The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) and 'At the Races' host Steve Byk will once again partner for the 'Beat Byk NHC Challenge' this summer, offering one NHC tour member the opportunity to compete in the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) at the Horseshoe Las Vegas from Mar. 13-15, 2026.
“For me, the return of 'Beat Byk' means summer and featured contest races at Saratoga, Del Mar, Ellis Park, Colonial Downs, Monmouth Park and by Labor Day, Kentucky Downs,” said Byk. “'Beat Byk' has proven to be an excellent gateway for aspiring contest players and sending one horseplayer to Vegas for the NHC on a free roll every year means a lot to me. Thanks to the NTRA for giving players this no-cost opportunity.”
Last year's contest attracted better than 12,000 entries. Every Thursday, Byk will choose the weekend stakes race that make up the week's contest and announce them both on the radio and on his X page, @Steve_Byk.
Byk's selections will be announced no later than each Friday. There will be 17 chances to qualify to the Beat Byk NHC Online Qualifier on September 13 during the promotional period. Listeners will be encouraged to log into https://www.ntra.com/beatbyk/ where they will either use Byk's selection to win the featured race or try to 'Beat Byk' by selecting another horse.
All who correctly select the winning horse in each round will advance to a NHC 'Beat Byk' online qualifier on Sept. 13 held on Horseplayers.com. Participants may qualify only once during the promotional period.
Membership in the NHC is required to take part in the September NHC Online qualifier.
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