Belmont Stakes Challenge Handicapping tournament returns in 2017 Online registration: April 7-June 3

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today the opening of registration for the Belmont Stakes Challenge, a two-day live-money handicapping tournament to take place during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival beginning Friday, June 9 and concluding Belmont Stakes Day, June 10.

The entry fee for the 2017 Belmont Stakes Challenge is $10,000, of which $2,500 will go to the prize pool with the remaining $7,500 comprising each participants' bankroll. Contestants are free to make win, place, show, exacta and trifecta wagers over the course of the two days, with eligible tournament races encompassing every race from Belmont Park on June 9 through the 149th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 10.

With guaranteed prize money of $110,000, entrants will also compete for one seat to the 2018 Belmont Stakes Challenge, four seats to the National Handicapping Championship and two seats to the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge.

"The Belmont Stakes Challenge has quickly become one of the premier live-money tournaments in the industry, and we're thrilled to offer it again in 2017," said Lynn LaRocca, NYRA Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer. "Our goal is always to provide the best hospitality and tournament experiences for horseplayers, and the Belmont Stakes Challenge is central to those efforts."

Online registration via belmontstakeschallenge.com or nyrabets.com will open on Friday, April 7 and close on Wednesday, June 7 at which time full payment is required. 

For full contest rules and more information on the Belmont Stakes Challenge please visit belmontstakeschallenge.com.