Registration is open for the annual National Horseplayers Championship Last Chance/First Chance Contest at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, the final chance to qualify for the 27th National Horseplayers Championship (NHC). The NHC-eve fixture will be held on Thursday, March 12.
Last year's Last Chance/First Chance Contest yielded a record 32 seats into the weekend's NHC and had a record 1,002 entries (a 13% increase above the previous year's record). For horseplayers wanting a final shot at competing for the biggest cash prize in Thoroughbred racing contest play and an Eclipse Award, the Last Chance/First Chance Contest is their final opportunity. For those who are already qualified, it's a way to earn a second entry to NHC 2026. And for those who already hold the maximum two entries to this year's NHC, the Last Chance/First Chance offers the opportunity to secure a berth to the 2027 NHC.
The top five places at the Last Chance/First Chance Contest are guaranteed to win a qualifying spot to #NHC2026 provided they are a current 2025 NHC Tour member. One additional qualifying spot to the NHC will be awarded for every 20 entries over the first 140 entries. The top 10 finishers will receive cash prizes based on the Prize Money Structure Sheet, which will be provided once the final number of entries has been determined.
The Last Chance/First Chance Contest includes races from a list of eligible tracks and the tournament format requires participants to make a total of 11 mythical win/place wagers (four mandatory races and seven player's choice). A $600 entry fee must be paid in full prior to participating in the tournament. Players may register in person at the Paris Race and Sports Book or online at NTRA.com (registration closes Wednesday March 11 at 8:00 p.m. PT). Participants may purchase up to four entries in the Last Chance/First Chance Contest. Full contest rules can be found on ntra.com.
To sign up for the NHC Tour, go to www.ntra.com/membership.
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