Las Vegas, NV – March 16, 2025 – Global Tote, a leading provider of innovative wagering solutions, is proud to continue its role as technology partner for the 2025 National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) National Handicapping Championships (NHC).
The NHC is widely recognized as the world’s richest and most prestigious handicapping contest. Participants must qualify through an NTRA-sanctioned contest held throughout the year, ensuring that only the best horseplayers make it to this elite event. Notably, there are no buy-ins for the tournament, making it accessible to a wide range of competitors.
This year’s NTRA National Horseplayers Championship kicked off on Friday, March 14, at Horseshoe Las Vegas, featuring a record 800 entries and a staggering total of cash and prizes amounting to $4,878,415, including more than $3 million in cash prizes.
Global Tote has equipped the event with advanced wagering hardware and software, along with a state-of-the-art leaderboard, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all participants. The captive audience at the NHC is beneficial for the horse racing industry, as it fosters engagement and enthusiasm within the community, ultimately promoting the sport and its future growth.
“Partnering with the NTRA for the National Handicapping Championships is a tremendous opportunity for Global Tote,” said Jake Henson, CEO at Global Tote’s parent Company BetMakers. “We are committed to enhancing the experience for participants and spectators alike, leveraging our cutting-edge technology to showcase the best of horse racing. Congratulations to Caesars and the NTRA for hosting a fantastic event.”
2025 Champion Dan Piazza of Chicago, Illinois defeated his rival horseplayers in gate to wire fashion, taking a lead on Friday’s opening day and never relinquishing it.
Piazza stuck with his strategy throughout the contest. “I didn’t try to do anything different and didn’t get me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “That strategy put me up Friday and on Saturday; it was the same thing Sunday.”
- Dan Piazza, $825,000 (score, $356.52)
- Tom Boyd, $250,000 ($342.22)
- Ray Hassan, $200,000 ($328.36)
- Dean Malizia,$150,000 ($311.40)
- Dylan Donnelly, $125,000 ($298.86)
- Len Hanson, $90,000 ($292.24)
- Greg Bone, $85,000 ($289.88)
- Peter Dresens, $80,000 ($289.50)
- Alex DeVito, $75,000 ($275.28)
- Sean Nolan, $65,000 ($273.56)
“I only missed one mandatory race.”
The @NTRA #NHC2025 Champion is Dan Piazza! He spoke with @IceColdExacta about how he did it which includes the @Equibase Race Lens. pic.twitter.com/Dwanajhvdj
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 16, 2025