The best thing that's happened to me since the last time you heard from me is I FINALLY won my first tournament! Not only did I win my first tournament but I qualified for the million dollar bonus offered by Churchill Downs, Inc. After four years of hard work it all came together. You can read about it here. I will now be one of just a few people that will be playing for $1.25M at the Seventh Annual DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship.
Recently Sam Houston Race Park announced that they will be offering a one million dollar bonus to the individual who wins their qualifying event on Saturday, October 15th, and goes on to win the NHC. So, my next mission is to become the first player ever to compete in the NHC for 2.25 Million Dollars! I would have never expected to win a million dollar qualifying event and I don't necessarily think I'll be playing for over two million, but I'm one of a few who even have the opportunity so I think I need to go for it. Nothing is official but I'm pretty certain I'll be in attendance.
Back in June at a contest in Flandreau, South Dakota I told a few friends that if I were fortunate enough to win a million dollar qualifier, and then even more fortunate enough to win the NHC I would donate money to a horse racing charity if CDI (and now Sam Houston if I qualify for the bonus) were to match it and agree to offer the bonus again the following year. So, now I've put it out there for all to see (or at least the few that know this blog exists). Nothing to lose, right? After all what were the chances I'd even complete step 1? Furthermore if I'm successful with step 2 and 3 then I'd be a "millionaire" and what nicer thing could a person do but give back? As a guy I used to work with would always say, "That's a high class problem", and I hope I have it. So, I guess at this point I should say that even if CDI doesn't match it I will give something regardless.
Signing off for now. Please feel free to email me if you have questions or ideas. Bottom line is I love the game of horse racing and would love to share it with anyone.
Related Links:
Million Dollar Bonus Tour

