A limited number of spots are still available for the 2009 Aqueduct Fall Handicapping Challenge taking place Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 in Aqueduct Racetrack’s Equestris Restaurant. Registration concludes Sunday, November 1, and interested players should contact Kathy Locke (718-659-2373 or klocke@nyrainc.com ) or click here for official rules and application.

The challenge is limited to approximately 200 entrants, and players can sign-up for a maximum of two entries. Entry fee is $400, and wagering is allowed on Aqueduct, Calder and Churchill. The $80,000 in prize money (based on a full field of 200 players) will be distributed as follows:

In addition, the leader of the challenge after Day One wins $1,000 as does the player with the highest bankroll on Day Two.

The top three overall finishers in the challenge receive entry to the 2010 NTRA/Daily Racing Form National Handicapping Championship (NHC) taking place January 29-30, 2010 at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas. The NHC carries a $1 million purse with the winner taking home $500,000 and the Eclipse Award for 2009 NTRA Handicapper of the Year.

The 2009 NHC was won by New York resident John Conte who took home the $500,000 check after qualifying in a challenge at Belmont Park. In addition, 2008 Fall challenge qualifiers Thomas Mooney and Ken Seeman also represented the Empire State well in Las Vegas finishing 8th and 12th respectfully in the field of 301.

The New York Racing Association Inc., will provide hotel arrangements for a three-night stay at the official NHC tournament hotel and flight arrangements on a domestic economy airline for each of the top three finishers of the 2009 Aqueduct Fall Handicapping Challenge.