Mike Mayo
Home: Richardson, Tex.
Age: 50
Occupation: Nursing home management
Road to the Finals: Finished third and won $2,500 in prize money in the Turf-Vivor handicapping contest at Gulfstream Park on Feb 27-29.
Bio: Qualified for the National Handicapping Championship for the third time in Gulfstream's Turf-Vivor contest last February. Finished 107th at NHC V after qualifying for the finals by winning $8,850 his third-place finish in the Reno Hilton September Shootout in 2003. Also played in NHC III, finishing 133rd after qualifying with a victory and a $70,000 payday in the MGM Grand Racing Festival on June 2, 2001. The MGM Grand was also the site of his first major handicapping title in the MGM Grand Surf & Turf contest in 1999. Mayo was first introduced to racing by his uncle who owned horses in Texas. He claimed his first horse at Louisiana Downs in 1991, and has had owner's licenses in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas. In addition to being an avid tournament player who participates in an average of 10 events per year, he has also enjoyed his share of pari-mutuel successes as well including a $16,000 pick 4 at Del Mar. Besides being a noted tournament player, Mike is also an accomplished golfer. He played golf professionally from 1977-79.
Photo: Harold Roth/Horsephotos