The win by More Than Looks (More Than Ready) in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile netted $158,000 for Steven Wells's bankroll in the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC), pushing him to a win in the Nov. 1-2 contest. Wells, a 51-year-old bar owner from Fordville, North Dakota, topped a record 585 entries to win the 16th annual BCBC, Thoroughbred racing's biggest live-money tournament.
“I am very satisfied,” said Wells. “I've won a lot of live money tournaments, but this is the biggest.”
With tournament players wagering on the 41st Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar, each player was required to fund a $2,500 buy-in and a $7,500 betting bankroll. All buy-in monies were applied to the prize pool, making a record total prize pool of $1,462,500. Players made real wagers with their bankroll over the two days and 22 races, keeping all wagering earnings. The 2024 tournament players generated nearly $7.3 million in wagering handle.
Combined with his first-place prize of $421,200, Wells earned $573,200 from the BCBC. Runner-up was Tyler Sprague of Las Vegas, Nev., who took home a total of $411,400. Tyler Hoffman of Sylmar, Calif. was third and earned $267,600.
In addition to those wagering at Del Mar, players participated in the BCBC from official satellite locations at Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, and Santa Anita Park, as well as online. Complete tournament results are available here.
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