My Favorite Live Tournaments

I have played in a lot of tournaments over the years.  The number of live in person contests have decreased over the years with the advent of the online contest..  The live contest is still my favorite type of contest.   Here is my list of my favorite live contests.   If you made the list then you had to do something to stand out in my mind in terms of a great experience.  Also, please remember that I haven’t played in every tournament out there.

5.  Woodbine- The track itself is beautiful.  I have been to Woodbine for the Arlington Million back in 1988 but it was before the massive track renovation.  The turf course is incredible with that lllloonnngggg stretch.  They had the contest set up along the turf course at around the quarter pole in our own private area.  I just liked how I was treated during the tournament which goes a long way in my opinion of a tournament.  The next big tourney at Woodbine is in late August.

4.  Coast Casino Tournaments in Las Vegas- I have encompassed all of the Coast Casino tournaments run at the Gold Coast and Orleans into one ranking.  The staff at these tournaments are extremely helpful.  They never have a problem with getting a bet in even with several hundred people playing.  The food buffet is top notch.  They return all the money and usually add money to the prize pool.   Their next big event is in mid April at the Orleans.

3.  Emerald Downs- I had a ton of fun traveling up to the Pacific Northwest one year for their big tournament.  Emerald Downs offers SIX spots to the NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Championship which is a big reason why you give this tournament a shot.  The track itself has a great deal of charm to go with some super racing.  This year’s tourney is on June 5.

2.  Keeneland- They know how to put on a tournament.  The tournament format uses just about every major track running during the day.   Lots of room to spread out.  Good food.  Cash door prizes. I love the instant score updates.   Keeneland has a high roller tournament during their live meet in April where I hear you get treated like a king.  The tournaments I played in are during the off season.  They have regular tournaments scheduled in late July and December.

1.  Saratoga- The best tournament going today!   The entry fee is pricey at $1,000 but it is so worth it.  They had the tournament area on the first floor adjacent to the paddock.  The food was off the chart good.  They had a nighttime reception at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion with even better food and drink.  The format offers a twist on things with a best bet each day worth twice the normal bet.  They have a 100% payback of entry fees.  I had a fabulous time even though my worst tournament beat of all time happened there last year.

Honorable mention goes to Surfside Race Place and Turf Paradise (TP no longer hosts a tourney).