A remarkable display of consistent and composed betting led Chicago-based financial advisor Dan Piazza to secure a dominant victory at the 26th National Horseplayers Championship held at Horseshoe Las Vegas. Over three days of intense competition, Piazza maintained an impressive mythical bankroll of $356.52, edging out Tom Boyd who finished second with $342.22. This achievement earned Piazza a substantial cash prize of $825,000 along with an Eclipse Award as the horseplayer of the year for 2025 and an automatic entry into next year's championship. His steady strategy, which he attributed to staying within his comfort zone, was instrumental in his success against a field of skilled competitors.
The championship unfolded over three days, beginning with 800 entries from 623 players. By Sunday, only ten finalists remained to compete in seven mandatory races. Piazza's approach revolved around maintaining consistency rather than making drastic changes. He explained that sticking to his usual tactics allowed him to accumulate significant winnings during the first two days, setting a strong foundation for his final-day performance.
Tom Boyd, hailing from New Providence, N.J., mounted a valiant challenge in the closing stages. Boyd managed to narrow the gap significantly by capitalizing on Tampa Bay Downs’ ninth race, earning crucial amounts that brought him closer to Piazza. However, in the decisive Santa Anita’s sixth race, both competitors placed bets on Commander at odds of 7-1, which ultimately did not pay off. Instead, Yacowlef emerged victorious, preserving Piazza's lead.
Piazza himself only cashed once in the seven mandatory races at the final table, adding a modest $2.60 from Tampa Bay Downs’ ninth race. Despite this, his accumulated bankroll proved insurmountable for his rivals. The tournament structure, involving mythical $2 win-place wagers across assigned mandatory races, tested the participants' skills thoroughly. Each day featured different race assignments, announced in advance, ensuring a fair and challenging format.
NTRA president and CEO Tom Rooney expressed gratitude towards all participants, highlighting their passion and dedication to the sport. He emphasized the vital role horseplayers play in sustaining the racing industry throughout the year. Their engagement not only enhances the excitement of each race but also contributes to the growth and prosperity of Thoroughbred racing.
In addition to the main event, the Silver Sunday contest offered an exciting side competition where William Casper and Bob Jeffery tied for the top prize, splitting $21,075. The weekend concluded with the annual champions dinner, celebrating prize presentations and inducting Jim Benes, Cheryl McIntyre, and Rich Nilsen into the 11th class of the NHC Hall of Fame.
As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of the National Horseplayers Championship, the spotlight remains firmly on Dan Piazza, whose strategic acumen and unwavering focus have cemented his place among the elite in the world of horse racing. With a total of $4,878,415 in cash and prizes awarded over the three days, including over $3 million in cash alone, the event reaffirmed its status as a premier gathering for horse racing enthusiasts worldwide.