Rich Nilsen
Home: Lexington, Ky.
Age: 33
Occupation: Director of Marketing at Brisnet.com.
Road to the Finals: Won the Turfway Park Handicapping Blowout on March 30.
Bio: One of just a handful of players who has qualified for three National Handicapping Championships. Finished in 8th place at NHC III in Jan. 2002 as a member of the championship-winning team representing Keeneland. Also finished 44th at NHC II in Jan. 2001 as a member of Team Ellis Park. Tournament veteran plays in about a half dozen events every year, and owns victories at Keeneland (2001), and Ellis Park (2000). Has an owner's license in Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and West Virginia. Was introduced to horse racing by going to the races at Aqueduct and Belmont with his dad, and has been a regular horseplayer for over 20 years. His most memorable handicapping experiences are losing a huge Pick 6 at Saratoga because of a Steeplechase race where his horse took a left turn and jumped into the 8th pole, and two years ago when he lost the NTRA Handicapper of the Year title "by a long nose." Rich is a graduate of the Univ. of Louisville's Equine Program. Special interests include golf, softball, and tennis. He is also a contributor of handicapping articles for Horseplayer Magazine.
Photo: Turfway Park