Chicago's Dan Piazza Set to Defend NHC Title

Lexington, Ky. native looks to become first two-time National Horseplayers Championship winner

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:03pm

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Dan Piazza, a 66-year-old financial planner from Chicago, is set to return to Las Vegas this week to defend his title at the 27th National Horseplayers Championship (NHC). Piazza won the prestigious tournament in 2025, becoming the first Chicago native to claim the top prize of $825,000 and the Eclipse Award as Horseplayer of the Year. After four previous unsuccessful attempts, Piazza's winning strategy of playing mostly shorter-priced horses allowed him to build a comfortable lead and hold off a late charge from runner-up Tom Boyd.

Why it matters

Winning the NHC is considered the pinnacle achievement for horseplayers, and Piazza's victory last year brought added recognition and opportunities, including a free entry into the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge. No player has ever won the NHC twice, so Piazza has a chance to make history by defending his title against a field of over 600 of the top handicappers in the country.

The details

Piazza, who got his start attending the Kentucky Derby with friends in the 1980s, has gradually built up his handicapping skills and experience in online tournaments over the past eight years. His strategy of focusing on shorter-priced horses paid off in 2025, as he netted 17 winners over the first two days to build a big lead. At the final table on Sunday, he was able to hold off a late surge from Tom Boyd to claim the title by a $4.30 margin.

  • Piazza won the 2025 NHC in Las Vegas.
  • The 27th NHC will take place this week in Las Vegas.
  • Piazza finished 20th in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge.

The players

Dan Piazza

A 66-year-old financial planner from Chicago who won the 2025 National Horseplayers Championship, becoming the first Chicago native to claim the top prize of $825,000 and the Eclipse Award as Horseplayer of the Year.

Tom Boyd

The runner-up to Piazza in the 2025 National Horseplayers Championship.

Kelsey Danner

A trainer who works with Piazza's racehorse syndicate, Crown's Way Racing.

Armando Hernandez

A trainer who also works with Piazza's racehorse syndicate, Crown's Way Racing.

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What they’re saying

“Shock and awe is the way Piazza, 66, described his emotions about winning the 2025 NHC. 'It came out of the blue.'”

— Dan Piazza

“My style is not to play too many longshots. I look to play horses at 3 or 4-1 and occasionally go after a 10-1 shot on optional races, while trying to cash on shorter prices in the mandatory races.”

— Dan Piazza

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

No player has won two National Horseplayer Championships, so if Piazza can defend his title this year, it would be a historic and humbling achievement in the world of handicapping tournaments.