Anthony Garafalo, an insulation company owner from Loveland, Ohio, scored the top spot in the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Qualifier held Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Garafalo had a big finish to surge to the top among 108 entrants. The top five places received cash prizes and advance to the NHC Finals beginning March 15 in Las Vegas at Horseshoe.
“I got pretty lucky with the last contest race,” said Garafalo, who had three wagers on Race 7 at Santa Anita. “The speed came back, and I never disregard luck. I’ve been playing horses my whole life and this will be my 13th time qualifying (for the NHC Final), but it’s the first time I’ve qualified here (Horseshoe Indianapolis).”
Garafalo was in good positioning early, then dropped out of the top 25 before making a comeback to pass Mike Gillum of Indianapolis, who led the leaderboard most of the way until the final race. Garafalo completed the contest with a tally of $3,011.79 over Gillum’s $2,807.20. Players had the option to choose whether to attend the 2024 or 2024 NHC Finals. Garafalo will wait for the 2024 NHC Finals while Gillum is headed to the 2024 event.
Joining Garafalo and Gillum as qualifiers for the NHC Finals included Greg Gass of Zionsville, Ind., who adds a second entry into the 2024 final, Cheryl McIntyre, former winner of the NHC Finals, of Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. who will save her entry for the 2025 event, and James Orban of Homer Glen, Ill, who will participate in the 2024 NHC Finals.
In addition to the NHC Finals seats, the top five shared total prize money of $10,500 with Garafalo earning the lion’s share of the money at $4,000 for his victory.
Horseshoe Indianapolis will host a double contest during Indiana Derby Weekend July 5-6. The separate contests will feature live racing from Horseshoe Indianapolis with three advancing to the NHC Finals on Friday and the top four headed to the 2025 NHC Finals on Saturday. Cash prizes will also be allotted to the top players.
The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing begins with a special April 8 racing program at noon for the Total Solar Eclipse Day. Racing extends through Nov. 14.
For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.
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