Daily Racing Form to continue sponsorship of National Handicapping Championship

Daily Racing Form will continue its sponsorship of the National Handicapping Championship, the company announced jointly Thursday with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. DRF has been a sponsor of the championship every year since the contest began in 2000.

The finals of the Daily Racing Form /NTRA National Handicapping Championship will be held in January 2014 at Treasure Island Las Vegas and will have a guaranteed total purse of at least $1.5 million, with an estimated $750,000 to the winner. The winner is recognized as the National Handicapper of the Year at the annual Eclipse Awards. Jim Benes is the reigning champion, winning by $1.20 after trailing by $2.40 going into the final race of the tournament.

Information on how to qualify for the NHC finals or for joining the NHC Tour, a yearlong bonus series that offers additional prizes and qualifying spots, is available at http://www.ntra.com/en/nhc/become-a-member/. Tournament rules are posted at http://www.ntra.com/en/nhc/official-rules/.