Michael Saletta Leads After Day One of 27th National Horseplayers Championship

Saletta bests field of 828 entries on opening day of prestigious tournament

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:26am

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Michael Saletta of Alden, NY, is the leader after the first day of the 27th National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), presented by Caesars Entertainment, Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Racetrack Television Network (RTN). Saletta, playing in his first NHC, amassed a mythical bankroll of $156.24 to top the field of 828 entries.

Why it matters

The NHC is considered the most important tournament of the year for horseplayers, with the winner recognized as the Horseplayer of the Year. Saletta's strong opening-day performance puts him in position to potentially claim the prestigious title and the $825,000 grand prize.

The details

Saletta landed a $19 win-place wager on the final race of the day to take the lead. Tommy Lenberg of Sparks, NV, is tied for second place with two entries totaling $139.60, followed by Tom Arndt of Carefree, AZ, in fourth with $138.62, and defending champion Dan Piazza of Chicago, IL, in fifth with $137.18.

  • The 27th NHC is taking place over three days, with the action resuming on Saturday and the champion being crowned on Sunday.

The players

Michael Saletta

A 57-year-old from Alden, NY, playing in his first NHC tournament.

Tommy Lenberg

A player from Sparks, NV, with two entries tied for second place.

Tom Arndt

A player from Carefree, AZ, in fourth place after Day 1.

Dan Piazza

The defending NHC champion from Chicago, IL, in fifth place after Day 1.

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What they’re saying

“My wife has been very ill and it was hard for me to come here. She's going to appreciate this as much as I do because she knows how much this means to me, and the people that I've met in this sport. So it's a great feeling even if I don't win.”

— Michael Saletta

What’s next

The action will resume on Saturday and continue into Sunday, when the NHC Champion will be crowned.

The takeaway

Saletta's strong opening-day performance at the prestigious NHC tournament puts him in position to potentially claim the title of Horseplayer of the Year and the $825,000 grand prize, a significant accomplishment for the first-time NHC participant.