Richard Scott wins the Handicappers Association of North America Contest

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

FFI – Contact Allan Schott at allan@hanaweb.org

 

Richard Scott Named Champion of 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge

 

December 15, 2013 – Despite attempts by other contestants to execute  ‘Hail Mary’ wagers in an effort to seek the payoff positions, Richard Scott is the winner of HANA Harness’ 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge sponsored by the Hambletonian Society, Chicago Harness, IHHA,  Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs.

Scott’s victory seemed assured as far back as July 21 when he exploded for a profit of $1,023.40 at Tioga Downs that weekend which created a lead which would never be challenged as no other handicapper was able to get that ‘big hit’ to put them back in the running.  Scott’s final winning margin was $743.67.

However, in the last event of the season, Rusty Nash was able to use the Cleveland Classic at Northfield Park to earn a weekly profit of $51.60, allowing him to sneak into second place, pushing Earl Paulson into third.  The only other handicapper which showed a profit for the week was Scott with a profit of $0.60.

The prize fund for the contest reached $3,250.  As a result of the final results, Scott’s horse rescue, Changing Fates Equine Rescue will be a recipient of $1,250.  Nash’s rescue, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is slated to receive $875, while Paulson’s third place finish results in a $375 donation to Heading for Home.  In addition to these donations, additional donations will be made in honor of Scott’s victory by the Illinois Harness Horseman Association and Red Shores Charlottetown to local standardbred rescues.  Those organizations which handle more than standardbreds have committed to using these proceeds solely for the benefit of standardbred rescues.

 

Here are the final standings for the contest.

Final Standings
Pos	Handicapper	Week Gain	Net Profit	Behind	Last Pos	Days Missed
1st	Richard Scott	$0.60	($133.80)		1st	6
2nd	Rusty Nash	$51.60	($877.47)	($743.67)	3rd	4
3rd	Earl Paulson	($30.00)	($900.85)	($767.05)	2nd	7
4th	Ann Stepien	($30.00)	($1,092.35)	($958.55)	4th	1
5th	Dennis O’Hara	($30.00)	($1,267.85)	($1,134.05)	5th	2
6th	Garnet Barnsdale	($30.00)	($1,487.74)	($1,353.94)	6th	10
7th	Gordon Waterstone	($30.00)	($2,100.60)	($1,966.80)	7th	4
8th	Mark McKelvie	($30.00)	($2,409.79)	($2,275.99)	8th	9
9th	Sally Hinckley	($30.00)	($2,730.50)	($2,596.70)	9th	0
10th	Ray Garnett	($30.00)	($3,240.43)	($3,106.63)	10th	3
Ten grace days permitted.  After ten days, there is a penalty of $30 per race.

 

 

HANA Harness would like to thank all our sponsors, the Hambletonian Society, Chicago Harness, IHHA, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, and Red Shores Charlottetown for not only being sponsors of this year’s contest but their commitment to help standardbreds seeking a second chance.