Damian Roncevich
Home: Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 35
Occupation: Construction contractor
Road to the Finals: Won the $25,000 first prize in the Del Mar Invitational Handicapping Challenge on July 31-Aug. 1. Turned his original $5,000 real-money tournament bankroll into $34,608 for total earnings of $59,608.
Bio: Developed an interest in horse racing as a young boy when watching the Kentucky Derby on television and eventually got hooked when his brother first took him to the track. Became the first NHC qualifier from Hawaii when he earned the berth at Del Mar. Comes to the mainland to play in six to eight tournaments a year. Also won the Las Vegas Hilton's Pick the Ponies tournament in May 2003, pocketing approximately $36,000.
Photo: Del Mar