News & Barn notes
Joe Perry Wins “Day After PYP” NHC Qualifier
June 18, 2026
Monmouth Park held a $300 NHC qualifier on Sunday, June 14, and Joe Perry of Hamilton, NJ finished in the top spot with a total of $1,865.95.
Perry bested a field that included 129 entries. Perry turned his starting $150 bankroll into the winning total by betting races from Monmouth Park, Belmont and Churchill Downs. Contest players could only bet win, place and/or show and needed to bet a minimum of $15 per race.
By finishing first, Perry takes home the first-place cash prize of $5,925 along with a seat in the 2027 National Horseplayers Championship. Second-place finisher John Shin will also be heading to Las Vegas for the NHC.
In total, the Top 5 finishers from Saturday are:
| Finish | Name | Bankroll | Prize |
| 1st | Joe Perry | $1,865.95 | $5,925+NHC Seat |
| 2nd | John Shin | $1,294.10 | $2,370+NHC Seat |
| 3rd | Louis Marafino | $1,144.70 | $1,777.50 |
| 4th | Mitch Schuman | $1,127.10 | $1,185 |
| 5th | Phil Matzat | $674.60 | $592.50 |