News & Barn notes
Scott Pearson Takes First NHC Qualifier of 26-27 New Contest Season
March 30, 2026
Monmouth Park held a $300 First Chance NHC qualifier on Saturday, March 28, and Scott Pearson of Royersford, PA finished in the top spot with a total of $1,217.25.
Pearson bested a field that included 109 entries. Lam turned his starting $150 bankroll into the winning total by betting races from Aqueduct, Gulfstream and Tampa Bay. Contest players could only bet win, place and/or show and needed to bet a minimum of $15 per race.
By finishing first, Pearson takes home the first-place cash prize of $4,425. Second-place finisher Joe Scanio and Pearson will be heading to Las Vegas for the 2027 National Horseplayers Championship.
In total, the Top 5 finishers from Saturday are:
| Finish | Name | Bankroll | Prize |
| 1st | Scott Pearson | $1,217.25 | $4,425+NHC Seat |
| 2nd | Joe Scanio | $1,027.33 | $1,770+NHC Seat |
| 3rd | Jennifer Prince | $1,004.50 | $1,327.50 |
| 4th | Anthony Fortunato | $417.40 | $885 |
| 5th | Joe Shurman | $233.90 | $442.50 |
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