968–$16,600
Gary Machiz–$2,903–$8,300
Mike Rip–$1,986–$6,225
Jeffrey Arnold–$1,920–$4,150
Andy Berg–$1,705.50–$2,075
Marino Scianlepore–$1,560–$830
Ed Cevetello–$916–$830
Walter Andrasi–$768–$830
Vince Sitoski–$663–$830
Gregg Christopher–$632.50–$830