DRF handicapper's $61K in winnings goes to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

The $61,000 in net winnings from a sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge by Daily Racing Form handicapper Matt Bernier will be donated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, DRF announced Wednesday.

Bernier, who was hired as DRF ’s player development handicapper in June, was provided with the $10,000 buy-in by DRF to enter the tournament, with the caveat that any net winnings would be directed toward the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Bernier increased his bankroll to $38,154 to finish sixth, qualifying for a $35,000 prize. The net profits, minus his registration and expenses, added up to $61,000.

“We can’t thank Daily Racing Form enough for naming the TAA as the recipient of Matt’s fabulous tournament play,” said Jack Wolf, president of the TAA and the racing partnership Starlight Racing. “At the end of the day, the Thoroughbreds are the real winners here.”

A total of 287 players entered this year’s tournament, the largest showing since it launched five years ago. Players start with a $7,500 live bankroll, and the size of the bankroll at the end of the event determines the finishing order.

The TAA is a nonprofit that provides funding to accredited retirement facilities for Thoroughbreds.