[For The Lead]

Thrilling finish at National Handicapping Championship 13: Winner decided by $1 in final race

LAS VEGAS - What's the difference between $150,000 and $1 million? One dollar.

That was the margin of victory as Michael Beychok became horse racing's latest millionaire by winning the 13th annual Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship in the final race Saturday to claim the $1 million first-place prize and an Eclipse Award as Handicapper of the Year.
Beychok, a 48-year-old political consultant from Baton Rouge, La., finished with a final score of $238.60 to rally past Dave Flanzbaum, 45, of Rolling Meadows, Ill., who finished with $237.60.

NHC XIII, which was also presented by Sovereign Stable, was held Friday and Saturday in the ballrooms at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino with a record 480 contestants. Finalists made 30 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers over the two days with 15 being mandatory races.