Franklin, Kentucky, July 28, 2025
News Summary
Kentucky Downs is set to host the King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge, offering participants a chance to win the National Turf Handicapper of the Year title. With a $2,500 entry fee, competitors can vie for a prize pool exceeding $25,000. The event is sponsored by Race Lens from Equibase, and qualifying tournaments are available for players to secure their spot in this prestigious competition.
Franklin, Kentucky – Kentucky Downs is gearing up to host its highly anticipated “King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge” on September 6, 2025. This competitive event will see participants vying for the prestigious title of National Turf Handicapper of the Year, with Race Lens, an innovative product from Equibase, as the presenting sponsor. Equibase is recognized as the official database for Thoroughbred racing information and statistics.
The challenge requires a $2,500 entry fee, which includes $1,500 for the participant’s bankroll and $1,000 that goes towards the prize pool. Each entry contributes to a prize package that exceeds $25,000 in cash (based on 100 entries). The first-place winner not only takes home the cash and retains their bankroll but will also receive an entry into either the 2026 National Horseplayers Championships or the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, valued at $10,000.
The competition guarantees at least five National Horseplayers Championships (NHC) packages and two Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) entries for the top finishers. This year’s event will continue to follow the successful one-day format established in prior competitions.
To qualify for the King of the Turf Challenge, interested players can participate in qualifying tournaments that are currently underway on horsetourneys.com. Upcoming online live-money play-in tournaments will be hosted by Kentucky Downs on August 28 and August 31, with entry fees set at $300 and $400, respectively. Each of these tournaments will award two prize packages for the 2025 NHC and entry fees to the main challenge.
Participants will be able to engage in the tournaments through online platforms, including Xpressbet, TVG, 4NJBETS, and HPI from Woodbine Entertainment Group. New users of Race Lens can take advantage of a special promotional offer: one month of unlimited access for just $1 using the promo code KYDOWNS25 at Equibase.com.
Kentucky Downs, located near the Kentucky and Tennessee border, is renowned for its European-style race course and has been an active racing venue since 1990, originally known as Dueling Grounds. The track features high purses and state-of-the-art Historical Horse Racing gaming terminals, enhancing the overall experience for racing enthusiasts.
Media inquiries regarding the event can be directed to Jennie Rees at Kentucky Downs or Rhonda Norby at Equibase. Additional information about the King of the Turf Challenge, including details about prizes and entry processes, is available through email and online platforms.
FAQ Section
What is the King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge?
The King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge is an annual event hosted by Kentucky Downs where participants compete to become the National Turf Handicapper of the Year.
When is the event taking place?
The challenge will be held on September 6, 2025.
Who is the presenting sponsor for the event?
The presenting sponsor for the King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge is Race Lens, a product from Equibase.
What is the entry fee for the challenge?
The entry fee is $2,500, which includes $1,500 for the bankroll and $1,000 towards the prize pool.
What prizes are available?
The winner will receive over $25,000 in cash (based on 100 entries), along with a seat at the 2026 National Horseplayers Championships or entry into the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, valued at $10,000.
How can I qualify for the King of the Turf Challenge?
Players can qualify through feeder tournaments available on horsetourneys.com and participate in live-money play-in tournaments hosted by Kentucky Downs.
Key Features of the King of the Turf Challenge
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Entry Fee | $2,500 |
| Prize Pool | Over $25,000 in cash based on 100 entries |
| Sponsor | Race Lens from Equibase |
| National Turf Handicapper of the Year | Winner is crowned with this honor |
| Prizes for Top Finishers | Five NHC packages and two BCBC entries guaranteed |
| Qualification Tournaments | Available on horsetourneys.com |
| Play-in Tournaments | Two tournaments on August 28 and August 31 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- BloodHorse: Race Lens Sponsors Kentucky Downs King of the Turf
- VSiN: Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Picks
- CBS Sports: 2025 Kentucky Derby Sleepers and Odds
- Horse Racing Nation: Kentucky Downs Big Money Graded Stakes
- USA Today: Kentucky Derby 2025 Long Shot Picks
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Downs
- Google Search: Kentucky Derby 2025
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Derby
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Derby
- Google News: Kentucky Downs
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