(NHC Qualifiers from Horseshoe Indianapolis / Photo by Coady Media)

From the Horseshoe Indianapolis Media Team / Tammy Knox:

Joseph Carnavale wins first NHC Qualifier

at Horseshoe Indianapolis

 

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Friday, July 4, 2025) – Two sessions of National Horseplayer Championship (NHC) Qualifiers are slated over the Indiana Derby Weekend at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The first round Friday, July 4 drew record numbers as 166 entries and 84 individuals vied for three NHC Seats Friday and a total of $3,500 in cash prizes. Joseph Carnavale earned the top spot with a late Daily Double that placed him in the lead for the NHC seat and $2,000 in cash prize money.

Carnavale of Franklin, Tenn. was making his second appearance in the Indiana Derby Weekend qualifier, playing last season. The NHC Seat is his first of 2025, so he looks to get double qualified during the second session Saturday, July 5 during Indiana Derby Day.

“Last year I played in the Friday session and didn’t play Saturday, so this year, I came up for the weekend and will play in both sessions,” said Carnavale who was with several friends for the competition. “We enjoyed it so much we decided to come back.”

Joining Carnavale as a player headed to Las Vegas next March for the NHC Finals is Pat Cronin, who has been a qualifier in the past in Indiana. Cronin currently resides in Maine and is an active player in the NHC all season long. He also received $1,000 for his second place finish.

Doug Bredar rounded out the top three headed to the NHC Finals. A resident of Louisville, Ky., Bredar finished in the top three last year, but just missed advancing to Las Vegas. His move up the leaderboard was a late push as he hit a Daily Double in the final race of the contest to advance to the final. Bredar received $500 in cash prizes for finishing third.

“I hit a Pick 5 earlier in the day at Woodbine and that set me up,” added Bredar. “But the Daily Double is what got me into the top three today.”

In addition to cash prizes and trophies, each of the players advancing to the NHC Finals will receive a three-night hotel stay, all tournament fees, and a $500 travel stipend.

NHC Qualifier action is back Saturday, July 5 with four seats up for grabs. The contest will feature all 13 races on the Indiana Derby Day program, including the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby and the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks. First post is 12 p.m.

The 23rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.