by ITM Staff
One of the most rewarding days on the summer contest calendar is back. On Saturday, July 18, the 7th Annual LRF Cares Horseplayer Contest returns — a chance to test your handicapping over a full card at Del Mar, chase a seat to the 2027 National Horseplayers Championship, and do real good for the horses, all on one ticket.
Little Red Feather Racing and its 501(c)(3), LRF Cares, have again teamed with the National Horseplayers Championship and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for an online $250 Pick & Pray contest on HorsePlayers.com, played over all of Del Mar’s races. Every dollar supports Thoroughbred aftercare — the work of caring for racehorses after their careers on the track are through.
The More Players, the More Seats
Here’s what makes this one special: the prize pool grows with the field. The contest awards one 2027 NHC seat for every 40 entries, with two seats guaranteed. So 120 entries means three NHC berths; 200 entries means five. Every player who joins doesn’t just improve their own shot — they add to the number of seats awarded and the dollars raised for aftercare. Filling this contest up is a win for everyone involved.
The details: $250 Pick & Pray · all Del Mar races · Saturday, July 18 · on HorsePlayers.com · one 2027 NHC seat per 40 entries (two guaranteed) · benefiting Thoroughbred aftercare.
Win Your Way In for Short Money
Not ready to buy in cold? You don’t have to. HorsePlayers.com is running $14 Pick & Pray feeders in the days leading up to the contest that let you qualify your way into the main event for a fraction of the price. It’s a low-risk on-ramp to a great cause — and a shot at the NHC — so keep an eye on the HorsePlayers.com contest board all week.
A Cause Worth Playing For
LRF Cares doesn’t only look after Little Red Feather’s own retired runners; it distributes funding to aftercare organizations across the industry. As LRF Managing Partner Gary Fenton put it, horseplayers often ask how they can help during a period of change in the sport — and “there is no better way than supporting aftercare.” This contest turns a fun day of handicapping into exactly that kind of support.
In the Money Media is proud to help spread the word — and we’d love your help packing the field. Whether you’re chasing an NHC berth, backing Thoroughbred aftercare, or just looking for a great day of Del Mar handicapping, this is the week and the cause to jump in.
Sign up at HorsePlayers.com, and good luck on July 18 — from all of us at ITM and the team at Little Red Feather.
