(November 29, 2016) – Jay Hochstetler has been crowned the champion of the 2016 harness racing Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge sponsored by DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Red Shores Charlottetown Driving Park, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs after crossing the wire first in a dominating victory; his total of 3,631.13 points being 635.31 more than runner-up Matt Rose who finished with 2,995.83. Sally Hinckley finished third with a tally of 2,900.88.
The second-half champion, Rose by virtue of his second half total of 1,893.78 points over Hochstetler's second half tally of 1,789.10 earned an additional $250 for his winning rescue, Starting Gaits Standardbred Transition Program.
By virtue of his first place finish, Hochstetler's rescue of choice, Central Virginia Horse Rescue earns the bulk of the prize fund with a donation of $2,500. Rose's rescue, Starting Gaits will be a recipient of an additional $1,400 (excluding the $250 second half donation) while Rainhill Sanctuary, Hinckley's rescue picks up the third place prize of $600. $1,000 will be donated to Canadian rescues on behalf of Hochstetler.
HANA Harness which has been providing scoring for the contest would like to thank in addition to our Gold Sponsors, our Silver Sponsors, Dr. Adam Friedland and Eldorado Gaming – Scioto Downs for their sponsorship of this year's contest which allowed us to have a record prize fund of $6,000 to benefit Standardbred Horse Rescue
Plans are underway for next year’s edition of the Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge. Any North American handicapper who would like to be considered as a contestant next year are welcome to inquire by contacting allan@hanaweb.org.
HANA Harness is looking for sponsors of next year’s event as well. Those interested in participating in this worthwhile effort to support American Standardbred Rescues via sponsorship should contact HANA Harness at allan@hanaweb.org.
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FINAL – 2nd Half and Overall Standings |
|||||||
|
Position |
Handicapper |
Points This Week |
Total Points |
Points Back |
Overall Position |
Overall Points |
Overall Points Back |
|
1st |
Matt Rose |
10.90 |
1,893.78 |
– |
2nd |
2,995.83 |
635.31 |
|
2nd |
Jay Hochstetler (FHW) |
11.90 |
1,842.03 |
51.74 |
1st |
3,631.13 |
– |
|
3rd |
Sally Hinckley |
19.60 |
1,731.01 |
162.77 |
3rd |
2,900.88 |
730.25 |
|
4th |
Gordon Waterstone |
0.00 |
1,581.41 |
312.37 |
5th |
2,749.89 |
881.25 |
|
5th |
Ray Garnett |
10.90 |
1,505.93 |
387.85 |
12th |
2,294.70 |
1,336.43 |
|
6th |
Dennis O'Hara |
8.30 |
1,478.08 |
415.70 |
7th |
2,654.98 |
976.16 |
|
7th |
Adam Friedland |
0.00 |
1,477.08 |
416.70 |
6th |
2,723.23 |
907.91 |
|
8th |
Russ Adams |
0.00 |
1,470.25 |
423.53 |
8th |
2,651.18 |
979.96 |
|
9th |
Anne Stepien |
29.90 |
1,466.43 |
427.35 |
10th |
2,402.93 |
1,228.21 |
|
10th |
Rusty Nash |
5.70 |
1,463.26 |
430.52 |
4th |
2,759.41 |
871.73 |
|
11th |
Mark Deutsch |
37.20 |
1,348.13 |
545.65 |
11th |
2,326.33 |
1,304.81 |
|
12th |
Michael Carter |
35.50 |
1,322.73 |
571.05 |
9th |
2,415.28 |
1,215.86 |
|
13th |
Bryan Owen |
0.00 |
1,167.60 |
726.18 |
13th |
2,144.88 |
1,486.26 |
|
14th |
Ray Cotolo |
6.20 |
1,154.35 |
739.43 |
14th |
1,949.88 |
1,681.26 |
|
15th |
Joe Bengston |
13.90 |
818.08 |
1075.70 |
15th |
1,733.43 |
1,897.71 |
Allan Schott
HANA Harness Racing Coordinator
Check out the HANA Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge



