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NTRA announces $1 million cash prize to next year's NHC winner

Lou Monaco

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Publish Date: May 29, 2026

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

NTRA announces 2027 NHC winner will receive $1 million.
The 2027 NHC will take place March 5-7 at the Horseshoe Las Vegas.
Last year, Dylan Donnelly took home the NHC title, winning $825,000 by a mere 84 cents.

Handicappers rejoice!

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced Thursday that next year's winner of the 28th edition of the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) will receive a $1 million dollar cash prize - a $175,000 increase from last year's winning check - along with a coveted Eclipse Award that recognizes the backbone of the sport.

Presented by Caesars Race and Sportsbook, Racetrack Television Network (RTN) and Horseshoe Las Vegas, the 2027 NHC will take place March 5-7 at the Horseshoe Las Vegas < https://www.caesars.com/horseshoe-las-vegas.

“Since its launch in 1999, the National Horseplayers Championship has realized unprecedented growth thanks to sustained participation by horseplayers and our members and partners who host qualifying events throughout the year,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney in a news release.

“On behalf of all participants, we’re proud to offer a life-changing grand prize along with total cash and awards expected to exceed $5.5 million in 2027. The NHC is one of horse racing’s most successful national promotions and an event that has become an annual gathering of the nation’s top horseplayers.”

Enhancements On The Way

For the fourth straight year, all NHC players will receive a free entry into the Silver Sunday Contest (March 7) that requires participants to select 10 optional races and seven mandatory plays.

However, participants that did not qualify for the NHC national contest will actually be able to purchase an entry into the Silver Sunday Contest separately. The contest will offer an approximate purse of $200,000 and entries into the 2028 NHC.

Last year, Dylan Donnelly took home the NHC title, winning $825,000 by a mere 84 cents over Tommy Lenberg, of Sparks, Nev.after the three-day, 53-race contest. The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. native will officially accept his Eclipse Award on Saturday, May 30 at Santa Anita Park.

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